Mel Back on Stage to Launch CD

FOR more than 20 years MEL SOMMERS has worked in the background of the Newcastle country music scene, as the driving force behind STEEL CITY COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB. But tonight he will take centre stage at Club Macquarie to launch his own CD PROUD TO BE AUSTRALIAN, an effort he recorded with prominent country producer ROD MCCORMACK. Sommers said he put his own music career 'on the back burner' for many years, looking after promotions at the Boolaroo club while he 'helped others along the way'.

'It's pretty hard to get your songs heard, but I decided that I'd put some of my own out,' he said.

With McCormack's help Sommers was able to complete the album.

Sommers' style is traditional country, which shines on a tribute song called TO THE LEGENDS dedicated to the music of BUDDY WILLIAMS, GORDON PARSONS and STAN COSTER. He plans to nominate the song for the Heritage Award category of the Tamworth Country Music Awards.