The Rockin’ River Music Festival will be back in Merritt for a sequel this July with a lineup of acts flush with Canadian content.

Organizer Kenny Hess said the name of the event has changed slightly to reflec its location.

“This year we’ve changed the name to the Merritt Rockin’ River Fest,” Hess said. “We plan on being there for the next 20 years at least.”

With the Nicola Valley’s encore just six months away, the country music festival announced 10 acts set to grace the stage; a lineup that includes the award-winning likes of Canadian artists Dean Brody, High Valley and The Road Hammers.

“They’re phenomenal entertainers,” Hess said of the Road Hammers, adding that he’s excited to see all the performers.

“Sam Hunt’s the hottest guy in country music right now.” —Kenny Hess, event organizer

There are also acts from south of the border, including hitmaker and baritone crooner John Michael Montgomery — best known for singles such as “I Swear,” and “Letters from Home” — along with CMT Artist of the Year winner Sam Hunt on deck for the four-day festival. 

“Sam Hunt’s the hottest guy in country music right now,” Hess said.

A Georgia-bred guitarist, pianist and songwriter, Hunt is taking North America by storm with songs such as “Leave the Light On,” “House Party” and “Take Your Time.”

Local acts from B.C. will be returning, Hess said.

Returning to Merritt from last year’s event is the Chris Buck Band, which was named 2015’s Group of the Year by the B.C. Country Music Association.

Not returning this year, however, is the beer garden and stage, which Hess said wasn’t necessary at last year’s event.

“There was a little confusion getting people to go back over to the secondary stage, so we’re going to run all the entertainment off of two big stages up front,” Hess said.

There will be a smaller stage along the river where some acts will play.

The beer garden area might be used  for some activities, and people will be able to get alcoholic beverages near the stages, Hess said. 

The event will once again be held at the grounds located just south of town.

More than 20 acts are expected to play at the festival, which takes place July 28 through 31.

Tickets go on sale starting this Thursday.

Tickets go on sale starting this Thursday.

2016 LINEUP:

SAM HUNT

DEAN BRODY

JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY

HIGH VALLEY

THE ROAD HAMMERS

BRENT LEE

SMALL TOWN PISTOLS

BOBBY WILLS

DAKOTA PEARL

JULIAN AUSTIN

And more…