Australia's Country Music Bulletin, News Archive, September 2006

NEWS ARCHIVES

SEPTEMBER 2006

DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2006

Gympie to get country music development centre

The Federal Government has announced Regional Partnerships program funding of $187,000 towards the establishment of a country music development centre at Gympie.

Making the announcement, local member Warren Truss said the funds would assist the Australian Institute of Country Music with the establishment of the Cooloola Region Australian Country Music Development Centre, including the employment of an Implementation Coordinator, Manager and administrative staff and with office equipment and instruction aids.

“This project will provide an integrated campus for the study, performance, manufacturing and commercialisation of Australian country music,” he said.

“The centre will establish Gympie and the Cooloola region as a centre for excellence in Australian country music training and performance and provide business and employment opportunities in the country music industry.”

It is understood the Apex Club of Gympie is contributing $150,000 to the project which is also being supported by the local Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE and Cooloola Shire Council.

Weblink – www.aicm.org.au.

Megan and Caillin win at Mildura

Megan Doherty (pictured) of Pakenham and Caillin Biggs of Mildura are the senior and junior winners, respectively, of the Top of the State Talent Quest conducted during the Mildura Country Music Festival at the weekend.

Megan took out the overall winner's prize to the delight of the large crowd in attendance at the presentation function on Sunday night.

Penelope Somerville of Fosterville won Victorian Champion of Champions, the Buttercup Showcase Invitation (at Tamworth 2007) and entry into the Norfolk Island Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year quest.

Kiera Smith of Merbein took out the Junior Champion title and Nicholas Laing of Wonthaggi won the College of Country Music scholarship.

Full details of talent quest winners can be found at the Festival website www.milduracountrymusic.com.au.

Australia’s largest independent country music festival is now in full swing building up to a big final weekend which includes the announcement of 2006 Southern Star winners (Australian Independent Country Music Awards).

The Festival runs for 10 days with more than 800 hours of free entertainment.

First run in 1987 under the auspices of the Mildura Centenary Committee chaired by Lloyd Beasy as part of the celebration of 100 years of Mildura Irrigation Colony, the Mildura Festival this year is the 20th to be staged.

One of the original artists at that Festival was Reg Poole who is appearing at this 20th anniversary event. At that first Festival, Reg was joined by local entertainers Ernie Heath, Ted Trevaskis, Bianca Hensgen, the Silver Dollar Saloon Band and the Pitt family.

Now, the annual Mildura Festival features more than 100 artists appearing at 24 separate venues, both indoor and outdoor, and this year's is on track to be the biggest ever, according to Co-ordinator John Arnold.

"A collection of the programs of the 20 years of the Festival are on display at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre," he said. "The Festival is also proud that in celebrating 20 years, its basic principles are continuing – free entry to venues, only independent artists performing and all performances in venues or areas that support local businesses.“

"Festival Radio, which is called "Classic Country" 92.3FM, has commenced broadcasting and is now in its 11th year of operation," John said. "This service provides valuable information and continually plays songs from artists attending the festival 24 Hours a day."

The Telstra Country Wide Southern Stars, now in their 10th year, will be staged this Saturday night at the Mildura Arts Centre Theatre and will be broadcast live on commercial radio via the Super Radio Network, community radio and, for the first time, will be webcast on Bigpond.

Further information on the Festival and Awards can be obtained from the website (see weblink above) or by contacting the Mildura Visitor Information Centre on 1800 039 043.

2006 Deadlys winners

Troy Cassar-Daley, Sharnee Fenwick (pictured), The Pigram Bros and Roger Knox are among the winners from the 2006 Deadly Awards announced from Sydney last week.

Sharnee won Most Promising New Talent in Music while Troy took out Music Artist of the Year and Single Release of the Year with Lonesome But Free.

The Pigrams won Album Release of the Year with Under The Mango Tree while Roger Knox was named winner of the Jimmy Little Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Music.

The Deadly Awards recognise excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, sport, entertainment, the arts and community achievement. Nominees and award winners are chosen by public vote. A record number of votes were received.

Weblink – www.deadlys.vibe.com.au.

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Clive Hodson exits ABC

In his weekly column at themusic.com.au this week, Christie Eliezer reports on the departure today of Clive Hodson as Head of ABC Music.

In an email received at his deadline, Christie said Clive, also a former Polygram and Universal executive, announced his departure from the organisation.

His position was made redundant and a new overall head of audio and video content would be announced.

Clive said he planned to take some time off after leaving the ABC.

And Tim arrives

Christie also reports that Tim Holland, ex The Music Network (TMN), has been named label manager at ABC Country, stepping into the shoes of Libby Bain who left the organisation last month.

His brief, which commences October 23, is to also find new acts to sign.

Christie reports that Tim will continue to write his country column for TMN.

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New festival for NSW Southern Highlands

Major NSW regional club Mittagong RSL has announced plans for the inaugural Southern Highlands Country Music Festival to be held in mid 2007, as well as the expansion of the club’s regular country music program.

The Southern Highlands is a major tourist centre located an hour's drive south of Sydney and close to the major cities of Wollongong and Canberra.

Mittagong RSL has already hosted major country names such as Adam Brand, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Anne Kirkpatrick, Sara Storer, John Williamson and The Wolverines as well as rising stars The Baileys and Alyece Simmonds.

In a meeting with prominent local country musicians, General Manager Craig Madsen affirmed the Club’s committment to country music by announcing plans for the mid-year festival over the June long weekend (8 to 11).

