Local Country Music Association kick off March 2
Pictured from left are Ken McMeans, “Buffalo” Benford Standley and Chris Christensen.
A newly formed Central California Country Music Association is hosting a kick off show March 2 at the Pine Street Saloon in downtown Paso Robles.
The goal of the association will be seeking to promote and expand the growth of country music via radio, venues, and events throughout Central California, as well as connecting artist and writers to venues, musicians, co-writers and industry professionals. The group will be hosting open mics and songwriter rounds at various Central California venues throughout the year fostering network opportunities for all levels of artist, writers and musicians culminating in an
annual music festival and awards show.
A second show on April 6 at the Pine Street Saloon will be a salute to Merle Haggard at the Pine Street Saloon.
The shows will be videoed and posted at PioneerTroubadours.com, which takes folks on the road and backstage with music and history of past and present Troubadours traveling the USA.
The founding members of the Central California Country Music Association come from a long line of music history in Country Music. President and founding member Chris Christensen’s is a member of the Academy of Country Music, past President of Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, and his parents are founding members of the Academy of Country Music, which started in Los Angeles in 1964.
Ken McMeans, another founding member, has been in County Music wearing many hats including being a songwriter and musician. He owns a country music booking agency representing many National country stars. Chris and Ken are living in Moro Bay.
The third founding member, Benford Standley, has produced shows and film projects with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Hoyt Axton, Clint Eastwood and produces a number of digital media projects.
Monday night, March 2, the newly forming Central California Country Music Association will kick off its monthly Ken and Chris Show and Open Mic on the first Monday of the month each month at the Pine Street Saloon. Show starts at 9 p.m. with musicians from Central California and off the road. The show will feature performances with Ken McMeans, Callie Twisselman, Judge Mike, Matthias Clark Rod
Norris and Christine Rogers.
