After 23 years in Management, Karen McLane has turned to teaching. Ms. McLane subscribes to the techniques of John Davidson, The Julliard, Seth Riggs and Christopher Beaty and their techniques. From their teachings, she has developed a unique, tried and true method which she calls "vocal aerobics."
Joan Carol Stone conducted a seminar titled "You Gotta Be Bad Before You Can Be Good .. Talent Show & Beyond." There was a focus on Talent shows, a forum Cliffie recommends as a simple and accessible method for performers to learn the skills of their trade. Those in attendance were guided through the vast maze of the business in easy to understand steps and practical advice. Ms. Joan Carol Stone, wife of Cliffie Stone, and co-author of "You Gotta Be Bad Before You Can Be Good!" also held a book signing at the Louise Mandrell Theater on March 16 & March 17.
On March 18, 2001, the Fourth Annual NACMAI Hall of Fame and Awards Show was held at the Louise Mandrell Theater. The Co-Hosts for the NACMAI Hall of Fame were Jeannie Seely of the Grand Ole Opry and Johnny "K" Koval of WSM Nashville Grand Ole Opry Radio. Those inducted into the Fourth Annual NACMAI Hall of Fame were: Baillie & The Boys, Billy Walker, LeRoy Van Dyke, Martha Carson, Wilma Lee Cooper, Charlie Louvin, D.J. Fontana, and Jerry Kennedy. The NACMAI Country/Western Living Legend Award was given to Mr. Buck Page, founding member of the Riders of the Purple Sage. Members of The Country Tonite Show entertained the audience with a 20 minute opening show which was followed by performances by Baillie & The Boys, Joan Carol Stone with Buck Page accompanying her, the Maine-ly Country Band from the State of Maine and the Crazy River Band from England.
During this Sunday Show, the NACMAI gave it's First Annual $500 Youth Music Scholarship, Reaching Beyond The NACMAI To The Future Of Our Youth And The Preservation Of Music, to two affiliated members from the States of Alabama and Tennessee. Kyle Key, a current member of the Alabama Country & Gospel Music Association, Inc., plans to pursue a degree in the Entertainment Industry Management Business Program at the University of North Alabama upon his graduation in May 2001. Derek Deakins, a current member of the Tennessee Country Music Association, plans to pursue his education by working toward a Music Degree while attending Belment University in Nashville upon his graduation in May 2001.
If you missed this exciting event, including a wonderfully moving acceptance speech by Martha Carson, you missed out on a great time. Make your plans now to attend the Fifth Annual NACMAI Country Music Week to be held March 12 thru March 17, 2002, in Pigeon Forge, TN., at the Louise Mandrell Theater!!