By Crystal Thompson
If you like classic country music with a modern twist, and
if you crave the kind of beat that makes you want to get up
and dance, it doesn't get much better than Havre's South
Country Band.
The South Country Band is made up of five undeniably
talented musicians from different walks of life. They
perform classic country along with some popular music from
the 50s, 60s and 70s. Judy Kinsella, Val Barnett, Ed
Nystrom, Jerry Nystrom and Brady Skramstad make up The South
Country Band as it is today.
The original band was born in Havre in 1988, and has
undergone some changes throughout the years. Today, two of
the band's original members remain: Judy Kinsella and Jerry
Nystrom. South Country has been well-received by the Havre
community, performing at the local VFW Club at least one
weekend a month. Jerry said that the VFW Club and its owner,
Gary Crossler, is one of the main reasons that South Country
has become well-known on the Hi-Line. "They deserve a big
thanks," he added.
The South Country Band has performed across Montana, and
they agree that the group is ready to travel almost anywhere
they are wanted. South Country has performed at a variety of
venues from bars and clubs to private parties and wedding
receptions. "If we can get there we'll go there," said
Jerry.
Val Barnett, South Country's bass guitarist/vocalist, said
that the band hopes to perform at some larger centers in the
future. And, like all aspiring country artists, the group's
biggest dream would be to make it to Nashville. As for now,
though, the band is staying busy here on the Hi-Line
promoting their first CD entitled "Horses, Hearts and
Honkytonks".
The group recorded the CD in November of last year at the
Trinity Sound Studio in Great Falls. A fundraiser was held
in Havre to cover the cost of creating the CD. Numerous
local sponsors helped out with the fundraiser by donating
prizes.
"Recording the CD was quite a learning experience," Jerry
said. South Country plans to market the CD locally to see
how it's received, and there is already talk within the
group about creating a follow-up CD. Horses, Hearts and
Honkytonks is available at various local merchants, or by
calling 395-4360.
South Country steel guitarist Ed Nystrom attributes the
band's longevity to the way the band interacts with the
local audience and with each other.
"We all have fun together," said Judy Kinsella.
The variety of personalities and backgrounds that make up
the group is one of the things that has made The South
Country Band a local favorite. The band's drummer/vocalist
Brady Skramstad probably has one of the most interesting
musical backgrounds of anyone in the group. Skramstad has
performed with and opened for several big-name country
musicians, including the Haggard Brothers and Joe Diffie.
The South Country Band embodies real, old-fashioned country
music with their timeless tunes and their down-to-earth
spirits. If you've yet to experience the toe-tapping rhythm
of the group, keep an eye on the Havre VFW sign for upcoming
performances, or pick up the band's new CD. For booking
information contact 395-4360 or 265-5734, or write to: The
