"Forever Country"

2016 marks 50 years of the Country Music Association, (CMA), presenting country artists with awards for greatness.  In honor of this milestone, the CMA has put together a video featuring over 30 award winning artists, performing a mash-up of three iconic country hits, John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads", Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again", and Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You".

The video, titled "Forever Country", shows the artists singing part of one or more of each song, while standing in front of a green screen.  The green screen allows for various backdrops to be placed around the artists, from cityscapes, and buildings, to forests and hay fields, and everything in between. The scenery is as awesome as the performances, making for a  perfect blending of sight and sound, with neither overstepping the other.

I first learned of "Forever Country" from reading about it on a couple of local radio stations' websites.  98.7 The Bull's Jake Byron noted in his write up that only 1% of people would be able to recognize every country artist appearing in the video.  I was already interested to watch the video, and upon reading about the 1%, wanted to see if *I* would be able to name all of them.  I'm proud to say that I was able to.

Even if I hadn't been able to name everyone though, I'd still be writing this post, because this video is too awesome not to share with others.  Watch "Forever Country" for yourself, and see how many country artists you recognize.  And be sure to tune in on November 2, 2016, to watch the 50th annual CMA Awards show live on ABC.

Jaida Dreyer @ the Bing Lounge--3-9-12

Even though I'd heard the name, "Jaida Dreyer" more than a few times over the past couple years, I honestly didn't know anything about the singer/songwriter. So when I heard Jaida was going to be in the Bing Lounge March 9, 2012, I knew I had to go.

Jaida was born in Ontario, Canada, but raised in the U.S.; having lived in several states by the time she was in her teens.

During her early years, Jaida had a passion for showing horses. She became a world champion at age five, and by thirteen she was a professional.

It was a hard life for a young girl and her mom, but it's the life Jaida knew, and loved, before turning her interests to music.

This brings us to March 9, 2012, and the Bing Lounge. From the moment Jaida took the stage, she had the small crowd that gathered captivated with her stories, songs and charm.

She began her set with her soon to be released single, "Guy's Girl". At one point during the song, I thought, "wow, she kind of sounded like Dolly Parton for a moment". Turns out, I wasn't the only one who caught it, and thought the same thing.



Throughout the rest of her set, Jaida in turn sounded not only like Dolly, but at times Martina McBride, Loretta Lynn, and other notable female artists. Yet, despite the resemblances, Jaida honestly does have her own style of singing; thus not locking her into a "sounds like" status. She's been blessed with a beautiful voice, and an amazing songwriting ability for someone so young.

I'm really glad I was able to see Jaida Dreyer perform in the Bing Lounge; and I know I'm not the only new fan she gained that day. I see a bright future for this young lady in the music world.

So be on the lookout for Jaida Dreyer everyone, she's the real deal!