"Country music is hugely popular in the Southern Highlands and we want to showcase it more," Craig said. "People relate to the music."

Also announced at the meeting was the introduction of the Acoustic Country Showcase – an activity which initially will take place as a free show in the public area of the Club on the first Friday of each month.

"The plan is to build our audience base by bringing the rising stars of the industry to Mittagong," said Festival and Showcase organiser Steve Cheers of Cowpoke/Powerpoint Music, "showing our patrons how modern Australian country music has developed."

The meeting was also attended by Tim Wedde (Melinda Schneider's manager and also manager/keyboard player for the Golden Guitar winning, and now ARIA nominated The Flood) and Mick Manley (guitarist with Steve Forde & The Flange).

"There are some incredible singers and songwriters in the country scene these days," said Tim.

"Having lived in the Highlands for the past six years, I’d be really excited to see more of them perform at a great local venue like Mittagong RSL," added Mick. "Music has always been a big part of Southern Highlands people lives, and it will be spectacular to see live country music promoted in the area even more."

A programme for the festival is being drawn up with scheduling to be announced early in 2007. It is anticipated that as well as headline acts, the event will include an acoustic lounge, talent quest, walk-up stage, woodchopping championship, bush poets and balladeers breakfasts, songwriting and performance workshops, and more.

Inquiries for the both the Southern Highands Country Music Festival and Acoustic Country Showcase should be directed to Steve at info@cowpoke.com.au or info@powerpointmusic.com.au.

Photo (from left) Craig Madsen, Tim Wedde, Steve Cheers and Michael Manley.

Natalie features in "Country Weekly"

Natalie Howard is the featured artist in the "Who's New" section of the September 25 issue of America's "Country Weekly" magazine.

"Country Weekly" is the world's number one selling country music and entertainment magazine.

Natalie's article talks about her new single – You Never Knew Me – on the US airwaves, and an Australian top 20 hit and her second number one video clip on the Country Music Channel (CMC) Countdown.

Interviewed by the magazine's Chris Neal, Natalie talks about how country music was introduced to her through her father's record collection, overcoming her shyness to sing, how she first got to Nashville through a Regional Arts Development Fund grant, her childhood idol Olivia Newton-John and how Keith Urban is her role model for making the move over to Nashville.

Natalie's current Australian single – I Can't – which won her the Musicoz Award for CMC's Best Country Artist, has been released to radio through NfS 107.

Weblink – www.nataliehoward.net.

New single from Paul

Jindabyne Fair is one of two new Paul Kelly songs written for the soundtrack of the acclaimed new Australian film "Jindabyne" (directed by Ray Lawrence whose last film was the 2001 smash hit "Lantana").

The song is at radio now and features The Stormwater Boys, with whom Paul Kelly recorded last year’s award winning Foggy Highway album, and the voice of newcomer Katie Brianna.

To be asked to sing this track was, some would say, inspired by fate and good fortune. Paul Kelly explains...

"The first character we see in the movie, Jindabyne, is an aspiring country songwriter. In the opening scene she is singing along to a recording of one of her songs as she drives. Part of my job doing the score for the movie was to write the song.

"As the actress in the movie, Tatea Reilly didn't sing... I needed a young singer around the same age to record the song. I asked around and Bill Chambers recommended Katie. He then sent me a recording of some of her songs that he'd produced.

"She was perfect so I rang her up and asked her down to Rod McCormack's studio where I was recording with the Stormwater Boys. We nutted the song out in a couple of hours and she nailed it straight away – a beautiful voice and great instinctive phrasing."

Paul, who is one of Australia’s best known singer/songwriters, has a connection with the film that can be traced back to 1989 when he wrote Everything’s Turning To White and released an album – So Much Water So Close To Home – both of which were inspired by the same Raymond Carver story on which "Jindabyne" is based.

The soundtrack for "Jindabyne" has also been nominated in the Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album category for this year’s ARIA Awards.

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Keith up for another award!

Keith Urban is up for another award in America, Favourite Male Country Artist in the 2006 American Music Awards.

Keith is nominated in the category alongside Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith.

Mariah Carey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Eyed Peas and Nickelback lead the Awards nominations with three each.

Winners will be announced during the live telecast November 21 on ABC.

Weblink – abc.go.com/specials/ama.html.

WAM Songs of the Year

Finalists for 2006 WAM (Western Australian Music) Songs of the Year have been announced.

This year, judges have nominated 86 songs from a record 1,800 entries.

Among this year’s nominees are Lucky Oceans and Abbe Fuzz, who both received nominations in the Blues and Roots Category. Lucky also received a Jazz nomination.

There were a record number of regional entries this year and the nominees include 2004 grand prize winner Lauren Brede.

Country finalists are Haley Mason with That Girl, Polly Medlen (Kylie) with Live On Love, Andrew Powell & Grant Ferstat with Town Hall, Dale Scollay with Dancin Floor and Ronni Rae Rivers and Mark Donohoe with Janine (Of The Stars).

Regional Song of the Year finalists are Lauren Brede with Look Where We Are Now, Xavier Brown with Call Of The Wild, Roger Corbett & Kate Linke with No Biscuits In The Tin, Lindsay Hamminga with About You and Jason Norris with I'm Australian,

The Pigram Brothers (Naomi Panaia, Michael Pigram, Eddo Hine, Marcel Wynne, Bart Pigram, Lloyd Pigram and Aaron Panaia) are also finalists in the Indigenous category with Down to the Ocean.

