PO Box 271238 Nashville, TN 37227 Email: intlcma@aol.com

Publisher: Scarlett Gremard Editor: Bobbie Patterson

Music Reviews: Rhett Ashley Powell

The 35 year old singer and her husband Mutt Lange are expecting theirfirst child, in August. She has sold over 50,000,000 records. Mutt is a legendary producer. Not only did he produce Shania's hits, he also produced Brittney Spears pop album.

Garth and Sandy are maintaining their privacy. The Judge hearing their divorce case granted their joint motion to seal the records.

We have added several new message boards, at radiocountry.org. There is one for DJ's to post their playlists. Another for singers, bands, and writers. There is even an open forum, you can use for any music related topic. Just go to our webste and click on Message Boards. You'll find the link in the lower left portion of your screen.

This time it's a television program. His new Pax Network series, "Doc" is the biggest hit in the network's history. The show was originally booked, for 13 weeks. After the first week ratings were in, the network ordered an additional 8 weeks.

Her two hour, "Live By Request" television show on the A&E Network received more than 1,000,000 calls. This put her ahead of similar programs featuring Tricia Yearwood, James Taylor, and other more modern stars. In a typical show of class, Garth Brooks had her dressing room filled with flowers. Loretta began feeling ill, during the show. After the show she was examined and hospitalized, for pneumonia in her right lung.

H. K. Covel was pronounced dead at the scene, when his pick up crossed the median and collided with a tour bus. The accident ocurred on Interstate 35, near Norman, OK. The funeral was held March 27th. at the Baptist Church, in Norman. He was 67 years old.

Which current country music star was born in Kansas, sang on demo recordings, worked as a waitress, and sold T-shirts at Garth Brooks' concession stand. Answer later, in this issue.

Raul J. Tejeiro has been on the air, since 1994. He plays a wide variety of music within the broad definition of country. If you have bluegrass, country, country gospel, or rock-a-billy music recorded and want radio play send it to Raul J. Tejeiro, Joaquin Nunez 2779/402, Montevideo, Uruguay

UMFM 101.5 has a program called Songwriters' Circle. They specialize in playing everything except music which has had commercial success. The host is a sweetheart of a lady, named Lisa Marie. For details on getting your music played, email her at lisa_marieserafin@hotmail.com

One of the frequently asked questions we receive is. "Why have so many different country music associations endorsed Ambassador Charlie Ray's Festival?" Or; the same question put another way, "What is so special about his festival?" Before we answer that, let me mention two facts. One, he did not pay us for the endorsement. We do not except paid advertising, from anyone. Two, his festival has been endorsed by more country and gospel music associations, than any other event in history. The list includes the three largest country music associations, on the planet and numerous other associations. The Lone Star State CMA has thousands of members, in several states, Canada, Europe, and Australia. The Country Music Organizations of America has more than 30 state chapters, in the U. S. A. We have thousands of members spread across six continents. Each of us has endorsed Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. The Nebraska Country Music Foundation, the Arizona CMA, the Wisconsin CMA, the Ohio Country Music Alliance, the Tennessee Country Music Alliance, Trinity International, and many other such organizations have joined us in endorsing this festival. A long list of these endorsements are posted on the festival's website. Of course; Charlie's great reputation for was one consideration. We have each worked with him in the past and we know him. Once we moved beyond that consideration, other things came into play.

Entertainment Value: Among the many great entertainers who will be performing at this event are Japanese country star Tomi Fujiyama, Native American Music Award nominee Storm Seymour, Cherokee Mangus and her Native American Dance Troop, Qua-Ti-Si, Danish country star Cowboy Lone, Joe Tinoco formerly with Lee Greenwood's theater in Pigeon Forge, the Kim Anthony Band, and many many more great singers from England, Canada, and the United States. Where else could you see this much talent and have this much fun, for only $50?

Timing: Memorial Day weekend is a near perfect time to showcase, in Nashville. It is just a couple of weeks before Fanfair. Most of the major record companies' representatives will be in town, and they will have an entire three day weekend free. During Fanfair, they are too busy with major label artists to pay any attention to independents. The same thing is true about the media. There will be at least one television programs taping, at Charlie's festival. During Fanfair, all media attention is focused on the stars. They don't have time to pay attention to the independents.

Cost: Tickets for the entire three day event are only $50 each. There are no stage fees, no seminar fees, and booth space is free.

Stage Access: Six stages and three days means everybody who wants to showcase will be able to do so.

Contacts: This industry runs on who you know. If a person is booked on a county fair and they are asked who they want for their opening act, you can bet they'll suggest somebody they know. They will not just pull a name out of the phone book. The entire event is designed to encourage people meeting people and helping each other. Colonel Buster Doss was on the Louisiana Hayride, with Hank Williams, Sr. He has been a movie star, a circus owner, a songwriter, a singer, a producer, a country music theater owner, and a record company executive. He has more connections and vision than a double jointed octopus, with ten eyes. He'll be there and you should meet him.

