As an ex Country music show host Barry Skinner’s happy to play requests, if it’s Country, I bet my virtual cowboy boots that your song is in his extensive music collection.

Barry’s spent decades collecting vinyl, signed photographs, posters, badges and other Country music memorabilia. He’s been a judge at the Gold Guitar Awards in Gore, and in 2011 he was inducted into the Gore Hands Of Fame, in other words Barry is one of NZ’s “go to guys” for all things Country music.

Country music memorabilia on the walls and on the ceiling

You don’t need to have a personal interest in something to appreciate someone’s dedication and that’s one of the things I took from the Hector Country Music Museum.

Country music memorabilia

Dolly and Kenny are about as Country as I get, I asked Barry if he considers Shania Twain to be a Country singer, he tentatively replied that he once did. Some sources identify Shania’s music as Country Pop, whatever her label, Barry has a good Shania story to tell if you find yourself in Hector.

Country music history … read all about it

Barry’s licensed to provide recordings, he can put together compilations and transfer old vinyl onto disc. One American visitor had been searching for a Jim Reeves recording for 30 years, she struck gold in Hector.

Love that Country Music

You can contact Barry on 03 782 8400 (or via Facebook – link above) for further information or to ensure the museum is open before you make the trip. You too might leave trying out the line “Man, I feel like collecting something”. You’ll find the Hector Country Music Museum on Ives Street. Admission $5.

Hector Country Music Museum