LEWISTON – The Pine Tree State Country Music Association will present a benefit concert featuring the Maine-ly Country Band and other top artists Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Chalet Motel showroom.

Proceeds will be used to help compile volume 2 of the recently completed “Country Music Artists of Maine” book featuring biographies and photos of 84 Maine country music artists dating back to Mellie Dunham who was born in 1853.

The PTSCMA donated the book to the Lewiston, Portland, Bangor and other major public libraries in Maine. There is also a paperback edition members of the public may purchase. To order a copy, send $19.95 (shipping and handling included) to Joan B. Cole, PTSCMA executive director, 16 Mill St., Springvale, ME 04083. Proceeds from paperback sales are used to cover expenses for the book project.

“Country music is a big part of our Maine heritage and we believe there should be some record of it where folks over the years can go and look up their favorite artists,” Cole said.

Performing along with Maine-ly Country Band, the 2004 Tradition Band of the Year and winner of numerous awards, will be international singer and songwriter Stevie Cee, award-winning duet Everard Dodge and Roseanna Rogers, and popular Maine artists Russ Connell and Rick West. The concert will begin at 1 p.m. at the motel located at 1243 Lisbon St.

The PTSCMA was established in November of 1999 by Cole as a means of promoting country music and artists in the state. All of the association’s officers are professionals who have been in the music industry for many years. Working to give artists visibility throughout the state, the PTSCMA puts on an annual talent search and award show and holds benefits throughout the year.

Three years ago, the Dick Curless Memorial Scholarship was created to help a music student at Bangor High School further his or her musical career. Bangor was Curless’ hometown. A concert featuring many of Maine’s top country music artists is held the first Sunday in June to raise funds for the scholarship. Musicians donate their time to help a teenager and to honor Curless. Russ Connell, a top artist in his own right, has produced the show in Union for the past two years. Anyone wishing to participate in the June 2005 show may request an application from Connell by calling him at 542-3093 or e-mailing him at [email protected].

Anyone wishing to join the nonprofit PTSCMA or seeking more information, may contact Cole at (207) 490-1232. Yearly membership dues are $15 for individuals; $25 for families; $30 for bands.

Membership entitles people to receive a bi-monthly newsletter plus discounts on association events.

For information on Maine country artists and a schedule of upcoming events, go online to www.ptscma.org.