NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — An established pro, an ambitious newcomer, and two talented acts in-between.

Country music is alive and well in Connecticut – just ask Logan Tory of Essex.  “I was born listening to Shania Twain thanks to my mom so I guess that got me into it,” she says.

This 17-year-old has played the Durham Fair and is about to embark on her biggest adventure yet: “Next year I’m going to college in Western Kentucky and I’m going to be about 45 minutes from Nashville, so, I’m hoping some doors will open down there.”

“Living in Nashville, I learned so much,” says Connie Howard who – ironically – just moved back to Niantic from Nashville after a decade of living and performing in Tennessee.  This singer-songwriter loves the “story-telling” aspect of country music – moving people through her work.  Next week, Howard is releasing a new Christmas album featuring a special song called “A Connecticut Christmas”.

The Meadows Brothers from Chester have been performing together since they were small kids.  Ian and Dustin are lucky enough to have flexible jobs that allow them to embark on tours.  “We’re having a lot of fun and we’re not going completely broke,” laughs Ian.

“I started performing live when I was 11 years old.  It’s been a long time,” says Katie Perkins who would take her guitar to the train station to perform to commuters or anyone who’d listen!  Now this East Lyme resident routinely fills venues from Stamford to Groton.  “I would love for it to become my whole world,” says this personal trainer by day.  “For now, I’m chugging along, praying for the best.”

In fact, all of the artists we interviewed have “day jobs” but they hope to someday spend all of their time making country music.