International Country Music Association March 2004 Update
On The Web: www.RadioCountry.org
Email: intlcma@aol.com
PO Box 292937, Nashville, TN 37229
Publisher: Col. Bobbie Patterson
Editor: Scarlett Vanek
Research Asst: Col. Keith Bradford
Writer: Rhett Ashley
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Permission To Forward Or Print Is Granted To All

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Star Search, Seminars, Networking, and more.

Visit www.nashvillemusicfestival.com for details.

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Our New FreeLinks System

Check out our great new FreeLinks system at www.RadioCountry.org.

You can add a link to your Artist, Music Business, or Songwriter website. The new system has many advanced features.

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Free Service For DJs:

If you'd like to be mentioned in a future newsletter, email us for details.

The Following Radio Programmers Play Independent Music:

We suggest sending a postcard with your email address prior to sending music.

Lars G Lindberg, Hallonstigen 3 A, S-792 52 Mora, Sweden

Victor Cominos, PO Box 89, Emerald, Qld., 4720 Australia.

Tony Stewart, 800 Foxton Rd., Poroulawhao, RD 12, Levin 5500, New Zealand

Tom Heathwood, POB 16, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 U. S. A.

Ab Piant, Ijlsterveste 35, 3423 RP Niewegein, The Netherlands

Joris Smits, Kruisweg 54, 9363 AE  Marum, The Netherlands

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Independent Singer Hits The Big Time

Texas-based singer-songwriter Pat Green has scored his first gold album for his latest album, Wave on Wave. After several self-released independent albums, Wave on Wave is Green's second album on a major label. The title track recently received a Grammy nomination as best country song. Referring to his fans Green said, "Our fans have supported us and this album beyond our wildest dreams. When we finished recording this album, we were really proud of how it turned out. My band and I are ecstatic that so many music fans have come along for the ride with us." 

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Overly Eager Songwriter Indicted After Threats to George Strait  

Aspiring songwriter, Walter J. Bonin Jr., in Martinville, La. He has been indicted by a federal grand jury on extortion   charges, after threatening "to go Rambo" on George Strait if the singer did not record his songs. Prosecutors said that Bonin has corresponded with Strait's Nashville offices since 1995. In a letter to the president of George Strait's fan club in July 2003, Bonin wrote, "If it comes down to it and I have no choice but to go Rambo, let me just say that I won't be the lone gunman." He also said he had photographs of Strait's ranch in Texas and the homes of his band members. Bonin could be sentenced to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he is convicted.

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Bob Mayo Dies On Tour

Bob Mayo died of a heart attack while touring with Peter Frampton's band in Basel, Switzerland. He was 52. Bob toured with Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Hall and Oates, Dan Fogelberg, Robert Plant, and Aerosmith.

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What A Few People Said About Past Festivals

"Thank you so much for letting us be apart of your festival. We had a great time at the show. The people seemed to enjoy themselves and sounded great. These festivals are great! Can't wait for the next one." Debbie and Ernie Simms (Nashville television hosts).

"Wanted to drop a line to say thank you for inviting us. It was great to see all of our new family again! " Troy Slaughter (North Carolina).

"I attended last year's festival. Being there led to meeting Kenny Rogers' record producer. We're planning an album, now. I'm feeling on top of the world!" Bill Rognas (Texas).

"I want to take a few minutes to talk to you. First I want to thank you for a great weekend. My daughter and I came from Asheboro NC and we were very pleased with the outcome. We came to have a good time and we did. She ended up with several promoters’ cards and some very good advise. She met Robbie from South Carolina and they will be getting together to write some music and they are already planning to come back next year (providing we can work around her senior graduation)."   Cheryl Saunders (North Carolina).

We just came back from a three-week tour of Europe. It came together because of people we met at the festival. We just can't thank you enough for creating this wonderful event! Mary Duke & The Missouri Playboys  (Missouri).

The details of this year's festival are posted at www.nashvillemusicfestival.com **************************************************

Kenny Chesney Makes Live Satellite Appearance IN U.S. Theaters   

Country singer Kenny Chesney appeared via satellite at the "Roadcase: The Movie" premiere in U.S. theaters on March 8. It was just a day before his DVD was released. A behind-the-scenes look at Chesney's popular 2003 "Margaritas 'n' Senoritas Tour" was shown at 32 Regal Cinemas from San Diego to Miami to New York, with Chesney performing a few songs and speaking to the audience live via satellite.  Chesney decided on the premiere after first showing the footage to friends and family at a party he held at a movie theater.  "When we started looking at everyone up on the big screen, it kinda got me.  I realized there was one group of people I really love that weren't getting to see what we saw: the fans! They're every bit as much a part of this movie, this music, these tours as we are," Chesney said. "And I wanted them to get to see themselves up on the big screen, too, 'cause as it says at the beginning of 'Roadcase,' 'This is for the fans.'" Chesney's 2003 tour was the third highest grossing concert tour of the year. Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews' Band were numbers one and two.

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Randy Travis In Bus Accident

Randy Travis' bus slipped into a ditch early the morning of March 7th. The accident took place in the Pocono Mountains near Lakeville, Pennsylvania. Nobody was seriously injured. Jeff Davis was driving at the time. Randy and his wife Elizabeth were bounced around inside the  bus. They sustained only bumps and bruises. It took two tow trucks to pull the bus from the mud. It is 45-foot-long and weighs about 50,000 pounds. Travis performed that night at Caesar's Pocono Resort.

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Are You Serious About Wanting A Career?

Who you know is important. How many you know is even more important. Knowing music industry people is similar to having the keys to locks. The more you know, the more doors you can open. It really is that simple. There is a place where you can meet a ton of music folks. Visit www.nashvillemusicfestival.com for details.

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Tennessee CMA President Engaged For Marriage

Jean Massengale has announced her plans to marry William Rhea, during their third annual competition. The Tennessee CMA's event is scheduled for April 7th through Easter Sunday. It will be located at Nashville's Music City Sheraton. **************************************************