Kersh is the first on the impressive lineup for Saturday's Saddledome concert -- he's followed by Terri Clark, Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire.

  "It's a dream tour. I can't imagine a better tour," says Kersh.

  "The superstars of the tour give the opening acts a lot of recognition and they treat us very well."

  The Texas native, who has brought us such hits as Goodnight Sweetheart, Another You and Day In, Day Out, as well as his current single Something To Think About, also has kind words for his fellow show-opener, Alberta's Clark.

  "She's an awesome individual. I love her dearly," praises the 27-year-old.

  "She's really opened my eyes to a lot of industry stuff."

  Kersh is also thrilled Clark told her people that he is one of the acts she'd like to tour with in the future.

  "She's a beautiful person."

  Boy, oh boy, much more talk like that and rumours will start flying about you and Terri!

  "You know, if she gave me the time of day, that would be OK with me," admits Kersh.

  Later while chatting with Clark, Sun Country told her what the young hunk had said.

  "Oh, he's so sweet," laughs Clark.

  "But I don't date anyone who's prettier than I am."

  So girls, Kersh is still available, but be forewarned -- he's not in the market for a girlfriend right now.

  "This industry is too demanding for a relationship," he says. "That will have to come later."

  He does confess, however, that if he was to meet his "soulmate" tomorrow he'd adjust things to make it work.

  Another thing he's adjusting these days is his trademark look. Kersh is appearing more frequently without his black cowboy hat.

  "(In the show) I do both, I take the balance."

  He also tries to provide a balance in the overall scheme of the concert.

  In his 20 minutes he "crams in the songs that the fans made hits" and he dishes up just enough action to get things cookin' but not enough to take away from the headliners.

  "I definitely get into the audience. It's fun to get out there, sit in their laps and sing to them. It's fun to get down and be with the people who are really enjoying the show."

  Most nights when he's finished performing, he sticks around to see Brooks & Dunn and McEntire strut their stuff -- it's a great apprenticeship.

  "The things I learn I can use to improve my show," he says.

  "I see the impact of Brooks & Dunn's party atmosphere and impulsive show and I get to see the success of Reba's polished and well-thought-out show."