One of the most charismatic members of the Brooklyn Country community, Alex Battles hit the local music scene a decade ago. He rose to prominence through the creation of his annual events: Brooklyn Country Music Festival and Johnny Cash Birthday Bash as well as his monthly ventures, the legendary CasHank and New York Opry. Battles suspended his monthly gigs in 2011 (as well as scaling down his BCMF Ocho) to focus on songwriting and recording and racked up four…count them FOUR releases this year. Alex Battle’s Album, Goodbye Almira, Ev’rything’s OK, and Fatback Spo-Dee-O-Dee Volume 1 (a live recording of Alex and his Whisky Rebellion from Southpaw) paint a picture of Battles, the man. Over the next few weeks, each of Battle’s releases will be reviewed by a member of the Brooklyn Country community. Check back often for the latest write-up.

2012- Regenesis of the CasHank. This monthly event will take place on the first Thursday of each month at Freddy’s Backroom (be sure to look up the address if you haven’t been since they moved…and if you haven’t, where have you been?) Starting this Thursday, January 5th, CasHank is in full swing.

Johnny Cash 80th birthday- With the continued success of the annual birthday bash, this year’s celebration will take place over two nights. February 24 takes place at the Bellhouse and features a performance of the “Live at San Quentin” album. February 25 takes place at Southpaw and features a performance of the “Live at Folsom Prison” album. Buy tickets now for what is sure to be a sold out event.

Keep an eye on the man, and your ear to the ground. The Battles of 2012 is about to begin.