LEMARS, Iowa - Billings resident T.J. Casey, a longtime cowboy singer, poet, songwriter, performer and recording artist, has been awarded the Rural Roots Music Commission's "Country-Western CD of the Year" award this year for his CD "Pure 'D' Cowboy."

The award will be made during the 34th Annual National Old Time Country, Bluegrass, and Folk Music Festival, held Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in LeMars. He will receive the award at the annual convention of the RRMC at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, on the Main Stage where he will also be performing.

The festival, a fundraiser for the National Traditional Country Music Association, is held annually the week just before Labor Day, and has 10 stages operating from 9 a.m. to midnight for seven days. Workshops are available to beginners through accomplished musicians. There are six nights of old-time dances and showcases for aspiring performers

More information is available at 712-762-4363, or by e-mailing bobeverhart@yahoo.com. The Web site is: http://www. orgsites.com/ia/oldtimemusic.