MARK WAITE / PVT The Country Music Association of Nevada, Nye County, sponsored the jamboree pictured here last October at the Short Branch Saloon in Crystal. Their next event is a karaoke contest scheduled to begin March 3 at Valley Bar. The contest will be held in a different location each week until the finale at the Maverick. Advertisement

The Nevada Country Music Association, Nye County Chapter is about to launch a valley-wide karaoke contest which could, if all goes well, lead to the winner having a chance to enter a national competition.

Although the Nevada Country Music Association has been around for years, the chapter in Pahrump disbanded. It reorganized under a Nye County chapter about a year ago and the membership is growing. One of the goals is to foster the spirit of country music in this area and one of the ways to initiate publicity and participation is to sponsor an event like the karaoke contest, which is open to public participation.

The event will be scheduled around karaoke nights at various bars in the valley, the first competition being March 3 at Valley Bar.

The list of participating venues is not yet set in stone. When it becomes available, look for it as part of the Entertainment Schedule in the Friday editions of the Pahrump Valley Times. If the competition is scheduled for a weekday evening, the schedule will be in the preceding Friday paper.

Most bars in the Pahrump area which offer karaoke are participating. Besides Valley Bar, Just Country, the Maverick, Who's Dunes, StageStop, K-7 Pizza and Lounge, Our Bar/Charlie's Place, Town Hall and Tumbleweed Tavern are on the list. The contracts should be signed by the end of next week. Still out is the decision by Eve "N" Keel. The bar has been purchased by the owners of Paddy's Pub.

The grand finale is scheduled for the Maverick.

Contests pay off the winners and this competition is no different. The big ticket first prize was up for a vote at the CMA membership meeting Thursday, but Terri Rogers, president of the local chapter, is hopeful the board will pass a first prize of entry paid, room paid and transportation paid to the National Karaoke Finals to be held in Laughlin in September.

Second and third prizes are yet to be determined.

CMA is always looking for new members. Joining for an individual is $25 per year with an add-on for spousal membership costing an additional $15. There is an additional discount for three to five-year memberships.

It is also aware they economy is taking a toll on musicians who find themselves performing less these days. Rogers suggested bands, who want to perform but need a venue, contact the CMA and perhaps join forces in scheduling an event.

For more information call Roger at 764-0006.