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Each 2 months and exactly 30 years ago to the day, we re-publish the original Country Goss' magazine and supplement it here with additional photos, videos and stories that may not have been readily available at the time. A veritable "time capsule" of line dancing! There's lots more to read in the original magazine, in the meantime, here is a brief look at what the Editor had to say back in September 1995, plus a little more!

It has been 12 months to the day since the four page "sampler" of Country Goss' was launched with the small headline "Bootscooters meet Garth Brooks". Several instructors advertised their dance classes and socials, the Strand Hatter was selling Akubra's, C-Bon Screen Printers were offering professional print designs and the Harold Park Hotel was spruiking its Bistro and Bootscootin'. Where would it go from there?

The Strand Hatters - FREE concho band, FREE hat customising, FREE after sales service, FRIENDLY assistance! Head straight for the Strand Hatters, Strand Arcade, 412 George St Sydney. Ph: 02 231 6884.

Well, seven issues later, Country Goss' has settled into a comfortable, compact 44 pages. Featuring line dance news, country music news, guest writers, album reviewers, giveaways, travel opportunities, clothing apparel, interstate workshops, readers' letters and a huge listing of dance classes around Australia. There's also a series of new cover logo's "Dance Till Ya Drop!!" designed exclusively by Bobby Holden of C-Bon Printing.

And it won't be long before Country Goss' builds into its massive 64-page tabloid with line dance news from across the world!

FREE Bootscootin' every Sunday 1pm - 5pm. Harold Park Hotel, 115 Wigram Road, Glebe. Why not eat at Harold's Bar & Grill while you're there! Ph: 02 692 0564.

We've got lots to read ahead, interesting articles, stories, videos, travel opportunities and so much more! Last issue the Editor spoke of the concern regarding the rapid expansion of line dancing and teachers barely any more knowledgeable than their students. Explaining that this was not meant as a criticism but merely a reminder of the importance of understanding all the legal obligations as a teacher and importantly, having the correct licences when using original or recorded music in class, at socials or in public.

It is therefore fitting, that this issue takes a very informative look at Copyright. Australian copyright law gives the writers of musical works and sound recordings certain rights over the use of their product, meaning you need to gain permission from APRA & PPCA for its use. They explain which licences you need and who to contact. In the next issue (Nov/Dec 1995) the Editor takes a look at the licences required for "copying" music, in particular the copyright laws with the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Society (AMCOS), and the area of CD or album reproduction for use in daily dance situations. A must read.

The Australian Country Line Dancing Championships will be held at the Calrossy Auditorium on the 24th, 25th & 26th January 1996. Entry forms can be obtained from Kath & Joe MacManamon by phoning 067 664 107 or by writing to 1 Dekalb St, Tamworth NSW 2340. All proceeds from the Championships go to the Arthritis Foundation of NSW.

If you are looking for a place to stay, Kath and Joe have access to accommodation and all you need to do is give them a call, fax or write. The accommodation works out at just $25 per night which includes a cooked breakfast. This accommodation is available for a 10 day period covering the Festival. Six hundred places are available on a first in, best dressed basis. Contact Kath & Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

Pandarra Trading Company - Country Western World. Pandarra offer everything imaginable for the urban cowboy and cowgirl. Grab a taste of Texas at 96 Oxford St Darlinghurst, NSW or try their mail order service to anywhere in Australia. Ph: 02 361 5785 or Fax: 02 361 6812.

Country Goss' brings you all the results of the Ourimbah Line Dancing Championships held in July 1995 at the Ourimbah RSL NSW. Up to 500 people squeezed into the relatively small auditorium to see some spectacular dancing, with Tiffany Hill and Simon Ward taking out the overall Highest Point Score. For a full roundup of results turn to Page 15 in the magazine.

The Ballina Country Bootscooters raised over $3,000 in July this year in aid of the local Alzheimers Disease Respite Care Group. The social night was held at the Ballina RSL Club which kindly donated the club auditorium for free.  Judy Johnstone's band Country Trax performed for free. Over 400 dancers attended the event from as far away as The Gold Coast, Woodenbong and Tabulam.  So, who are the faces behind this generous line dance club? There is chief organiser Joan Wells, teacher Marj Holley, Sandra Perry, Carol Ransom, Yvonne Bennett along with Judy Barnes, Shirley Schmidt, Jeanette Henry and their "unofficial" manager (Yvonne's husband) Bruce. Well done Ballina Bootscooters!