A full list of all nominees is available at wam.asn.au.

Winners will be announced at the WAM Song of the Year 06 presentation ceremony on Thursday October 19 in Fremantle.

Nymagee Outback Music Festival 2006

The 2006 Nymagee Outback Music Festival kicks off with the Outback Ball on Friday October 6 and runs for the following three days.

Nymagee, a few hours west of Parkes and Dubbo in NSW is described as "an extravaganza of non-stop concerts over four stages, hands on arts workshops including fire art and twirling, stonework, painting, patchwork, songwriting, theatre sports, percussion, a busking zone, an antique engine display and country culture on the whole".

This year's Festival highlights include appearances from a range of Australian and international acts including multi Golden Guitar winners Rex Dallas and Sara Storer, Johanna Kemp, the Re-mains and Jackie Marshall. A total of 20 bands will appear.

Weblink – www.geocities.com/nymageefestival.

New CD for Simply Bushed

Simply Bushed will launch their new CD – Beat’n Round the Bush – at the Campbelltown (NSW) RSL this Sunday (October 1).

The event is "free admission" with Tony Martin "doing a set to warm things up," according to band spokesman Paul Grierson. "We will be playing two sets including most of the newies."

The CD will be available for sale, "and we have a couple of little giveaways with every CD sold on the day," Paul said.

The first single from the CD – Cangai Bridge – will be released on October 27 through on NfS network 109, and the band will be recording its first film clip following Tamworth next year.

"All of our Tamworth friends need not worry," Paul said, "as we will be holding another launch in Tamworth during the Festival and all of our festival mates will be welcome there."

Weblink – www.simplybushed.com.au.

Lions seek nominations for award

The Country Music Capital based Peel Valley Lions Club is looking out again for someone special to receive recognition for the work they do for others via country music.

The 14th annual Peel Valley Lions Club Australian Country Music Service Award will be presented during the 2007 Tamworth Country Music Festival. The Award honours a country music personality – either an entertainer or someone behind the scenes – who has used that involvement to give community service in a voluntary capacity.

Mike Mooney, President of Peel Valley Lions, announced that there were no restrictions on the type of community service work a nominated person undertook.

"It could be as simple as entertaining the older members of the community or a major fundraising effort involving country music," Mike said.

"The call for nominations is by no means restricted to Lions Club members but should be submitted through your local Lions Club." Nominations must be made in writing to the Peel Valley Lions Club by December 15, 2006, and can be sent to The Secretary, Peel Valley Lions Club, PO Box 957 TAMWORTH NSW 2340.

The next recipient will be named at a major event during next year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival in January and he or she will receive a special trophy crafted by well-known artist Fred Hillier plus a $500 cash amount to be donated to a charity of the award recipient’s choice.

A judging panel of counrty music identities and Peel Valley Lions, under the chairmanship of country music broadcaster Nick Erby, will select the winner.

Previous recipients have been... Bruce Moser, Vic (1994); the late Rocky Page (pictured), SA (1995); Olive Bice, Vic (1996); Lorraine Pfitzner, NSW (1997); Carol Lockhart, NSW (1998); Desree-Ilona Crawford (1999); Merle & Graeme Gillis, Vic (2000); Shirley Llewellyn, NSW (2001); Bob Gray, NSW (2002); Peter Sheahan, Vic, (2003), Peg & Ivan Spann, Qld (2004); Johnny Doyle, Vic (2005) and Noel Smith, SA (2006).

Enquiries can be directed to Terry Hill on (02) 6765 6042 or Peter Scorgie on (02) 6766 4234.

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AMA raises $10,000 for Support Act

The Australian Music Association (AMA) raised almost $10,000 by donations for Support Act – the musicians' benevolent fund – at the Association's Gala Awards Dinner held during AMAC on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

At the dinner, Brendan Callinan, ex keyboard player in The Radiators and now head of sales and marketing at Roland Corporation Australia, joined with Lindy Morrison, ex drummer in The Go Betweens and now case worker with Support Act, to announce a new partnership between the AMA and Support Act.

Support Act will now provide their services to participants and ex-participants in the music products industry when they are in need or suffering hardship.

The AMA kicked off the round of donations with a dollar for every diner – $600.

Roland matched that with double... $1,200; CMI Music & Audio pledged $600; Rode Microphones pledged $600; Hal Leonard Australia pledged $600; TL Audio Australia pledged $600; MusicLink pledged $2,000; and Billy Hyde's pledged $1,000.

"Many attendees at the dinner filled envelopes with everything from folding stuff to the change in their pockets," said an AMA spokesman. "And every cent counts for this great and needy cause.

"Enormous thanks to everyone who donated no matter how large or small your contribution."

More about how the AMA and Support Act will work together will be announced in the coming months.

Weblinks – www.australianmusic.asn.au, www.supportact.com.au.

Chart update – Adam holds on to the top spot

Adam Brand retains the number one spot this week on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart with Open Ended Heartache just holding back Kasey Chambers new hit Nothing At All which rises to number two.

Carter & Carter (pictured) jump two more places to number three with Ride, Lee Forster is steady again at number four with A Fire In The Bar while George Strait's former number one Seashores Of Old Mexico drops to five.

The McClymonts rise one place to number six with Something That My Heart Does, as does Donna Boyd with A Good Day rising to seven and Canada's The Road Hammers to eight with East Bound And Down.

Catherine Britt's Swingin' Door enters the top 10 at number nine while Anne Kirkpatrick's Drive Away falls to number 10.

