THE COWBOY BEAT IS A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER COVERING COUNTRY MUSIC AND DANCE NEWS
The Cowboy Beat
Alan's Gazette online!
A few words about Alan Kohn
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The Cowboy Beat will include every week Alan’s Gazette, (created by Lika Kohn) a weekly publication of what’s going on with Alan Kohn and Premier Entertainment.
to keep up with times and bring back this legendary publication. THE COWBOY BEAT AND IT'S SISTER PUBLICATION ALAN'S GAZETTE will inform you the Country Fan as well as the Country Dancer, with all the happenings in the Country Music and Dance in local tri state area.
And now this publication is online only a click away for all your Country Music and Dance Needs.
Also, dance cruises, dance weekends, Country Festivals, and our local dance venues will be advertised in The Cowboy Beat as well as Alan's Gazette. Enjoy!
124 Coal Pit Hill Road
Unit 93
Danbury, CT 06810
H: 203-300-5094
C: 845-729-0811
write to us: alankohn1492@gmail.com
Alan M. Kohn Publisher
Lika Kohn Editor and Design
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by Alan Kohn
In the 90's, country music and dancing was huge in Connecticut. 92.5 WWYZ ruled the airwaves. Garth, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Reba, Trisha Yearwood, and a bunch of young and upcoming artists popped up everywhere. Locally, country dance establishments were opening up throughout Connecticut. El Torito, Ellery's, Illusions, Cadillac Ranch, Bootscooters, Pinecrest Country Club, the Terrace Club, Boppers, the Longhorn, Two Steps, The Fireside Inn, Actors Colony, the Golden Spur, etc.
But toward the the of the 90's, places started dwindling and going out of business. Nashville wasn't producing sales. Things were now going downward.
In Connecticut, Cadillac Ranch and Illusions remained as the other establishments closed.
But, as music and trends change, along comes an influx of new country artists, led by Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Sugarland, Lady A and other youngsters. This was all held together by Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Country was now thriving again.
Now in the summer of 2011, new country establishments are opening once again. Coyote Maverick's in Danbury, Mustang Sally's in Milford, along with Cadillac Ranch and Illusions, plus 1 day a week places. Dancing is once again making a comeback in Connecticut.
On the radio front, Kicks 105.5 in Brookfield is doing very well, and along with 92.5 WWYZ, Connecticut is in good hands.
A "Premier" Professional DJ/Entertainer
With background in radio and as an events coordinator, music journalist, and program director, Alan Kohn has the skills to DJ almost any event.
After moving to Connecticut in 1980 Alan started K & K Entertainment in 1983. As the owner of a multi-DJ operation Alan had as many as 20 DJs working for K & K in nightclubs and for private events.
K & K had the privilege to work for stars such as Meg Ryan, Ted Danson, and Michael Douglass and Alan's country newspaper, "The Cowboy Beat" interviewed stars such as Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, and Tim McGraw.
Alan left Connecticut in 1997 and worked as DJ and program director at Denim & Diamonds before starting Premier Entertainment in 1999. This year Premier Entertainment celebrates 11 years and is one of New York's most sought after DJ Companies.
WRITTEN BY ALAN KOHN
Provident Bank Park, July 12, 2012: Lika and I arrived at Provident Bank Park to see Jason Michael Carroll and Gretchen Wilson. This was Lika's first country concert. What a way to start!
We arrived and went to meet Gretchen Wilson, a lovely lady who greeted us like we've know each other for years. Cowboy Dan Hopkins Kick 105.5 joined in the fun with some photos. Then off to see Jason Michael Carroll.
The accomplishments are impressive enough for any new artist – a chart-topping debut album nearing a half- million in sales, three hit singles from that album (all of which he wrote or co-wrote), and opening spots on some of country‘s hottest tours. The key to Jason Michael Carroll's success is evident in every note he sings – live or in the studio – and it lies in his authenticity. Whether it's the empathy brought to bear on the tragedy of "Alyssa Lies," the pure passion of "Livin'Our Love Song" or the youthful exuberance of "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead," Carroll knows how to connect with fans, and together with hard work, undeniable talent, and good looks, that connection has launched one of country‘s most impressive young careers. He certainly didn't disappoint next on to Gretchen Wilson.
Gretchen Wilson has gone from talented obscurity to a phenomena. "The reason I've been successful is that I've been genuine from the get-go," she says, "and I continue to try to do that. I'm an open book." It helps that the identity she wears so guilelessly is one that resonates strongly with fans of country and Southern rock--the independent, take-no-guff, hard-working and hard-partying country girl.Gretchen didn't disappoint anyone. Actually she blew the roof off, with her classic songs, "Here for the Party, "Homewrecker", "All Jacked Up" Redneck Woman, and some Rock classics "Hot Blooded and Led Zeppelin's Rock and Roll.The crowd really enjoyed her new single on ITUNES "One Good Friend" Gretchen wowed her fans for over 1 1/2. Great concert tonight.
Being a solo songwriter affords Hugh the versatility of making Long Island his primary home. “Most songwriters are obliged to move to Nashville, since that’s where their collaborators are located,” said Prestwood. “Me, I enjoy the luxury of living away from the music business and amongst the ocean and farmland. It allows me to be myself and write at my own pace without having to conform to anyone else’s timeline. I can keep working on a idea until it evolves into a song that I am proud to share with others.”
Leonard Marks: Telling Tales of The West (from The Heart of Brooklyn)
by Efrem L. Epstein
As a New York State Parole Officer, Leonard Marks worked with more than his share of criminals, prostitutes and thieves. Now he writes about them, in the form of an 18th Century Western Fiction Series. The eight-book series follows the adventures of John Davis, a killer living in The 1872 Wild West who decides to “clean up” his life by becoming a pimp. Ironically, his new career turns out to be more dangerous and adventurous that his old one. Davis’s escapades have him zigzagging through post-Civil War America and crossing paths with the likes of Samuel Tilden and General Custer. His second book in the series received a glowing review from True West Magazine: http://www.truewestmagazine.com/jcontent/entertainment/entertainment/book-reviews/2624-im-the-man-you-thought-you-killed
While some are surprised to learn that a Western Fiction Writer makes his home in Brooklyn, Leonard sees the connection as fairly natural. “New York an The Wild West are each one part history, one part energy, one part passion and one part adventure,” noted Marks. In an effort to tap into the energy of local fans, Leonard has made personal appearances at New York country music dances and venues, often signing books for fans. He plans to follow-up the “John Davis” series with The Man With The Pointy Stick, a contemporary thriller set in modern day New York City.
Earlier this year, Mr. Marks got the shock of a lifetime when he learned that one of his childhood heroes had expressed interest in his writings. “True West had forwarded to us a list of their readers who had asked to be on our mailing list,” recalls Marks. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw Hugh O’Brian’s name on the list. At first, I thought it must have just been somebody with the same name, but the Beverly Hills address was a giveaway.”
Leonard decided to write the Wyatt Earp star a personal letter, hoping he might appreciate the correspondence. A week later he got the shock of his life. “Hugh called me at home and asked me to send him autographed copies of the first four books in the series. I was speechless. Hugh’ OBrian has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame....and he’s asking me for MY autograph!”
The first five books in Leonard Marks’ “John Davis” Series have been released and are available here:http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?isbn=9781432737658