If you were on the Gold Coast QLD in July 1995 you may have been at the Black and White Ball at Broadbeach Cultural Centre behind the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. A fabulous night out which featured many prominent Queensland Instructors including Terry Hogan, Bill and Marie Larson. Looking good!

Drovers Line Dancing Club, Queensland are returning to New Zealand to defend the 2 Gold Medals they won at this year's NZ Masters and would like your support. As the venture is very expensive, the Club has launched a quest to raise funds. Contact Vivienne Stanbury on 07 3818 3691 or find further details in this issue of Country Goss'.

The Phantom is back with more cryptic treats and wallowing in the knowledge that the Industry is twisting itself in knots speculating on who The Ghost Who Squawks actually is!

Many feel they know the Phantom's identity, however the Phantom snickers that it is definately not Steve Reid or Kelly Cooper-Durant or Barbara Morrison or Marea Fraser or Darcy Le-Year or even Craig Giles! Will we ever Know?

Anyway, the Phantom's tour rumour of a Dwight Yoakam concert down-under was spot on. The Gone Tour now has dates planned across most states of Australia for February 1996. Could this be the driver behind that other rumour about Sydney's 2SM and its possible move to country music? Stay tuned!

Ken's Country Western Clothing - Shirts and Vests designed exclusively for you! Call Ken now to design your team shirts for Tamworth. Phone Ken on 02 398 3106.

Phantom also speculates that American 24-hour cable country music video channel CMT may have been signed up for transmission in Australia. Direct from the USA but with no local Aussie content! Sure to create a TIZZ in Tammy if at all true!

Steve Reid from Yesterday & Today Records is back once again and gives us his lowdown (and it is very low) on Earth and Sea by James Blundell. 

Not only is this album bad, it's tragic! The tenseness which pervades most of this release sees James forcing most of the vocals almost to the point of self-parody. Several vocals notably on "Forgive and Forget" and "Hurt Is On The Inside" are embarrasing to listen to! Read Steves full review of Earth & Sea on Page 6.

There's a swag of dance events across Australia as this year rounds out. Let's have a look!

Dungog Line Dancing Championships 23rd - 24th September 1995. To be held as an annual event in the middle of the Dungog Spring Festival. Further details to follow however, interim enquiries can be made to Jeff Whitford on 049 922 112.

Illawarra Country Line Dancers Association will be holding a dance night and workshop at the Corrimal Leagues Club on the 30th September 1995. All proceeds to the Royal New South Wales Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. If you would like to attend and maybe even stay in the Illawarra area over the weekend of the event contact Lyn Young on 042 965 563.

Rotary Club of Tenterfield in conjunction with Channel 10 present the Australian National Line Dancing Exhibition and Titles over the weekend of 29th & 30th September & 1st October 1995. All interested persons, dance groups and bands contact Bob Johnson on 067 361 480 or 067 362 502.

Enjoy a country Music and Dance Night with Shanley Del, Keith Glass and Wayne Law at the Five Dock RSL, NSW on the 7th October 1995 with all proceeds to radio station 2RRR.

There will be a line dancing record attempt at this year's Hawkesbury Wine, Food & Music Affair on the 14th October 1995 at Heritage Park on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond in NSW. Activities start at 10.00am with wine, food and country music by Jane Saunders and the Vinegar Hill Woolshed Band. The record attempt will happen at 2.00pm. Register your group by phoning 045 604 444.

Like a line dance weekend with a difference? Then get along to the Fonzie's Line Dance Camp at Lake Bennett in the Northern Territory on the 20th October 1995. Details 089 452 565

The Seaside Championships with Yvonne Hammond's Peninsula Bootscooters will take place at the Pittwater RSL Sydney on the 21st October 1995. Further details on 02 9918 8490.