Bullet performers this week include Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World (20 to 15), SweeneyKilleen with Along For The Ride (19 to 16), Graeme Connors' On A Roll (24 to 20), Travis Sinclair's The Boy In The Aerodyne (25 to 21) and Lee Kernaghan's Listen To The Radio (29 to 25).

New entries to the chart this week include Luke O'Shea & Medicine Wheel with Making Memories (in at 30).

The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.

CMC Top 50 – Sunny Cowgirls at number one

The Sunny Cowgirls hit the top of the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist this week with their clip of Six Pack Short.

Paul Brandt rises to number two with Convoy, Lee Kernaghan edges up two places to three with Listen To The Radio while Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World, number one from last week, falls to number four and Travis Collins' Full Tank is at number 10.

Bullet performers this week include Matt Scullion with Hard Earned Money (19 to 13), Sally-Anne Whitten with On The Inside (new at 43) and The Yeehaa Boys with Can Ya Feel It (new at 45).

Other new entries this week include Karl Broadie with Black Crow Calling (in at 49).

-I -N -T -E -R -N -A -T -I -O -N -A -L--•--U -P -D -A -T -E -

Punk rocker goes country

UK punk rock band Funeral For A Friend frontman Matt Davies will release a country music album next year.

Davies has thrown himself into the project he has dubbed "The Secret Show" and will be aided by a five-piece band comprising of old school friends from his home town in Wales.

The singer says: ''I grew up on country music. It was a big part of my youth, but then I got into punk and hardcore and forgot about it for a long time. Then about two years ago I rediscovered it.

''Strangely enough, singing this kind of music feels more natural than the stuff I do with Funeral. It's more personal – they're mainly love songs.

"I'm getting married next month, so I suppose the songs are inspired by that feeling of finally settling down, having the things in my life I always wanted.''

Rascal Flatts donation

Rascal Flatts donated $817,000 to the Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt during a concert on Friday night (September 22) in Nashville.

The donation represents the proceeds from the sold-out show at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, making it the largest fundraising event ever for the hospital and broke their own donation of $600,000 last year.

Rascal Flatts visited the hospital on September 12 and played a short acoustic set for about 35 children and their families before visiting the rooms of children who could not attend.

– CMT.com

Brean Festival

Thousands of country music fans are preparing to gather in Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea, in England for this year's 10-day Brean Country Music Festival.

The 2006 event takes place between tomorrow (September 28) and Saturday October 7 and is expected to attract large crowds of "stetson-wearing" country fans from across the UK.

This year's event is set to be as popular as ever, say organisers, with more than 50 music events planned for pubs and clubs across the resort. Burnham-On-Sea.com has compiled a guide to the festival's highlights.

Artists appearing include The John Douglas Band, Switchback, Steve Wilson, Dean Austin, Stateside, Ryder & James, Natalie Diamond Duo, Rick Storm, Garry Leonard, Jim Worton, John Permenter & Little Rock, Southern Edge, Hayden and many more.

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DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2006

Mildura Festival underway this Friday

One of Australia's biggest country music festivals, the giant Mildura Country Music Festival, kicks off this Friday.

The event, also known as Australia's largest independent country music festival, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and runs for 10 days through to and including Sunday, October 1.

Major event of the Festival will be the 10th annual staging of the Telstra Southern Stars, the Australian Independent Country Music Awards on Saturday night, September 30.

More than 100 artists will appear during the Festival at 24 separate venues making it the biggest Mildura Festival ever.

The popular open-air venue at Henderson Park will again have performances for nine days of the Festival and Country on the Darling at Wentworth continues as a feature of the Festival.

There will be increased shows at many venues and a new daytime Walk Up hosted by Ian Muir will be introduced at the recently renovated and popular venue, the Merbein Citizens Club.

"We have 11 new artists at this year's Festival," said Co-ordinator John Arnold, "and things are shaping up extremely well. The great co-operation from Tourism Victoria, Mildura Rural City and Wentworth Shire Councils, our sponsors, the accommodation industry and venues are vital factors in making the Festival such an ongoing success."

The artist roster includes Connie Kis Andersen, Owen Blundell, Billy Bridge, Carter & Carter, Darren Colston, Paul Costa, Tracy Coster, Tom Curtain, Laura Downing, Craig Giles, Terry Gordon, Sandra Humphries, Jetty Road, Keith Jamieson, Rebecca Lee Nye, Amos Morris, Julie Perandes, Dean Perrett, Alby Pool, Reg Poole, Peter Pratt, Graham Rodger, Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French, John Stephan, Alex Watt, Jeanette Wormald and many, many more.

Talent quests, theme nights, special activities and much more makes up the annual Mildura Festival.

Further information, including Festival program, can be obtained from the Festival website www.milduracountrymusic.com.au.

Accommodation and telephone enquiries can be directed to the Mildura Visitor Information Centre 1800 039 043.

Photo: a selection of the artists appearing at Mildura 06 (clockwise from top left): Darren Colston, Camille & Stuie, John Stephan, Carter & Carter, Tracy Coster.

John to sing for Steve

John Williamson will perform at Steve Irwin's memorial service at Australia Zoo today (Wednesday September 20).

"I am deeply honoured to be asked to perform at Steve’s memorial service," John said. "Steve’s heart and soul was at the zoo and it is a most appropriate place to celebrate his life.

"Steve was a proud Aussie who spruiked the wonders of our ancient land with infectious enthusiasm, who stood his ground on every occasion to protect not only the fauna of the world but his Australianness.

