Before Garth Brooks takes the stage at Regina's Mosaic Stadium next month, the Prairies' own Brett Kissel will be performing as his opening act.

The chance to perform in front of an excited, huge crowd is a big deal for Kissel, who has released seven albums so far.

“It’s so tough to put that into words because the dates not only circled on the calendar, but there’s stars all the way around it,” said Kissel. “This is such a big, big moment for the prairies, for country music fans in Saskatchewan, everybody who’s going to be travelling to the show from across Canada and for me and my family. It’s going to be an epic show.”

Kissel has opened for Brooks before and has nothing but good things to say about the experience.

“Getting a chance to spend some one on one time with Garth, and as well with Ms. Yearwood, was truly special for me and my family,” Kissel said. “Because he’s not arguably the greatest entertainer of all time, I truly believe he is without question the greatest entertainer to walk the face of the earth.”

While Garth The Entertainer was impressive, it's Garth The Human Being that also impressed Kissel.

“It was the stuff backstage that was very, very special. Watching just the way that he does things, the type of person he is and the true human being that he is,” Kissel said. “The guy carries himself at a 10 out of 10 every day and it’s so incredible to learn and to watch and to be around him. And so gettting a chance to do this again in Regina is unbelievable.”

Kissel is excited for the chance to open for Brooks Aug. 9.