March 10 to 19, 2019 - Global Country Star Search winners trip to Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

From March 10th to 19th, 2019, the 2018 Global Country Star Search winners, Brenda Dirk, Travis Dolter and Justine Sletten, traveled to Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. In Nashville they attended an intensive two day boot camp, organized by Global Country Nashville mentor RyLee Madison. They also toured the city, visiting sites such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Lower Broadway, backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, and much more , and had the opportunity to meet Canadian artists like Shane Chisholm, Mike Bourque, Mandy McMillan and Ajaye Jardine, who live and work in Nashville. They were also given the opportunity to perform on stage at the famed Layla's on Lower Broadway and caught a performance of the famed Time Jumpers, where they were surprised to see their mentor, RyLee Madison, being called up to sing with the band. At the Grand Ole Opry they saw, on the famed stage, the only Canadian female who is a member of the Opry, Terri Clark, along with Garth Brooks who made a surprise visit honouring the 20th year anniversary of his wife, Trisha Yearwood, being a member of the Opry. They also enjoyed a songwriter's showcase at The Listening Room, caught and met the legendary David Frizzell (I'm Gonna Hire Me A Wino) at the Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree,hosted by Jennifer Herron, and took in Honky Tonk Tuesdays at the American Legion Post 82, before heading to Pigeon Forge for the North American Country Music Associations International Competitions. Along the route they stopped for lunch at the Cracker Barrel in Harriman, Tennessee. Following a 17 year tradition that was started in 2004, the Global Country artists gave a short impromptu musical performance for the staff and diners. Besides competing in the NACMAI competitions where they won several awards, they also attended the North American Country Music International Hall of Fame show where they saw Doug Kershaw and Georgette Jones be inducted. . Catching a show at the Comedy Barn, they met former Albertan, Ron Jeffery, who is the musical director of the theatre, and they also found time to explore the resort town of Gatlinburg. In the competition the Global Country artists won a total of 9 International awards. including Artist and Entertainer of the Year awards in their respective categories.
Bonus photos: The new Patsy Cline Museum, the famed rockabilly band, the Hillbilly Casino at Layla's and Antique Archaeology, the antique shop owned by the popular American Pickers..