Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce

            Carin Mari Lechner of Buena Vista, Colorado, returned home from the North America Country Music Associations, International Competition (NACMAI) with three new honors. The week long competition, which was held at the Country Tonight Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, wrapped-up with the Awards Show on Sunday, March 15^th, where Carin was awarded the title of  “2009 Female Entertainer” – (Youth) Traditional Country. This award is for the greatest competence in all aspects of in-person performance; stage presentation, attitude, and overall image in their category.  She also won “ 2009 Songwriter of the Year” – (Youth) Traditional Country for her song "Always A Road".  Carin (17), and her brothers Evan (14), and Colin (19) were especially honored when their newest CD – “Follow the Trail” won “2009 Most Promising Album of the Year “- (Youth) Traditional Country.  This was recorded, produced, and mastered by Golden Eagle Recording. There were competitors from 16 states and 3 countries that participated in the international competition, which just celebrated its 12^th year.                         

            NACMAI is an organization that promotes the development of the Country/Gospel Music Industry in each state and country through an International Association. Each state/country is required to hold state/country wide awards shows for these aspiring artists with the understanding that the winners of the various categories will be able to compete in the regional runoffs, with the winners going to the International Finals.  Colorado has a “Western” category, which Carin and her two brothers, who make up “Pony Express”, won first place in six areas. The National level competition calls it “Classic Country”. 

        The "Pony Express" will be playing at Gold Rush Days, Aug 1st and 2nd.