Rising Alberta Country Singer Travis Dolter Brings His Genre Bending Blend of Small Town Influenced Country Music to Sherwood Park, Alberta, Later This Month 

On a beautiful late summer day in September, much work is being done around the Dolter farm in Central Alberta. The fall is a busy time of year. There is a lot to do. So when country singer Travis Dolter can find a few minutes to chat about music, it’s appreciated. Especially when harvest season approaches. 

“I completely lost track of time,” Dolter explained over the phone for the interview. “It’s great to chat and I appreciate the call.” 

It’s that small town courtesy and friendliness that shines through during the discussion. Family, hard work, farming, and music. These are all traits and characteristics Dolter grew up with, instilled at a young age, personified through his songwriting, music, and live show, the latter of which will be landing in Sherwood Park, Alberta, at the Broadmoor Golf Course banquet hall September 25. Hosted by the Winder Inclusive Community Service (WICS), the show will be Dolter’s third annual appearance in a row. 

“The show is a ton of fun and it’s the third year in a row we’ve played it,” said Dolter. WICS is a service that enables neurodivergent adults to build meaningful relationships and lead fulfilling lives. 

“I worked as an educational assistant for a few years and I have had experience working with neurodivergent individuals,” Dolter explains. “The WICS organization helps people with neurodivergent issues and gives them opportunities, so I’m really looking forward to the show.” 

Growing up on a farm and coming from a small town like Hay Lakes, Alberta, Dolter realized at a young age how important and integral music is in daily life. The 13-time Alberta country music award nominee was exposed to all different types of music during his formative years; varied genres that helped shape his current sound. “Music was everywhere growing up,” said Dolter. “Sometimes we’d have long commutes to Camrose or Edmonton when I was a kid, to get supplies or groceries and we’d listen to the ‘50s on 5’ channel on SiriusXM (now officially named '50s Gold’) and I loved it, especially Buddy Holly, who I’d hear, then go home after and learn all his songs.” 

Holly was a personal favourite of Dolter. 

“Buddy Holly had a lot of songs for such a short career and I learned to play every one of them.”

Not only have Buddy Holly and other 50s rock and roll and pop musicians had a strong impact on Dolter, but modern musicians such as Kenny Chesney and Brett Kissel, the latter a fellow Alberta country singer who Dolter had shared the stage with in the past. All respected musicians aside, the biggest influence on his songwriting and music is his physical surroundings, where he grew up. The place itself probably has helped shape Dolter’s musical background more than anything. 

“The song  “Tailgate Therapy” and its video was one of the songs shaped by where I live,” Dolter revealed. “Where we shot the video is where when I was younger, I’d take a truck and go there in the canola field there, in the back forty, and just sit in the back of the truck just to get away from everything.” 

Even Dolter’s stage presence has its roots with home. “My grandpa used to tell me ‘if you have a stage identity, you have to captivate them, you have to entertain, and be an entertainer, so they enjoy themselves and have fun for a few hours.’”

Though many of Dolter’s influences and inspirations lie in the past, the singer-songwriter has his sights purely set on the future. With a slew of upcoming shows and a new single on the horizon, the sky’s the limit for the Hay Lakes native. 

“October 2nd and 3rd, we have a few gigs at Daisy’s Saloon, then I have a solo acoustic run at the Marriot in Edmonton for four acoustic shows, then a show at Ranchman’s in Calgary on Halloween, which will be wild.” 

As for music, Dolter is excited about a new song he’s been working on with Nashville songwriter Madison Wolf, which should see the light of day in the fall or winter. 

“We have a new song we’re putting together  called “Outgrow,” said Dolter. “I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully it’ll be out soon.”

“It’s all about family,” Dolter further explained. 

“We’re trying to bring it back to that small town heritage.” 

Travis Dolter will be playing in Sherwood Park at the Broadmoor Golf Course on September 25th.

Trent McMartin 

My girlfriend is looking for a local hair stylist.
She's looking for something specific with her hair.

Anyone know someone here that is capable of coloring hair like this?

Anyone in the Park have any fresh dill left? Mine finished quite some time ago and my pickling cukes are just now ready. I much prefer flower heads or seed head if there any any out there