Mike Shipley is a songwriter and recording artist who has hit a particularly prolific seam in recent months, releasing a self-titled EP earlier in the year before heading back into the studio to get several more ready to unleash on the world soon. As the founder of the Cowboy Room guitar pulls - and ongoing series with well over a dozen editions now complete in less than two years - Mike invites friends and up and coming musicians to take part in the regular Sunday afternoon jams. Shipley shined - especially on his personal theme song "Wild Branch on the Family Tree" that grows on you with its tried and true tale of not quite fitting in.

Rockin' Rich Lynch debuts "What Would You Do?" at the Cowboy Room.

Mike was joined by several of the region's best including the fabulous fiddler and producer Hyram Posey who performed his own music and added subtle and stirring strings to the other player's songs. An unreleased project that was ear-marked for the late, great Charlie Daniels was patriotic and powerful. Mike Hebert - originally from Lousiana - has many of his own fine compositions to his credit, and like Posey, he provided well-crafted leads as a collection of collaborations broke out in the Cowboy Room.

Clockwise from Top Left: Mike Hebert, Hyram Posey, Darren T, Buster Clinard, Anthony and Rockin' Rich Lynch.

Additional efforts from Anthony, Buster Clinard and Darren T proved the terrific talent from Tennessee never runs dry. And, when the whole collective joined MCN's Rockin' Rich Lynch in an unrehearsed, spontaneous take on his introspective "What Would You Do?" the promise and purpose of the Cowboy Room was fulfilled to a surprising and satisfying result. We can't wait to do it all over again!

Mike Hebert, Rockin' Rich Lynch and Hyram Posey enjoy a jam at the Cowboy Room.

Related Links: For more information on the COWBOY ROOM and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Rockin' Rich Lynch | Darren T. | Mike Hebert | Hyram Posey | Buster Clinard