"At the moment I am talking to Terri about Steve’s three favourite songs she would like me to sing and one will definitely be True Blue. Steve was the 'real deal' – a good bloke and certainly 'True Blue'."

John's letter to "True Blues" follows...

I was in the outback town of Meekatharra, in WA, when a hole was blown in my heart. A real Aussie had just been stabbed in the chest by a stingray, and died. No! Not Steve Irwin. It couldn’t be. Why him; a loud and proud Aussie who spruiked the wonders of our ancient land with infectious enthusiasm; who stood his ground on every occasion to protect not only the fauna of the world but his Australianness.

He was the "real deal". He didn’t put it on. He was the same off camera. I would say perhaps more humble face to face. He had an alarming innocence. We had a lot in common, that is, both being inspired by our natural heritage. And, I was thrilled to learn that my CDs were on the top of his collection.

The only two Australia Days he put on a show in his new little stadium at Australia Zoo I was there. We shared our mutual admiration with 5,000 people. And I loved the connection we made.

It was after the last show I observed his almost overpowering love for his wife, Terri, and his special kids, Bindi and Bob. Little Bob, who had grown into a nuggety little miniature of his dad showed me his new ukelele. As usual, in that situation, I tuned it up and showed him how to play a little, old song called On My Ukelele. So I struck up a chord and began singing "On my ukelele, I keep ….hey!" Little Bob had grabbed back his little instrument and said, "It’s MY ukelele!" From then on he was a little wary of me. Perhaps even competitive, because when Steve handed me a carpet snake little Bob grabbed it as well. "Beauty!" cried Steve, "that’s the first time Bob has handled a snake." I’ll remind Bob of that one day. I’m sure he’ll be another Steve, I hope so.

Already, there have been many emails to me suggesting I dedicate a song to Steve. Well, I promise that it will happen. I’ve already started it, in fact. It will be called Sad Day in Meeka.

Back in Meekatharra the terrible news of Steve’s death was rapidly spreading through the little town. One bloke said his little boy immediately started crying with disbelief. The news flash had reached us while we were setting up the backdrop and sound equipment for my show. "How am I going to cope," I was thinking, "I can’t cancel". The small audience, I was told, were stoked at us being there. And, of course, we had come a bloody long way. Then it was suggested by Phil, my Manager, and Megan, from the Town Council, to fling open the doors, and put on a free show for anyone who wanted to come. Call it "a Memorial to the Crocodile Hunter". It was a perfect idea. I knew then I could get away with my sad, sentimental mood. And I could share with my audience an admiration for Steve.

Well, they all came, local aborigines included. And that gave me a chance to tell them that Steve had a great respect for them as well. Rip Rip Woodchip, Salisbury Street, Flower On The Water and, of course, True Blue all became songs for my mate that night.

I am an Ambassador for Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors campaign. A fully equipped veterinary hospital has been established there by Steve and Terri. It employs veterinary surgeons, etc, to care for diseased and injured wildlife. It’s the only one of its kind that doesn’t rely on just volunteers. I will remain a big supporter.

Finally, I leave you with "long live" Steve Irwin’s legacy and by CRIKEY he was a good bloke.

– John Williamson

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Lee joins nominees for CMAA Board election

Lee Kernaghan has decided to run for election to the Board of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) supporting nominations from a group of "like-minded" people he believes would bring considerable weight to the Board.

The group comprises three times Golden Guitar winning artist Deniese Morrison, advertising and marketing guru Ray Heckendorf, leading country music broadcaster Nick Erby and one of Australia’s leading country talent booking agents Marius Els (who is standing for Treasurer).

"Since its formation in 1992," Lee said, "the CMAA has played a vital role in the promotion and development of Australian country music. Its many successes include the establishment of the College of Country Music and the promotion and staging of the Country Music Awards of Australia."

With the larger than normal positions vacant on the Board at this election, Lee said he was very happy to be part of such a strong field of candidates.

"The CMAA has two distinct functions – it is a member based organisation offering a range of services to the membership – and it’s also our peak industry body, charged with the development and promotion of Australian country music.

"The five of us would like to be part of a drive to take both functions of the CMAA forward to a new level," he said.

Lee said he was particularly pleased with the strong support the group had received from a broad cross section of the industry. "We acknowledge that the membership wants a higher level of artist representation and a greater say in the decision making process – Deniese and I hope to serve in that capacity.

"Deniese’s special interest is career development for emerging artists. Ray Heckendorf is one of Australia’s most highly regarded advertising and marketing men whose expertise would be of enormous benefit to our industry. Nick’s vast knowledge of country music and media expertise will be of great benefit to the Association particularly in the area of media expansion."

When candidates were announced, Nick Erby decided to withdraw from the election of Treasurer in favour of Marius Els, CEO of Artist Network Australia. "Marius has a wonderful understanding of what makes Ccountry music tick, and how to build audiences for concerts in all parts of Australia," Nick said. "His passion for our culture and his business skills make him an outstanding choice for Treasurer of the CMAA."

Marius said: "I feel very enthusiastic about the future of our industry and the calibre of our Australian artists. I believe my diverse experience over many years would bring a valuable dynamic to the Country Music Association of Australia."

Lee points out that he and his fellow nominees are a group of like-minded individuals who wish to offer the membership an opportunity "to bring our combined areas of industry experience to the Board.

"If elected, we will work with the Board to serve all the members of the CMAA. We will ensure the voice of the membership remains vital in the decision making process and together we will strive to advance our industry to new heights."