The Shoalhaven Inaugural Line Dancing Championships will take place at the Australian Naval & Aviation Museum, South Coast NSW on the 21st October 1995. Details Betty on 044 213 546.

The Sandgroper Stomp takes place at the Alexander Hotel in Dianella, Perth on the 20th, 21st & 22nd October 1995. The event, hosted by Cindy Truelove, features American guests Charlotte Skeeters, Neil Hale & Hillbilly Rick. Registration details in Country Goss'.

Australian Country Music Presenters Association - Instructors Insurance $100pa. 30% off retail for CD's, cassettes and videos plus many other benefits. Ph Greg North 015 216 339.

The Bay Liners are inviting all dancers to Batemans Bay NSW on the 5th November 1995 for an attempt to break Australia's Longest Line record. The event will be held in conjunction with the Neptune's Festival in Batemans Bay, NSW. Further details Tom Tester on (044) 781-055.

Country Connection - The Australian Legend in Jeans Wear. Bootcut Jeans in Black Denim and Indigo Blue. Three Western or Stockman Style Shirts, Blue or Black Denim. Agents in NSW, ACT, VIC, NT, TAS, QLD and WA. Contact Lace on 015 281 927.

Gordon Elliott invites current and prospective choreographers to the Sony Music Choreography Competition at the Woolaway Woolshed in Picton, NSW on the 18th & 19th November 1995. Enter for your chance to win a transport and accommodation package to the 1996 Tamworth Festival, a handsome CD pack and the opportunity to have your winning dance put on a Sony CD. Further details for all of these events in Country Goss'.

Line Dancing every Friday night at Darkes Forest Woolshed. $8 includes supper. Great country music, all new country music releases, fully licensed. Phone 042 943 424.

Gentry Traveland have organised a 10 night South Pacific Line Dance Cruise departing Sydney 25th November 1995 aboard the P&O Fairstar. The cruise takes in 4 ports including Vanuatu, Lifou, Isle of Pines and Noumea. Includes all meals and entertainment, use of all on-board activities, western theme nights, daily line dance classes and a gala farewell concert event. Your hosts include Noel Brady, Gordon Elliott, Gary & Julie Talbot and Michael-Vera Lobos. From just $800.00. Further details in Country Goss' or phone Noel on 02 906 7000 or fax on 02 906 5129.

Sydney Line Dance Promotions. The very best in line dancing in Sydney's west including West Ryde, Baulkham Hills, Wentworthville, Northmead, St Mary's, Pitt Town, Dharruk, Richmond and Penrith. Phone Lance Pritchard on 02 896 8662.

Grab your tickets for the Boots 'n All stage spectacular on the 17th December 1995 at the Rooty Hill RSL in NSW. Produced by Joe McManamon and the Spirit of Tamworth, the event is a 3-hour extravaganza of music and dancing with all proceeds to the Make a Wish Foundation. The cast of 89 dancers have been drawn from all corners of NSW, the youngest of which will be 5-year-old Maddison Glover of Wollongong. World line dance champion Simon Ward will lead the troupe. Bookings through 02 9625 5500.

Pied Piper Music for all your latest line dance CD's tapes & videos at the cheapest prices. Stacks of CD's or tapes with seven line dances on each one. Compare our prices! Mail orders especially welcome. Phone Frank Drewes on 02 869 8740 or 018 234 486.

Lots of great music to review this issue. Mercury have released Shania Twain's The Woman In Me and Columbia (through Sony Music) have released Country Dance Super Hits.

Shania Twain (Mercury) The Woman In Me: Such was the response in our last Shania Twain giveaway, we're doing it all again! This album exudes passion and energy. Shania's background in rhythm and blues and classic soft rock are the ingredients that bind together leaving no doubt that this is one hot country blues performer!

Country Dance Super Hits (Columbia/Sony Music): Sony music have been at the forefront of dance music and have hit the streets again with a little beauty called Country Dance Super Hits. Contained on this disk is the coveted extended dance mix of Joe Diffie's Third Rock From The Sun along with I Feel Lucky and Down At The Twist and Shout by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Old Enough To Know Better by Wade Hayes plus numerous other favourites.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

You can win both of these CD's. Simply head to the magazine to find out how!

