Who's who in Brooklyn country

From March 5-7, Brooklyn goes country with the Brooklyn Winter Hoedown, shining a spotlight on the borough''s bustling country scene.

That annual event, now in its sixth year, is just one of many pulling from the wealth of local country bands. Here's the breakdown of some of the key players in the Brooklyn scene:

The man: Dock Oscar
Web site: www.kingscountyopry.com

Band: The Ambassadors of Love, a full pedal, old-syle string band

Main event: The Brooklyn Winter Hoedown, next up this March 5-7 at Superfine in DUMBO, featuring Greg Garing, The American String Conspiracy, The Ambassadors of Love, Alex Battles, and more

Why he does it: “I’m more of a bluegrassy person. I wanted to give a shout-out to the great bluegrass and old time fiddle bands.”

The man: Alex Battles

Web site: www.brooklyncountrymusic.com

Band: The Whiskey Rebellion, a country-folk music outfit

Main event: Brooklyn Country Music Festival (the sixth annual was at Southpaw in Park Slope last September, so look out for that this fall); also organizes the yearly Cash Bash, with the 78th birthday celebration happening this Friday, February 26 at Southpaw, featuring the Whiskey Rebellion and Sister & the Sisters (sold out - we warned you!).

Why he does it: “I’m always trying to find out who the new kids are, who the young guns are.”

The man: JD Duarte
Web site: www.brooklyncountry.com
Band: The Newtown Gang. Like their 1920s namesake, they're rooted firmly in the stealth-outlaw tradition

Main event: Brooklyn County Fair. A quarterly event, mark your calendars for the spring installment, March 21 at Spike Hill, featuring the Doc Marshalls, The Newtown Gang, and more
Why he does it: "I visit clubs locally and do my best to reach out for bands I have never heard before to get them involved with the festival and the Web site."