CHRISTMAS FOR many people evokes memories of crooner Bing Crosby or the Elvis Christmas Album. For all-female local country band the Shotgun She-Ras, however, it's all about the hoedown. Promising a 'country Christmas', the girls are pulling out all the stops - and all for a good cause. Joining them on stage will be musicians flying in from Britain, along with other local bands. 'The idea for the show came from Megan [Olinger, guitarist] who loves country Christmas tunes,' says bassist Claire Tallon. 'It seemed fitting to do a Christmas show because we're all Christmas crazy, and it's also something of an anniversary for us. It was at a Christmas party last year that we all met, so it feels nice to celebrate this anniversary together - it's been a great year.' A Geordie, an American, a localised Brit and a Canadian meeting at a party - it sounds like the start of a quintessential pub joke. But if the She-Ras are laughing, it's because they've always done things their way, and for their own reasons. 'The band started and was built around our friendship, where the enjoyment for us lies,' Olinger says. 'Learning our instruments and playing music together is just a great way to spend time together. We want to enjoy the moment and do things in a way that's fun. What's the point otherwise?' After just two low-key appearances before the summer, the She-Ras announced their debut headline act - and it promptly sold out. They last appeared at the Rockit Festival, charming the packed marquee tent with their Loretta Lynn-inspired ditties. For many festival-goers, they were the surprise package of the event and they are now receiving regular offers for shows and private functions. 'Personally, I think we've already been successful,' singer Sholan Tsang says. 'I never thought we'd even do one gig, nor did I want to. I think the fact that we did do it and have carried on doing even bigger things is pretty major. The most amazing thing about that is I'm actually enjoying it now. That's success isn't it? Doing something you never thought you'd do, people liking it, and enjoying it!' 'I'd say that country is a state of mind,' says Tallon. 'We are absolutely not trying to be ironic. We genuinely love this music and the storytelling style of country. 'For this Christmas gig, we thought it might be fun to do the show as a big country hoedown, as more people expressed an interest in playing with us. It should be a really collaborative effort, which is new and exciting for us and will give the songs a totally different sound.' One of the guests will be Marc Beatty, a member of British bands Brakes and The Tenderfoot. 'Country and Christmas go hand in hand in an odd sort of way,' says Beatty. 'I'm going to be playing lap-steel with them. It's sort of a simplified version of a pedal steel, which is a staple country instrument.' Brakes started as a collaboration between Beatty, Eamon Hamilton (of British Sea Power) and Electric Soft Parade's Alex and Tom White. Describing their sound as 'disco cow punk', the group's debut album, Give Blood, was released through Rough Trade Records in July. 'There's a lot on the horizon and next year is going to be very busy for us,' says Beatty. 'Our biggest goal? Top five single, bling bling.' Also joining the ensemble will be Patrick Alexander from The Young Playthings. 'We are a London-based rock'n'romance band that sounds like Bruce Springsteen arm-wrestling with Weezer and Pavement in the back of a sweaty, smoky bar,' says Alexander. Signed to Smalltown America Records, The Young Playthings' latest single, She's a Rebel, is released on December 20. 'Country for me is all about down-home good times, singing songs of love and loss with friends old and new,' says Alexander. 'I can think of no better time of year to be singing than at Christmas. It's a log cabin and a warm fire, the wind howling, and a pretty cowboy or cowgirl on your arm. Even in Hong Kong, give or take a log cabin or two. 'Claire [Tallon] is a good childhood friend of mine. She asked if I might add my little bit to the show. Having seen and heard so many good things about the She-Ras, I would have been a madman and a woe-begotten friend not to have accepted. I'll be playing the harmonica, doing a bit of bird-whistling, and wearing my country facial hair. 'I lived in Hong Kong from 1987 to 1998. I'm really looking forward to seeing how things are these days. By all accounts people have been working really hard in the live music scene, and things have come a long way in the past few years.' Entry to the show is free, although as it's the season of goodwill, the performers are encouraging patrons to contribute to a children's charity, Sunbeam Children's Foundation on the mainland. 'There will be no tickets or door charge, although we will have a donation box,' Tallon says. 'If people could give a contribution in lieu of their entry fee that would be great. 'The only thing we want to achieve with this show is having fun. We'd consider it successful if people came and liked it, and heard something they hadn't heard before. Maybe we can change a few minds about country music, and raise some money for a good cause while we're at it.' Country Christmas featuring the Shotgun She-Ras and guests, Sat, 10pm, Amnesia, 3/F Al-Aqmar House, 30 Hollywood Rd, Central, free. Inquiries: 9488 6950