The lead singer for Carin Mari & Pony Express, Carin Mari was featured on Michael Martin Murphey’s album Tall Grass & Cool Water. South Plains College honored her in 2011 as Female Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Female Vocalist of the Year.
Best Western Concert I Saw:
Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas Concert at the Cactus Theater in Lubbock, Texas.
“Hottest” Thing in the Western Music World:
Pat Flynn’s smoking guitar skills that are firing up Western music gatherings around the country.
Artist Who Surprised Me the Most:
I heard the Haunted Wind Chimes for the first time this year, and they impressed me with their originality and excellent musicianship.
Hot Club of Cowtown is Such a Success Because:
They are true entertainers, extremely energetic, wonderful people, and their musical skills are outstanding!
I Love Playing At:
The Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Heber City, Utah.
Favorite Song to Sing:
There are so many great songs to choose from, but I feel I put the most passion into my originals; so I would say “Fire and Rain” is my favorite song to sing.
Best Book I Read:
Songwriting: A Complete Guide to the Craft (I hope textbooks count).
Best Western I Saw:
True Grit.
People Who Have Inspired Me Musically:
Pat Flynn, Michael Martin Murphey, Dave Stamey, Joey + Rory, and all my instructors at South Plains College.
Up Next for Carin Mari & Pony Express:
We are hoping to start on our sixth album soon. I’m currently spending most of my time writing songs for it…We don’t have a set release date yet, but hopefully by the end of 2012, we will have a finished product.