NEWSLETTERS & FILE DOWNLOADS

Well folks given that last months newsletter was like war and peace this one will look like a short story. I must confess that I wasn't going to write one at all as I don't have a lot of time - we are going on holiday to Cyprus at the beginning of the week and not at all organised, so this will be a rushed affair.

The big news this month, as I am sure you will know if you have checked the web site recently, is that we now have the line up in place for next years festival. Remember it's still all subject to change but we are in the process of getting contracts signed so that it makes it all a bit more real.

We have been at this stage before with one of country music greats Gene Watson - hopefully this time it's actually going to happen. Gene has been in the music business for almost 40 years during which he has scored over 70 hits, one of the most well known being Farewell Party. Gene makes singing look easy - he just stands there and belts out one hit after another so FINGERS CROSSED.

Another two American acts making a return visit are a young lady who was a big hit at our first festival, Gail Davies, and the ever popular band Highway 101.

Gail is a fine singer songwriter who has scored hits with such country songs as Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You and I'll Be There If You Ever Want Me.

Multi award winning band, Highway 101, have been playing since 1986. The band just love to play music and are truly entertaining when you see them on stage.

Some of the next artist's names might not be familiar to you all, however believe me once you hear them you'll want more.

From Texas and the stage of the Tru Country programmes are Justin Trevino, Landon Dodd, Tony Booth and Ron Williams.

Justin is a brilliant singer, who has just newly released an album called Keeping Up Appearances with the popular songstress from last years festival Amber Digby, and every track is a winner.

Landon and Tony are both very fine singers, I was hooked the first time I heard their voices.

You all loved Leona Williams when you heard her last year, well this time you will get the chance to see and hear her son Ron, and yes you'll all love him too!

From Canada a band called South Mountain - something a bit different, however a band with a great country sound. Remember last time I told you that we hadn't heard the last of Sharon Nixon? Well you will all be delighted to hear that Sharon has agreed to be part of our festival.

Our next Irish act is country music legend Dominic Kirwan. He has just turned 50 and has been on the road for over 20 of them! He was with us in the Northern Nashville club many moons ago, so given how busy he is it's great he can join us again at Easter.

Everyone said that last year's weekend would be hard to beat, but looking at that line up and of course our local and regular visitors you never know.

Last Friday saw us in the Legion for another club night kicked off by our own Kate Bain Band who worked hard all night to ensure we all had a good time. Kate played a good mix of country featuring the material of the great ladies of country, band members Gordie and Andrew compliment Kate with their own genre of music. Gordie played a few tunes on the mandolin, and also took us back to his Colorado days when singing. Andrew plays modern country covers and also sang a self-penned number.

Star of the show was the gentleman from county Waterford, Paddy O'Brian who remains as popular as ever. Paddy sang some great country numbers by stars such as Marty Robbins and Slim Whitman - both big influences in his career. Yodelling is one of Paddy's trademarks and he did some splendid yodelling numbers amongst delivering a cross section of Irish, country and middle of the road songs.

Not sure what was in water on Friday or should I say in the optics but a good few appeared to be under the weather, or was it under the table! I just hope Davie Mac was fit for his honeymoon and Robin, well he got enough grief on the radio on Sunday night, mind you there were one or two closer to home, no not me I was on the water.

By the time we come back from holiday it will be almost time for another show. On the bill are The Jacks supported by Country Features, totally different acts who will cover all areas and styles of music.

Looks like October will be yet another busy month - the first week of October it's off to Aberdeen for the yearly Manson Grant fan club weekend. The following Saturday we can all get another chance to see our popular local band Slange Ava and support our local Lupus group at the same time. Tickets for this fund raising event can be bought from Barbara on 01847 851775. The weekend after that is the Triple C Festival in Wick, so yes a hectic time coming up.

Are you managing to catch all the country programmes on SKY? It's difficult trying to fit them all in Monday night and is impossible to catch everything, but I have a good try or I tape them all then sit back at the weekend with a glass in my hand and watch them all.

Here is a list of those that are on at the moment - most are repeated throughout the week but not always at the same times which makes it even more confusing, and it's always a feast or famine.

Showcase, channel 201, Monday

7.00pm - Music Row Profiles
7.30pm - The Country Vibe
8.00pm - Hot Country

Horse & Country, channel 280, Monday

9.00pm - Crook and Chase
10.00pm - True Country
10.30pm - Marty Stewart Show
11.00pm - Country Family Reunion

Well I think that's about it for now. By the time we come back from Cyprus it will be all systems go with festival work, however I will have my own PA full time this year as Ally will be retiring at the end of September. He will be looking for jobs to do in between cooking, cleaning and decorating - it's his own fault for keeping me working!!

Until next time,

Keep it Country

Christine Gray
Chairperson NNCMC

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