MIKE MOUTOUX

… Joni Harms is hosting a TV program that
will begin to air this spring in Europe. The
program is called “Let’s Put The Western Back In The
Country,” and it will have content that has anything to do
with the western life style. Search the title on YouTube to
catch the promo video for the show.
…In February, Allan Chapman & Rodeo Kate (2006 WMA
Instrumentalist of the Year) released a joint CD titled Under
Blue Skies. Officially released at the Alpine Cowboy Poetry
Gathering in Alpine, TX, the album, co-produced with Arrom
Meador, features the harmonies of Kip Calahan. Copies can
be purchased at: AllanandKatie@earthlink.net.
…Coyote Joe Sartin is preparing to release a new CD called
Singers and Songwriters. The album is a tribute to those who
have influenced him over the years in the way he writes songs.
The project will lean toward the country side of life.
…Chuck Cusimano informs the Spotlight that he is working
on possibly releasing two new albums this year.
…The Oregon Folklife Network, affiliated with the University of
Oregon, has asked Barbara Nelson to perform a special concert
at the University of Oregon Bend Center in Bend, OR, in April.
…Andria Kidd was a featured artist, performing her Andria
Kidd Musical Cowboy Poetry Show, at the 50th Annual
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show in February (the largest
Arabian horse show in the world with live streaming video
that was global).
…Ken Wilcox and Bruce Huntington are going into Pete
Harrison’s recording studio, PH PROmusic, to work on
the first album from Sidewinder. There will be a number
of original songs by Bruce, Ken, and Les Buffham that are
written expressly for this album.
…Two WMA members officially entered the Senior Ms.
Arizona Pageant held each year in March. WMA members
competing this year are Gale Rogers of the Red Hot Rhythm
Rustlers and former runner-up Jeanne Martin of the Rockin’
M Wranglers.
…The Gentleman Outlaw, Royal Wade Kimes, has
released a new novel titled Where Outlaws Roam. He also
appeared recently on Channel 5 in Ft. Smith, AR where he
was interviewed for his music seminar on the subjects of
songwriting, recording, and marketing held at the Golden
Corral Restaurant in March.
…Jim Jones is a finalist in three 2016 Academy of Western
Artists Awards categories: Male Western Vocalist, Song of the
Year, and Album of the Year. Jim and his wife, Ann, will be
going on a Caribbean cruise at the end of March on which
their daughter, Adrianne, is performing.
…Geff Dawson is working on a new CD and now has his
wife Dawn Dawson (of Better Horses Radio) playing bass.
Cuz Garver, cousin of lead guitar player for Garth Brooks
for many years, will be adding steel guitar along with other
surprise musicians.
…Mark Baker will soon be releasing a new CD. Songs for the
Ride Home, produced with the help and participation of the
Bar D Wranglers, will include Mark’s original song “Ghost of
the Old Lost Dutchman,” a tune so well received at the Pajama
Showcase at the WMA in November. It will also include five
other original songs.
…Barry Ward will soon begin a new recording project
titled Welcome Home. It will contain a variety of songs by
other writers, but most importantly, it will be a tribute to all
veterans, especially those who fought in the Viet Nam war.
…Brenda Libby is gathering data for two new books she
is working on. One will detail her musical career from
beginning to now, and the other will be about historical and
hysterical stories of the Ozarks.
…Kerry Grombacher will perform at the New Orleans Jazz
& Heritage Festival in April. He’ll be backed by a band made
up of country and jazz musicians from Austin and New
Orleans. With average daily attendance of 90,000 music fans,
the festival, held on the grounds of the historic Fairgrounds
Race Course, features all varieties of jazz, Louisiana heritage
music (Cajun, Zydeco, and Country), and a wide expanse of
other styles, including rhythm and blues, hip-hop and rap,
world music, pop, and rock….
…R.J. Vandygriff is recording and co-producing with Rich
O’Brien a gospel CD for Ms. Ellie’s Productions. The CD
will be donated to church youth groups around the country
as a fundraising tool, with each group receiving all proceeds.
…Tom Swearingen has recorded his second CD of original
cowboy poetry. Recorded live in concert, Rhyme ‘Em Cowboy!
…Ken Stevens, WMA Utah Chapter member, has partnered
up with WMA newcomer and female artist, Jerye Lee, to form
the new duo Ken & Jerye. Continued on page 25
The WESTERN WAY
Spring 2016 | 17