MUMBAI: The trend of many children's music performers is to offer radio-quality rock and pop. However, Little Nashville offers a twist by performing today's 'hot country' for children while stressing important family values in an entertaining way.

Yet lead singers J Juliano and Adrienne Grove have proved they can stand toe-to-toe with some of adult country's best aspiring new artists. As winners of the Midwest Regional Title in the Colgate Country Showdown, Juliano and Grove beat out 50,000 adult country music acts and will play against four other adult acts for the national title of Best New Country Act at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, asserts an official release.

The songs they perform in that competition are different from the songs they perform for children as Little Nashville, but the sound is exactly the same.

The planning for Little Nashville's 2007 tour is well underway and includes venues across the Midwest and Southeast circuits with several popular street festivals in their home territory of Chicago. The team has gained a dedicated following throughout the Midwest, where authentic country music is in short supply.

Little Nashville began two years ago as a way for Juliano to better connect with his infant son, and he quickly realised how powerfully his music could relay and reinforce good morals in children.

Juliano says, "Having a child of my own and listening to the majority of the music out there made me want more. When my son was born I felt the need to create a concept that could have long-lasting effects on traditional family values."

The rhythms and melodies of Little Nashville's music - coupled with their emphasis on significant life lessons including racial diversity, sharing with others, learning the alphabet, and songs about acceptance - are truly responsible for the group's fast rise in popularity, adds the release.

Juliano added, "I take the musical aspect very seriously when composing songs. It's not computer-generated music. The production sounds very today and very radio-friendly. The music naturally appeals to grown-up country fans and really charms children of all ages."

Country fans can hear free clips of the group's CD on their web site, www.littlenashvillemusic.com.