In addition to Marius, Clive Hodson, Head of ABC Music, is also standing for the position of Treasurer which has been filled over recent time by Association Chairman Rod Laing.

Other nominees for the four Board positions up for grabs are singer, songwriter, musician and entertainer Doug Ashdown, music industry manager Peter "Skip" Beaumont-Edmonds, One Stop Entertainment Manager Will Heine and Compass Brothers Records Founder Graham Thompson. Clive Hodson is also a candidate for the Board should he not be elected to the Treasurer's position.

Bush Laureate nominations invited

Nominations are now being called for the 2007 Australian Bush Laureate Awards to be presented in Tamworth, Country Music Capital,on Tuesday January 23.

There are six categories in the Awards, four judged, one voted and one determined by the organisers from nominations received.

The four judged categories are Book of the Year, Original Verse Book of the Year, Album of the Year and Single Recorded Performance of the Year.

The voted category is being introduced this year and is for Bush Poetry Performer of the Year.

Voting can be done online at www.bushlaureate.com.au, or a voting form can be requested from the organisers (these are also being circulated to get as many people involved in the voting as possible.

The final category is the Judith Hosier Heritage Award (named after the Awards founder) and is presented for services to bush poetry.

Objectives of the Australian Bush Laureate Awards are to recognise excellence in Australian bush verse and to encourage and promote the publishing, recording and performing of traditional Australian rhymed verse.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the website, or requested by telephoning 02 6762 2993.

Nominations close on Friday, October 13.

Finalists in the Awards are released in December with winners announced at the gala presentation concert in the famous Tamworth Town Hall during the January country music festival.

Keith to perform at ARIAs (and names new album)

Country star Keith Urban is among the fist artists to be announced as performers at this year's ARIA (Australian Recording Industy Association) Awards to be held in Sydney on Sunday October 29.

Keith joins Wolfmother, Eskimo Joe and The Veronicas as the first artists to be announced for the Awards.

ARIA Awards producers have also confirmed that a collective of Australian and international talent will present the 2006 ARIA Awards, rather than the customary solo host format.

This format, which was adopted successfully for the 2005 event, will see a multitude of presenters lend their personality, style and musical expertise to the event which goes to air nationally on Network Ten from 7.30pm on Awards night.

The first of several co-anchors to be announced is Australian Idol and Channel [V]’s James Mathison.

Weblink – www.ariaawards.com.au.

Meanwhile, Keith has announced the name for his fourth studio album – Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing.

The album is slated for release on November 7 in America and expected in Australia not long after.

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Travis' hat goes for a grand!

A Travis Sinclair hat has raised $1,000 for a trucking memorial when it went to auction in Gatton, Queensland, last week.

Travis auctioned the hat to raise money for the Lights On The Hill truck and coach drivers memorial at Gatton. He performed at Gatton High School after giving the kids an anti-drugs talk.

A patron for the Lights On The Hill memorial, Travis and his family have been involved in trucking for more than 70 years.

The Lights On Thr Hill memorial will be dedicated to those people from the Australian trucking community that have lost their lives over the years, be it from a trucking-related incident or not.

Weblinks – www.lightsonthehill.com, www.travissinclair.com.

It will be one of three such memorials, the other two are already established in NSW at Tamworth and Gundagai.

Drew to attend officers' ball

Drew McAlister has been officially invited to attend the prestigious Armed Services Officers' Ball this weekend.

The invitation was extended by the Forces Advisory Council on Entertainment (FACE), the organisation responsible for identifying and securing suitable artists to entertain Australian forces all around the world.

Drew has traveled overseas on two occasions for FACE to entertain our troops, the first in 2004, his second in 2005.

"It’s an honour to be invited to attend the Officers Ball," Drew said "I am looking forward to catching up with some of the great people I met on my travels to the Middle East."

Joining Drew at the Officers' Ball being held in Canberra this Saturday (September 23) will be Little Pattie, Angry Anderson and Bessie Bardot.

Drew's latest single – Broken Angels – is at radio now.

New album for the Bennetts

Hot on the heels of their Open Ballad win last week in the Tasmanian & New Zealand Songwriting Awards, Terry & Jenny Bennetts have announced the release of a new album.

The Latest Good Old Days is the title of the new release which follows last year's highly acclaimed debut album The Soldier With His Banjo.

Terry plays guitar and mandolin and produced the album which features a lineup of Western Australian (their home state) session musicians... Ian Simpson on banjo in an instrumental with Terry, Lucky Oceans on pedal steel accordion and slide dobro, Mark Donohoe on bass, Eric Kowarski on fiddle, Dave Clark on harmonica and fiddle, Ric Whittle on drums, Sophie Walker on cello and Eunice Hicks on fiddle.

The title track from the duo's 2005 debut album stormed into major music awards and national songwriting honours. Four out of the eight songs on the album either won awards or were finalists including for a Golden Guitar in January

It February, Jenny won the Female Vocal award at the Bungendore Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards with her version of the Slim Dusty hit Camooweal.

And a debut for Kristy

Two-time Toyota Star Maker finalist and 2002 Nescafe Big Break Winner, 21 year old Kristy Cox, has released her debut album, From My Eyes.

The album, with nine of the 11 tracks co-written by Kristy, was recorded in Melbourne and produced by Hugh MacDonald in his studio.

The first single from the album will be released to radio in December.

Kristy is currently taking bookings and applying for festivals around Australia to promote her new album including Tamworth 2007.

