Since buying and spinning Patsy’s first EP on an old turntable, Marie has lived, breathed, read, re- searched, listened to and absorbed every ounce of Patsy Cline material she could get her hands on.

“So many people have asked me over the years to put down an album of Patsy tunes,” Marie said.

“In 2012, I visited Patsy’s home in Winchester, Virginia, and also visited her grave. It was the highlight of my music career and life to be among everything I had read and listened to.

“I met Patsy’s brother-in-law and was asked to sing a tune for a tour party coming through the historic home. What can you say to that? It just doesn’t get any better!”

Marie will have ample opportunity to indulge her passion for Patsy when she joins forces later this year with powerhouse singer-songwriter and guitarist Wendy Phypers.

Both extraordinarily gifted vocalists will present the story in song of two of country’s leading ladies – Patsy Cline and Brenda Lee – accompanied by Wendy’s family band, The Cartwheels, which for  this run will be known as the Texas Troubadors.

Back in 1990, bass player Dave Patterson (Wendy’s husband) was in the Golden Guitar-winning New Talent of the Year band, Happening Thang.

A decade later, Wendy and Dave were back on stage in the winner’s circle as The Sparnetts, taking home the 2000 Group of the Year Golden Guitar with Rollin’ Along.

Their son, Charley Phypers, a CMAA Academy of Country Music graduate, is drummer with The Cartwheels.

Fortunately for those planning to be around Tamworth for Toyota Hats Off to Country in July, the tour will be launched here.

The concert is one to mark in your diary right now – it’s at North Tamworth Bowling Club on Friday, July 8 at 2pm. Tickets ($20) can be purchased by phoning the club on (02) 6766 1987 or 0421 699 649.

Did you know Brenda Lee had 47 US chart hits in the 1960s? I didn’t!

She was ranked fourth during that decade behind chart-toppers Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Ray Charles. Cool, huh?

Wendy plans to dust off some of the old rockabilly, pop and country songs the pint-sized pocket rocket is best known for on the tour, to complement Marie’s Patsy package.

Marie’s new Patsy album will be out by late June, ahead of the run of shows to Grafton, Toowoomba, Dalby, Nanango and more.

To help offset the recording studio and session personnel costs, Marie has launched a GoFundMe campaign for $3000, which was well under way within 48 hours of its launch.

If you want to help out, find Marie on Facebook.

THE stars are aligned and tonight’s the night, folks. Sarah Carroll and her band, The Left Wing, will preview songs from her fifth studio album from 

7 o’clock at The Loft in Tamworth.

Producer Leigh Ivin plans to hatch the new disc, Star Parade, by spring, as the Ukulele Queen of the Bellarine has commitments in America.

She’s been invited to lead a ukulele expedition to Hawaii in September, and will then head to Nashville for the Americana Festival.

“I was there a couple of years ago and it’s just the best place to be. You never know who you’ll see next,” Sarah said.

Meanwhile, the album is sprinting well towards its spring finish and Sarah’s excited at how the material is shaping up.

“We’ll be playing a bunch of new stuff you’ll hear on the album, and some old favourites as well,” she said.

As George, her youngest son, is opening the show, I’ll give you the drum right now: get there early as you won’t want to miss a note of his tasty set. Thank me later.

Sarah will be accompanied by  older son, Fenn Wilson, on the American adventure this spring.

“Fenn has never been to Nashville before, and he’ll probably have an album finished by then as well,” Sarah said.

No novice in the studio, it’s Fenn’s second studio release.

George had an offer to record with a friend in Melbourne, so he’s been writing prolifically for the past year or so.  

“He wanted to come up with something substantial … and has written some beautiful stuff, a couple of killer tunes he’ll play at The Loft,” Sarah said.

“It’s going to be an all-original musical night.”

George has been having a blast in the studio with Leigh Ivin – and the feeling’s mutual.

“George, not content with just reorganising the drum kit for every song, is playing bass, keys, singing and even telling me where editing is required or not,” Leigh said.

“Sarah, of course, has simply poured her heart and soul into this work.

“The material ranges from simple folk and epic laments, to all-out St Kilda-style pub rock’n’roll.”

GIDDY up! Matt Scullion has packed his bags, left Newcastle on a jet plane and is 

heading out on a hay ride with heart.

Country ute chick and truckies’ mate, Jayne Denham, asked Matt to join her for the last leg of the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners epic errand of mercy to Ilfracombe in Queensland.

“This is an absolute honour to be invited along. It’s a great cause and is history in the making,” Matt said.

“I’ll be flying out of Newcastle then onto Charleville to catch the last couple days in a semi on the way to Ilfracombe, which is where the 200-strong (Mercy Train) convoy is headed.

“Along the way, Jayne and I will be playing a few shows for all the truckers and townsfolk. It’s gonna be a hoot.”

IF YOU head out to The Pub on Gunnedah Rd tomorrow night you’re in for Double Trouble – there’s nothing surer.

Big Al Herbert and Graeme Doubleday will lead the country choir from 8pm, so dust off those dancing shoes and tune up your vocal cords.

You could always make a big night of it, get in early for The Pub Anglers’ Club raffles and have dinner at Audrey’s Café.