Nick Schneider was baling hay last year when he heard an interesting ad on the radio. He decided to take his guitar and some of his original songs and compete for the chance to be heard on national country music radio stations.For the second time, Schneider will head up to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds to compete in the WestPlex Star Live Music Competition Thursday, July 12. He hopes to take some of his Warren County fans with him.Schneider, 19, a 2017 Warrenton High School graduate, is now a sophomore at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He is majoring in ag systems management with a minor in economics and plant science. He is the son of Anita and Barry Schneider.He is working for LG Seeds as a summer intern.“I started playing guitar in seventh grade,” said Schneider. “I always liked to sing, but everything came together when I added the guitar.”The youngest of five children, Schneider got inspiration to play the guitar from his older brother Craig. His mother also likes to sing.Some of his first experiences performing occurred during FFA conventions, where he sang each of the four years attending. Students were required to send in a video and apply in order to compete.“Some of those videos got passed around,” said Schneider, explaining how his popularity grew locally. “I also have a big family and they support me.”Schneider said he is pursuing a career in agriculture, focusing on what he knows he can achieve.“It would be cool to make it big but not many people do,” said Schneider.Schneider will perform two of his original songs during the competition, “Get to Know You” and “College Night.” He would like to play local gigs in Columbia. Winning the competition would help to spread his music around.Schneider opened the Warren County Fair Queen Coronation with a flawless a capella version of the national anthem. He also performed in the Fair beer garden Sunday evening.The WestPlex Star Live Music Competition is sponsored by KFAV 99.9 FM and takes place on the Main Stage during the Lincoln County Fair.

Nick Schneider, 19, Warrenton, will compete in the WestPlex Star Live Music Competition Thursday, July 12, on the main stage at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Crowd participation is part of the judges’ decision. Schneider will perform original music, hoping for a chance to be heard on national country music radio stations. 

Record photo/Cindy Gladden