Weblinks – www.kristycox.com, www.myspace.com/kristycox.

New single for Peter

Peter Denahy has released a new single titled Frankie, a part true/part fiction about Frank Shadforth, owner of the Seven Emu "up in the Gulf".

And the single has already begun to receive support at radio with adds on the CMR Network (Country Music Radio), Local FM Regional WA, HotFM Mildura, 88.6FM Whittlesea, FM98.5 Shepparton and 97.1FM SpectrumFM.

Peter’s current, self-titled album, is released through ACMEC Records.

Weblinks – www.peterdenahy.com, www.acmecrecords.com.

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And Jeanette

Jeanette Wormald has released a new single to Australian radio, the title track of her album Opal Blue.

This follows "a phenomenal six months" for the South Australian based artist since the release of the album in April.

The album's first single, Boundary Rider's Daughter, broke into the coveted top five ranking in the Country Music Tracks national Top 30, reaching number four and charting for 16 weeks.

Jeanette has been named a finalist in the Australian Country Music Achiever Awards for Independent Artist of the Year, is a finalist in the Australian Country Recording Awards for Best Female Album and was also a finalist in the SA Folk Awards for Most Outstanding Vocalist and Most Outstanding Album.

The album Opal Blue was also in the top five of the Tasmanian & New Zealand Songwriting Awards for Album of the Year.

Jeanette has just returned from two successful tours through SA and NSW.

The new single, which is track four on NfS Publicity Radio Sampler number 108, is a very Australian take on the bluegrass style, a spokesman for the singer said.

"Once again it showcases not only Jeanette's crystal clear voice but her strength as a story-teller.

"The track also features a blistering guitar solo from producer Michael Cristian."

"The crowd response to Opal Blue when I do it live has been fantastic," Jeanette said. "People love the infectious beat and melody and the energy in the song. It is quite a contrast to Boundary Rider's Daughter which was a real ballad."

Jeanette said she is looking forward to performing the new single at the Mildura Country Music Festival which begins this Friday.

"Singing and playing music is pure joy for me. To be able to perform live with great musicians and then feel the appreciation of the audience is the closest thing to heaven.

"I am just so grateful that this album, which was such a joyful journey for me, has met with such a great response from radio, industry and fans since its release," she said. "I couldn't ask for anything more."

Weblink – www.jeanettewormald.com.

Ann-Marita to represent Australian country at Berlin Popkomm

Australian-based country rocker Ann-Marita has been selected as one out of only four artists worldwide to be sponsored by Sonicbids and Popkomm to travel to Berlin, Germany, and perform a showcase at this year's Popkomm Festival.

Popkomm is the international business platform for music and entertainment that attracts about 15,000 trade visitors and some 800 exhibitors from all over the world every year.

This year, there will be more than 400 musical acts from 26 countries performing on four nights from tonight. Ann-Marita is scheduled to perform on International Country Night at the Gruener Salon this Friday (September 22).

"I was in the middle of recording my new album when I got the news about Popkomm," Ann-Marita said. "I was blown away; it's such an amazing opportunity, I just couldn't pass it up! The album will still get finished when I get back to Australia."

Ann-Marita will be publishing tour blogs while in Germany, at www.myspace.com/annmarita or her official site www.annmarita.com.

New Tamworth Festival logo unveiled

Tamworth Regional Council, in conjunction with Tourism Tamworth and Telstra, unveiled a new logo (pictured) for the Tamworth Country Music Festival last week.

The new logo reflects the recent new brand adopted by the Council "drawing on the sense of community 'ownership' for the Festival and giving it back its own identity," according to Council.

As previously announced, Telstra has altered its contribution to the annual country music festival in January which Council will now be promoting as the Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra.

"And the new logo echoes this position," Council said.

"After several years as the naming rights sponsor of this significant event, Telstra has assisted in giving the Festival back to the Tamworth community."

Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council James Treloar was the first to say “this name change does not by any means diminish the contribution, support or presence Telstra has at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Telstra is very much a key player in our event and what they have added to the Festival over the years has allowed it to grow. We look forward to a relationship of continued strength and success with our major sponsor."

The Festival logo was launched officially by James and the reigning Queen and Princess of Country Music Kasey McCulloch and Emma Skey with a number of industry representatives also present.

In 2007, the Festival, listed as one of the top 10 music festivals in the world, will celebrate its official 35th anniversary.

"The Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra is a unique event involving everyone in the local community," said Rebel Thomson, General Manager of Tourism Tamworth. "By giving the Festival back to the people of Tamworth, it allows the community to feel like they are a greater part of the Festival."

First Grabine Festival to run

The inaugural Grabine (Lakeside State Park, NSW) Country Music Festival will run from November 24 to 26 with a Friday night talent quest, a major concert on the Saturday evening and a Sunday morning "recovery".

Major prize for the talent quest is $500 cash and the opportunity to perform in the next day's major concert alongside stars including Paul Costa, Steve Forde & The Flange and Lee Forster.

Supporting these acts will be well known local band Brittle Jack, together with Shea Fisher and Brianna Lee.

Proceeds from fund-raising at the festival will go towards a much needed defibrilator heart start machine for the Park.

For golf lovers, Saturday will also see the running of the annual Legacy Charity Shield hosted by the Bigga Golf Club about 22 kms from Grabine Park.

The Sunday morning "Recovery Breakfast" will include entertainment provided by Peter Pratt.

