March BEAT

NEW MONTHLY COLUMN!

TALKIN' COUNTRY

with Sharon Pisinski

    Talkin’ Country is a new column all about...you guessed it...country
music!

    This column will shine the spotlight on local country bands and artists,
rising country stars and the Country Superstars.

    In order to let people know about local groups and artists, I will need
your help. If you know of a country band, or singer who is deserving of
press, have them email me directly at: Sharon@midwestbeat.com. Giving local
country and bluegrass artists more exposure is something I would really like
this column to focus on in the months to come, but I’m only one person with
limited time on my hands, so I will need some help.   Can I count on you all
to be my eyes and ears? So let me know what hot talents you come across in
your ramblings.

   Gossip will also be a part of this column, ‘cause hey who doesn't like
gossip? You will also get updates on top country artists, news on upcoming
CD releases, hot concert to watch for – you name it! If it’s got to do with
country music I’ll write on it.

   In the coming months look for interviews with the radio DJ’s that bring
you country music over the airwaves from the big dogs at US99, to the cool
folks at Indiana 105 who keep it real in the region.

   Ever wonder what these folks look like? I did and I’ll share some photos
with you.

NEED TO KNOW NEWS BITS...

    Tim McGraw’s new CD, Set This Circus Down, hit the store shelves the last
Tuesday of April. He’s already had two hits getting airplay, one of them
from several months before the CD came out.

    Brooks & Dunn new CD Steers & Stripes was also released in late April.
They will perform at the ACMs on May 9 and perform their first single, “Ain't
Nothing ‘Bout You.” Look for them at the Allstate Arena July 13. Tickets
on sale soon.

    Speaking of the ACMs... Look for the folks at CMT to honor country
music’s finest when it presents a week of special programs, news segments,
and reports that highlight this year’s nominees. Starting on May 2 thru May
9, CMT will telecast ACM Nominee Reports, ACM Moments, and special episodes
of CMT Showcase, Hit Trip and On The Verge featuring ACM nominees – Toby
Keith, The Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw and Lee Ann Womack to
name but a few. LeAnn Rimes will host the ACMs this year, which airs May 9 at
7 pm on CBS.

    Lot’s of cool things will be happening in the summer months right here in
our own back yard... Neal McCoy and Travis Tritt will both be coming to the
Porter County Fair on July 20 & 21. For ticket info contact the fairground
office at 219-464-0133.

   I hope everyone has their tickets for the George Strait concert coming to
The Tweeter Center in Tinley Park on May 26. Also don’t forget that John
Michael Montgomery will be in town May 18 at Hawthorne Racetrack, tickets can
be obtained through our good buddies at US 99.

    It’s still not too late to get online and vote for your favorite groups
and artist for the TNN Country Weekly Music Awards. You have until June 1 to
vote. Voting can be done either online at either country.com or
countryweekly.com .

   Speaking of gossip, Check out the April issue of Playgirl ladies, Country
Hunk keith urban is on the cover...but of course I only bought it for the
articles.

   See you next month!