Beginning with a solo performance at the Cleary Auditorium in Windsor, Ontario at only six years of age, Denni-Lee Hayes has been singing ever since! An eager participant in school and church choirs, as well as school musicals, she can now be seen in many of Calgary and area’s hottest music venues. She began writing songs as a teen and has since written over 100 songs. Most recently, Denni-Lee was in the studio working on her debut album "Reflections" with Producer Kevin Lato . Denni-Lee describes the album as "reminiscent of eras gone by, but with a contemporary feel, unique unto itself." She adds: “Songwriting is the expression of one’s soul – lyrically and melodically.” Tune in as this talented Calgary, Alberta Country artist talks about her music career, songwriting, performing live and more. Plus, she'll share some songs from her new CD.

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Donny Parenteau is one of Canada’s most versatile and dynamic country music singer-songwriters. He’s a talented multi-instrumentalist who performs with energy and enthusiasm on the fiddle, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars, and the unique double-neck mandocaster guitar. With 3 CDs released since 2003 and without the backing of a major music label, Donny has garnered numerous provincial and national music nominations and awards including a 2008 Juno nomination for ‘Aboriginal Recording of the Year’. Donny's recently released single 'Turn it Up' is his fastest rising yet. While that song is pure energy from start to finish, he can also touch your heart with a song like “Postmarked Heaven” – one of his earlier chart successes. Donny drops by to share both of those songs with us and to talk all about his music career. Be sure to check out his brand new website www.donnyparenteau.com.

The 2010 TOMMFEST - June 18th & 19th at Loughborough Lake Holiday Park (north of Kingston) - will feature great Country, Bluegrass and Folk acts. TOMMFEST is 'short for' the Tristin Osborne Memorial Music Festival. Various musical acts come together for this weekend (this is the 5th year) to raise funds for the Tristin Osborne Scholarship Fund – a fund that provides a scholarship to a student with a learning disability who is determined to attain a post secondary education. For ticket info and to read more about Tristin's story, visit www.tommfest.ca. Performers from the weekend featured on today's show are Valdy, Valerie Smith (& Liberty Pike), Rik Reese (Neon Highway) and Trevor Brunton (Desert Heat). Listen to the show closely for your chance to win 1 of 3 TOMMFEST prize packages!

The 2010 TOMMFEST - June 18th & 19th at Loughborough Lake Holiday Park (north of Kingston) - will feature great Country, Bluegrass and Folk acts. TOMMFEST is 'short for' the Tristin Osborne Memorial Music Festival. Various musical acts come together for this weekend (this is the 5th year) to raise funds for the Tristin Osborne Scholarship Fund – a fund that provides a scholarship to a student with a learning disability who is determined to attain a post secondary education. For ticket info and to read more about Tristin's story, visit www.tommfest.ca. Performers from the weekend featured on today's show are Aiden McGill, Nikki Sage and Reuben DeGroot. We'll start off the show with a call from Judy Osborne. Listen to the show closely for your chance to win 1 of 3 TOMMFEST prize packages!

Born and raised in the small coastal village of Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick, Melanie Morgan discovered her passion for music at a young age. As the years went by, Melanie performed at schools, talent shows and local charities. In the spring of 2006, Melanie's dreams of becoming a country music recording artist started to take shape. With the help of fellow New Brunswick country recording artist J.R. Vautour, Melanie recorded her debut CD Brand New Day. Melanie received national recognition in Canada at the East Coast Awards for Country Recording of the Year as well as airplay on CMT Canada and on Canadian country radio. In the Fall of 2008, Melanie recorded her second album which showcases her songwriting abilities on songs co-written with Nashville hitmakers such as George Teren, Wade Kirby, Rick Huckaby and Monty Criswell. Tune into to catch up on all the latest news and music as Melanie Morgan pays a visit to In The Country.

'Country Music News' celebrates 30 years of putting Canadian Country Music stars in the spotlight! From cover stories on the biggest & latest names to album reviews, CMN is a must for Country Music fans. Publisher and Editor Larry Delaney joins me on the line from Ottawa to talk about his monthly publication. Tune in for this special episode that takes you behind the scenes of CMN and back to when it all began.

Since hitting the country music scene in 2002, Alberta's Craig Moritz has been wowing crowds with his from-the-heart performances that are packed with lively vocals and rockin' beats. Born in Medicine Hat, Craig grew up listening to country music and could often be heard singing along to Don Williams, Randy Travis and George Strait. After moving to Fort McMurray at age 12, Craig explored his passion for music through the school band playing saxophone, but as he says, "I figured if I couldn't wear a cowboy hat, strum a guitar and sing a few country tunes, it just wasn't for me." After a chance meeting with Toby Keith at a concert in Regina, Craig was encouraged by the Country superstar to pursue his dreams. His latest CD "Down And Dirty" is produced by Dean Sams (of Lonestar) and Dean Miller (song of legendary Roger Miller). We'll catch up with this talented singer/songwriter and hear his latest single plus a brand new song set to appear on his next project.

Calgary, Alberta songwriters Troy Kokol and Joni Delaurier co-wrote the hit Country song "Pickup Truck" which appeared on Shane Yellowbird's debut release. The Canadian chart-topper earned the duo a 2007 CCMA nomination for Songwriter(s) of the Year. In 2008 they won a SOCAN award for the song in the Country Music category. Whether writing with other writers or together, they continue to get more cuts and singles. Troy and Joni will join me on the show to talk about songwriting and share some of the songs they've written. If you're a fan of their songs or are an aspiring songwriter, be sure to tune in for this special show with these talented hitmakers.

"George Strait is my hero. I can die happy the say I get to shake his hand", jokes Jessica Ridley. This talented Alberta singer/songwriter also cites Reba, Shania Twain & Loretta Lynn as strong musical influences. Along with a great voice and songwriting skills, Jessica plays piano (she completed her grade eight with the Royal Conservatory of Music) and guitar (self-taught). Her debut album entitled "Fit To Be Tied" - produced by Nashville's Billy Simon - features her songwriting as well as material from some of Nashville's best writers. Don't miss this insightful interview which also includes an exclusive debut of a brand new song from Jessica!

Burlington-born Carly Schnurr entered her first talent competition in 2006 singing Celine Dion’s “When You Look At Me”. She made it to the finals in the Western Fall Fair. But aside from her pop influences (Celine, Whitney Houston & Kelly Clarkson), Carly’s love of country music is what drives her desire for a career in singing. She entered a number of singing competitions in 2007, earning first place rewards for performances in The Ontario Country Open Contest (under age 12 category), the Burlington Idol Youth competition, and the Milton Steam Era Festival's Junior Talent Contest. Carly now resides in Milton, Ontario and has just been signed by Blue Sapphire/Universal Music. Her debut album is being released this month and includes the first single “I Know I Love You (But I Don’t Know Why)”. Her new single "Go Back" - which she co-wrote - is now at Canadian radio stations coast to coast. Tune in to learn all about this talented 15 year old Country artist!