Like to learn to bootscoot by video? Country Goss' subscribers have the chance to win a copy of "Let's Bootscoot" by Cindy Truelove. Cindy will take you through dances such as Cowboy Boogie, Tush Push, The Freeze, Achy Breaky, Cowboy Hustle and others.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

To win a copy of Let's Bootscoot by Cindy Truelove check out the entry details in the mag.

Winners from last issue:

Shania Twain CD: Michelle Redman

Tammy Wynette CD: M.Horgan

Sawyer Brown CD: Y. Flynn & J.Johns

Linda Davis CD: August Slamek

Let's Bootscoot Video (Member): Sandy Goodwin

Bob's Mobile Line Dance Gear - Earrings - collar tips - key rings - belt buckles - bolos - shirts and hat bands etc. Parties our specialty. Phone 02 829 5484.

rooArt have just released a special 3 track EP lifted from Shanley Del's new album "what's a heartache for?" featuring the tracks How Long, I Don't Wanna Talk About Love and Rear View Mirror. The exciting aspect to this release is rooArt's inclusion of 3 easy dance routines. "Walkaway" choreographed by Julie Talbot, "I Don't Wanna Talk About Love" choreographed by Cindy Truelove and "Further Down" choreographed by Gordon Elliott.

Line Dance History Australia has included the music for each dance (below) plus the Step Sheets courtesy of Div's Line Dancing Directory. We've also included a video of the dance Walkaway taken at an old Workshop in Burnie, Tasmania. Unfortunately, there are no videos available for Texaco Love or Further Down.

How Long by Shanley Del

Tamworth Country Tours - Bush Holiday & Line Dancing Weekend for small groups - $195.00pp twin share - Free brochures available. Also, special Country Music Mini Bus Tours 19th - 26th January 1996 - Depart Hands of Fame 10.00am & 2.00pm daily. Book early on 067 664 269.

This clip includes 2 songs by Shanley Del:

 I Don't Wanna Talk About Love & Rear View Mirror 

Grizzly Adams "Country's Hottest Mobile DJ" The best in country rock & 50's/60's rock and roll. Phone Grizzly on 043 631 556 or 018 405 543.

Walkaway Demonstration

Check out the dance sheets for all 3 dances courtesy of Div's Line Dance Directory.

Line Dancing with Anthony Bortolot every Thursday from 8pm at Studebaker's Night Club, 295 Church St in Parramatta, NSW. Phone 02 893 9090.

And just when you thought there couldn't be much else happening this year. As a follow up to their Billboard #11 country chartbuster "Baby Likes to Rock It (in a Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train)", The Tractors are set to release their "Have Yourself a Tractors Christmas" CD which contains the rewritten "Santa Claus Is Comin' (in a Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train)". We've included both tracks for your enjoyment.

The accompanying and simple 24 beat choreography "Bartender Stomp" has been an absolute smash in Australia so we've included a copy of the dance sheet courtesy of Div's Line Dancing Directory also.

Baby Likes To Rock It - The Tractors

Which Brings Us To

Now, Golden Oldie Time. It may be 2025 now, but do you remember what song you were singing and dancing to 30 years ago in September/October 1995? It could have been Billboard's #1 Hot Country Song at the time "I Like It I Love It" by Tim McGraw and the dance I Like It choreographed by Gordon Elliott (AUS) or it may have been that sultry sleeper "Black Dresses" by Steve Kolander and the dance Black Dresses choreographed by Michael Barr (USA). We like both!

I Like It I Love It - Tim McGraw

Black Dresses - Steve Kolander

We've included Michael's instruction video of Black Dresses (below) along with both Step Sheets courtesy of Div's Line Dancing Directory.

Black Dresses by Michael Barr

Sunset Music is now offering Country Goss' readers a mail order service for all the latest line dance music, with great discounts and the chance at winning Sony Country Music Samplers.

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Country Goss'. If you have any fun stories or old photos that you would like included in past or upcoming editions, then drop us a line at linedancehistoryaustralia@gmail.com or click here for the next issue!

Bye.