Country Music @ MindSay

As we're now in 2010, a quick look back at what went on in 2009.

The year started with a popular trio from the Northeast - Arizona Flame - who gave us a great start to 2009.

Then in February, for , we almost had a full house when we brought together two of British Country Music's best and youngest stars - 21 year old Richard Palmer, and 18 year old Kay'D. Richard has been on the scene for a number of years now, and just keeps getting better. Kay'D is a relative newcomer, but they gave us 2 sets each of good country music, ending on a couple of duets. It went down so well, we're doing a double bill again in Feb 2010.

March saw the return of one of the favourite local Bands, Buchanan, who as usual played mainly their own original music, and showed us once again that British Country Music has talent.

In April we were entertained  by Yorkshire Band Wrangler, who later on in 2009 were voted Northern Star Country Band of the Year, followed in May by the return of Raising Cain, the popular Country Rock Band from the Northeast. It's good to see these bands playing their own compositions, and mixing them well with more well-known country tracks, and also introducing new covers to the audience.

Then in June, the re-formed Dillinger made a welcome return, with new lead guitarist and drummer, having disbanded following the departure of Richard and Colin (who sadly died in early 2009). Some new material mixed in with the old favourites (both the songs and the jokes). Good to see Mike and the lads back on the scene.

July was the turn of M.T.Allan Duo. The first time at the club for Malc and Davey, and also the last, as they decide to got their separate ways at the end of 2009. We wish them well. They gave us a great night's entertainment, covering many different aspects of Country Music.

In August we had a change of band. Rebel Creek could not make it, so they swapped their spot at Chew Valley with the return of the Wild Hogs Rock'n'roll band. The latest band of Stu Page, once again gave us some superb country/rock'n'roll/countryrock/blues.

Then in September with a change of date due to the Celebration of British Country Music (CBCM) at Mossley, we welcomed the Dirty Hat Band - a 6-piece band from Lancashire, only been together for a while, but with great promise - an excellent night.

Oxford-based band Muscles and Curves were the band for October, who were suffering after-effects of flu, but didn't let us down, and were determined to give their best.

Then later in the month, came Rebel Creek, who should have been at Chew Valley in August. Not as many as expected in for them, but they gave us an amazing performance - almost non-stop music, from classic country, to some country rock, and some others that we don't often hear, topped off with a few of their own compositions. This is a band to watch, one of the best new bands to come along for a while. Excellent musicians, great lead singer and 3-part harmonies, and loads of enthusiasm. The band of the year in our and others opinions.

THe 15th Anniversary was celebrated in November with one of the stalwart bands in British Country Music, with over 30 years in the business, West Virginia. And they showed us why they've survived so long - again, great musicians, harmonies and choice of material, and very entertaining. The evening raised money for Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup

The year came to a close in Decmber with a late change of artist, after Texas Gun had unexpectedly b rought forward their retirement at VERY short notice. Their place was taken by the return of Wild Angel, an excellent local trio, who are part of the Country Legends theatre tour, and who won the Event of the Year Award at the Cross Country Awards night in September.

So ended 2009, with a few nights of slightly lower audiences, but the club is still strong, and with a fantastic line-up for 2010, we welome all our friends and supporters to join us for some great country music.

So Happy New Year to all, and see you at the Club!

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2006 – Country music star Tammy Cochran has enlisted to perform at the Freedom Walk in Aurora, Colo., on Sept. 9, according to event organizers.  Cochran is slated to perform at the Aurora Municipal Center, along with recording artist Allen Asbury, as well as the Kory Brunson Band, North-40 and other artists and groups. "Tammy Cochran is so generous to come and join us for this special event, and we are happy to have her," said Leo Pacheco, executive director for the Beacon of Hope Outreach Center, which is sponsoring Aurora's Freedom Walk.

Aurora's Freedom Walk also will feature Iraq war veteran Army Staff Sgt. Paul Brondhaver, who suffered almost 300 wounds after his convoy was attacked with a rocket-propelled grenade.  "We invited Staff Sergeant Brondhaver to come and speak about what's really going on in Iraq from his perspective, which is really positive and encouraging," Pacheco said. "We also invited, but he hasn't confirmed yet, actor Berry Pepper from 'We Were Soldiers' and 'Saving Private Ryan.'"

The Aurora Freedom Walk is free to participants, but registration is required. People interested in participating can visit the Beacon of Hope Outreach Center's Web site, he said, or call 303-290-7412. Registration is open until Sept. 4.  Similar Freedom Walks are being held across the nation to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor America's military veterans, past and present. These local events parallel the Washington, D.C., Freedom Walk, scheduled Sept. 10 and sponsored by the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You spotlights ways the American people and the nation's corporate sector support U.S. servicemembers.

As of this morning, DoD officials said, 86 communities in 39 states have registered Freedom Walks at DoD's Freedom Walk Web site.  Organizers expect 5,000 people to participate in Aurora's Freedom Walk, slated to begin at 10 a.m. at the future Colorado Freedom Memorial.

Walkers will be serenaded by special musical tributes and will be able to enjoy various food vendors and visit with event sponsors along the route.  "Our sponsors have all very much declared their support for the troops," Pacheco said, noting many businesses are displaying their patriotism by their support of Aurora's Freedom Walk.

"The (Aurora) Freedom Walk has a lot of great potential, and it's going to be a huge event," Pacheco said.  Founded in 1995, the Beacon of Hope Outreach Center is a non-profit organization that provides financial, physical and emotional assistance to disadvantaged families and at-risk youth. Through its Operation Hope program started in 2003, Beacon of Hope has provided care packages, financial aid and other support to more than 10,000 military members and their families.  Information for people interested in organizing Freedom Walk observances in their communities is available at the America Supports You Freedom Walk Web site.