Professional Knowledge: If who you know is the most important thing in this business, what you know is a close second. There will be a lot of informative seminars. No matter how much or how little you already know about the inner workings of the music industry, there are sure to be some seminars you'll want to set in on. If you want to get a song demo recorded, pitch a song, get a booking, record an album, send music to radio, write a press release, or whatever there will be a well experienced expert teaching a seminar on how to get the job done.

One final note, on this subject. Networking should not be a one time per year thing. You should be involved with as many country music associations as time and money will allow. A lot of associations will be giving out free memberships, at Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. The International CMA, the Lone Star State CMA, the Indiana CMA, the Wisconsin CMA and the Tennessee Country Music Alliance will each be handing out free memberships.

What is the biggest song of the last century, according to the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts?

Answer later, in this issue.

Answer To Music Quiz Question # 1

Martina McBride

What was the biggest country song of the last century, according to the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts?

Answer later, in this issue.

The USA Songwriting Competition is currently accepting entries. Entrants could win a grand prize of over $50,000 US, in cash, merchandise and exposure. This the largest prize package in any annual songwriting competition. Winners' songs will be heard, on The Acoustic Cafe radio program syndicated to 60+ North American cities. Judges include Warner/Reprise Records, Sony Music, Epic Records, Mars Music Records, and Peer Music. The 15 categories include Pop, Rock, and Country. Enter now and receive free copies of "Performing Songwriter" magazine. For more information, visit www.songwriting.net

Darryl Harrelson serves as Vice President of The California Country Music Association. He is also on the Advisory Board of the Lone Star State CMA. His credits in the country music industry as a leader, an instrumentalist, and a producer are much too lengthy to list, in this small space. He has a fine recording studio in California. If you call the West coast home and are looking for a studio, contact him. His email address is mail@majorlabel.org

Nashville, "The Heart," Brant Miller, It is produced by the legendary Colonel Buster Doss. What is there left to say? 4 1/2 Stars

Australia, "Countrycity Unity," Kerrigan La Broody, I have enjoyed watching the overall quality of Australian country music improve over the last three or four years. Kerrigan La Brooy proves once again that Australian country music is among the world's best. 4 Stars

Nashville, "One Empty Swing", Dave Caley, Out of 12 songs, 9 were written by the legendary songwriter, Randy Albright. The songs are great! The production is clean straight ahead country, with few gimmicks or electronic effects. Dave does a highly professional job of singing. The title cut is especially powerful. 4 Stars

As A Foot note, Dave is Director of The Indiana CMA. He'll be at Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. The Indiana CMA will be giving out free memberships. While you're getting your free membership, be sure to listen to some of this great CD. You'll want to own a copy.

Nashville, "People Of The Red Man," Qua-Ti-Si, All the songs are well written, well produced, and very well sung. The lady's voice has a certain hauntingly sad quality about it. This is especially noticeable in her rendition of "Amazing Grace," which she does in a melodic mixture of Cherokee & Cree. 4 Stars

As a foot note, Qua-Ti-Si will be performing at Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. Don't miss it. It'll be something to tell your friends about.

California, "Chater's Country Collection", various singers., Intended as a songwriter's demo project this collection of songs, by Mike Chater is better written, produced, and sung than many so called master production CDs, which I receive for review. 3 Stars

Texas, "Broke & Busted", Trey Clark, This album has clear vocals, clean straight ahead production, and damn good song selection. 4 Stars

South Carolina, "Please, Please, Please," Dwayne F. Goodman, Don't quit your day job. 1 Star.

Iowa, "Spirit Of The Wind," Storm Seymour, This outstanding Native American singer has won and been nominated for more accolades than space allows me to mention. He has been nominated for a NAMA (Native American Music Award) Most recently, he was appointed as an Admiral on the staff of Nebraska's Governor. A few years ago, he was appointed as a Colonel on the Staff of Tennessee's Governor. He has been given the prestigious Kitty Wells/Johnny Wright Humanitarian Award for his devotion to helping people in need. The list goes on. Storm wrote, sings, and produced "Spirit Of The Wind." It seems his talents have no boundaries 4 1/2 Stars

As a footnote, Storm will be hosting a special Native American Showcase, at Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival. In addition to White Swan, Qua-Ti-Si and other singers and bands, the showcase will feature The Native American Dance Troop, under the direction of Cherokee Magnus. This is the first time in history a major Nashville Music event has set aside a special time slot for Native American singers, musicians, and dancers. Several booth spaces have been set aside, for Native American vendors to sell their arts and crafts. If you would like to be part of this historic event, email festival@radiocountry.org.

Kansas, "Searching For Happiness," Donald Edwards, Don, I have great doubt you'll ever find happiness, as a recording artist. 1/2 Star

Mongolia, "Winds Of The Steppes," Jki Nu Khan, This proves country music is truly international. The previously unheard accent of the singer requires getting use to. The unusual melodic progression and clever use of strings makes this album a keeper. 3 1/2 Stars.

Answer To Music Quiz Question # 2

"Over The Rainbow" Originally performed, by Judy Garland

Answer To Music Quiz Question # 3

"You Are My Sunshine" Orginally performed, by Governor Jimmie Davis

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