COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OPENS, WELCOMES ENTERTAINERS

EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. -- If your dream is to perform on stage as a country music star, the opportunity to fulfill that dream is coming soon.

The HLM Country Music Hall in East Cape Girardeau will give amateurs and professionals the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.

"We're hoping to see a broad range of talent come through the door," said Elsie Williams, one of the six owners of the hall. "Not only country performers, but comedy, gospel and rock `n' roll too." Williams said children can also perform at the hall.

The HLM Country Music Hall opens Saturday night at 7 p.m. with entertainment provided by the house band, "In Country". There will be seating for 200 people and only non-alcoholic drinks will be sold. Admission is $2.50 per person.

Owners said the no-alcohol policy will contribute to the hall being a place that offers family entertainment.

"We want to provide a place where people who like to play, sing and enjoy a good family atmosphere can come for an inexpensive evening of entertainment," said Bob Mathis, another owner.

The hall will be open every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m.

All six owners have some musical background, from high school to church choirs to actually being part of a band. Vernon Leible, another owner, started singing in high school in his father's band. In 1972, he started his own band, "Family Tradition," with his son, daughter and two brothers.

"I enjoy country music and enjoy playing country music," Leible said. "I'm glad we can give other people a place where they can perform."

The grand opening for the hall will be held June 1, when the band "The Runaways" will perform. The hall's other owners are Donna Mathis, Allen Hill and Kathy Leible.

For information about how to perform at the hall, call 243-3437.