Mary Schneider has recently released an album as a tribute to her sister Rita - A part of Music history released in 2012 - The Schneider Sisters - Rita & Mary - The Early Years - over 50 years may have passed, but now these timeless tracks have, for the first time, been remastered and available on CD. Merle will speak with Mary at 9.00am on Monday 20th February 2012

The next interview will be with Marie Hodson on Monday 20th February 2012  at 10.00am - Country Music Artist

 Marie was born in NZ , to a Scottish Dad and a Irish Mum, so there was always going to be music surrounding this lady .  Listening to Country Music Shows on the TV and becoming engrossed in  Traditional Country Music, gave her  a sense of  belonging.  It would be some years before Marie was to take to the stage, but once she did, she has never looked back.   Marie started her singing debut in 1996, winning  2nd and 1st Prize at the Berri Star Step Talent Quest in the Riverland of South Australia. She proceeded to put a band together and they were to be known as Deep River. She toured Tamworth, and all of South Australia bring her deep Rich Country Vocals to all that would listen.
Her 1st album was to win her the support of Daniel Odonell, and Foster and Allen, while on tour in SA 2002. Her single entitled "Out of Reach" went onto the Cashbox Magazine Independent Charts and straight to hold No 1 poisition 2007.
Her second Album recorded in Nashville  was a  instant success, with Marie doing all the ground work soley on her own and working with Dan Drilling of Panda Studios, Hendersonville to bring about 2 Top 20  Australian Country Music Charting Singles.  2011 Marie has brought out the big guns, and  enlisted  Jason Roller of "Magic Shack Productions in Tenneessee.  15 Hot Country Tracks, with all the  hot fiddle you can handle.  Delving into Bluegrass for 2 tracks, one being the Title Track of her new Album "Bitterweeds". There is no denying that this lady  represents all that is Country and she has lived and breathed her lyrics, upon hearing this album you will find out just how special Marie truly is.

At 11.00am Harmony James will tell the story of her new release Handfuls Of Sky which was released in January 2012. Her track Hauling Cane on this album will be well received in the Burdekin.

Be listening on Wednesday 22nd February at 9.30am when Senior Sergeant Steve Barton will be in the studio to discuss a variety of subjects with Merle - Safety on the road, keeping your property safe - locking your vehicle and keeping the keys in a safe place - remove valuables from your vehicle etc.

Merle will speak with Gene Bradley Fisk well known Country Artist at 10.00am on Wednesday 22nd February 2012 many will remember Gene from the early days of the Charters Towers Country Music Festival - His new Album, Up North. Down South, Out West is available from Gene - write to him at P.O.Box 740, Belmont, Victoria 3216 price $28.00 including postage.

Burdekin Rotary Club's RYLA Program will be presented on Tuesday 6th March 2012 for year 11 students attending Burdekin Secondary Schools. Ken Gilberd will speak about the Program with Merle on Wednesday 29th February at 11.00am.

Other Country Artists coming up include Brian Letton, Alyece Simmonds, Peter Coad, & Kristy Cox