Further information and tickets can be obtained from Grabine Lakeside State Park, Wyangala Waters State Park, Nicholson’s Farm Machinery at Crookwell and the Imperial Hotel at Cowra and also by phone from the Grabine Lakeside State Park Office on 02 4835 2345.

Grabine Lakeside State Park is on the banks of Wyangala Dam at the junctions of the Lachlan and Abercrombie Rivers, 80 kms from Crookwell and 100 kms from Cowra.

Spots for the Friday night talent quest will be limited and can be made with Dave Page on 0419 137 761 or by email (jackemmy@aapt.net.au).

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Queensland writers sign with AIM

Queensland entertainer, recording artist and Hervey Bay writer Keri McInerney has signed a major publishing deal with Aussie Independent Music (AIM).

Publisher Rhonda Sinclair of AIM met with Keri at Tamworth's Hats Off festival in July to discuss contracts and potential international markets for her collective work through sub-publishers Pegasus Music. Pegasus has affiliates in the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA including Nashville based Acme Music Group.

"Keri is extremely multi-talented," said Rhonda. "Most of all she is an appealing entertainer and a very good songwriter with universal talent. She's an established artist who has performed with and supported many country and mainstream Australian acts."

Keri has seven Australian hit singles to her credit including two national top 10s, one top five hit single and a host of co-written songs with diverse writers.

"Keri's creative ability and her motivation are foremost her greatest assets," said Rhonda. "I have always been impressed by Keri's songs.

"Whilst Aussie has concentrated predominately on traditional and contemporary country writers, the signing of Steve Tebbett and two Brisbane based writers, international guitarist Ross Williams and well known producer Tony Byrne, opens other perspectives for the publishing company.

"Their writer appeal is an important transgression Aussie is prepared to undertake," Rhonda said. "It fits to some extent with a long term projection of all music genres.

"Aussie is extremely pleased to have writers like Ross Williams who co-wrote the Keri McInerney/Michael O'Rourke hit single Exactly How I Feel on board as well as Tony Byrne and Hervey Bay writers Keri, Bob Carlson, Gary Witt and Mark Nuske on the team.

"It's obvious there's a great team mentality already and Aussie hopes to extend that."

SNC still rating strong

In the latest Australian radio listenership survey, the ABC's Saturday Night Country has continued to rate well.

Survey 6 reveals how strong the show is particularly in Melbourne and Adelaide.

Results of a Midnight to Dawn survey which covers the second half of Saturday night Country also reveals the strength of the show and the support for country music in the cities.

The pre midnight figures...

Adelaide – 14.0 percent

Brisbane – 9.1 percent

Melbourne – 14.1 percent

Perth – 5.9 percent

Sydney – 7.3 percent.

The post midnight figures...

Adelaide – 11.7 percent

Brisbane – 5.1 percent

Melbourne – 13.4 percent

Perth – (n/a as all of SNC goes to air there prior to midnight)

Sydney – 12.1 percent.

West Moreton CMA makes history

History will be made in November when the West Moreton Country Music Association not only celebrates its 40th anniversary but also releases a CD written, performed, recorded and produced by Association members themselves.

The CD, while it was a long time in the making, is a brilliant example of the talented people who are members of this club, according to President Earle Townsley.

"The idea was mooted about three years ago with a view to releasing the album to coincide with our 40 years as a club," he said.

The album is believed to be a first for country music associations if not in Australia then certainly in South east Queensland.

"We certainly believe that this is a first in Australia, but would be happy for other clubs to prove us wrong," Earle said. "Even so, we are proud of our effort and hope that local country music enthusiasts will purchase a copy as a memento of our 40th birthday."

A gala dinner and album launch will take place at the Ipswich Showgrounds on Friday November 17 with all members and friends past and present are welcome to attend.

"Memorabilia and photos will be on hand to bring back memories of 40 years of country," Earle said.

"We are hoping that as many past members as possible will be able to come along on the night, but we need to know in advance for catering purposes."

Bookings can be made with Judy Townsley on 07 3201 6404. Cost is $20 which includes three course meal and CD launch along with four hours of country music. Copies of the album will also be on sale on the night.

Rob Walker elected President of AMA

Rob Walker from Allans Music Group has been voted in as President of the Australian Music Association (AMA).

The Association held its annual meeting earlier this month to elect its Executive Committee for 2006/07 which then elected the Association's officer bearers.

Vice President is David Bell of Jands and Treasurer, Bernie Capicchiano of Musico.

Other members of the Executive Committee are Mark Amory from Yamaha Music Australia, Carole Brandman from Engadine Music, Brendan Callinan from Roland Corporation Australia, Dom Disisto from Holden Hill Music, David Green from T L Audio Australia, Rob Henneman from MusicLink, Graham Hoskins from Concept Music, Anthony Ruggeri, Music Centre Gosford and David Wilson from Alfred Publishing.

Thanks were extended to retiring committee members Sandra Lindsay of Muso’s Corner and Daryl Miller of Sydney Guitar Trader.

Going full circle, Rob Walker has gone from being the AMA’s Executive Officer from 1991-2000 to being its president in 2006/7. Rob has a distinguished career in the music products industry. In addition to his years with the AMA, he has organised more than 30 trade shows and public events for the music, audio and entertainment industries, led the establishment of "Australian Musician" magazine and was Executive Director of the Australian Music Retailers Association from 1995-2001.

Between 2001 and 2004, his focus went international with his appointment as Director of Market Development at NAMM, the International Music Products Association where he led the foundation of programs such as recreational music making and The Music Edge and was responsible for two Global Summits of the music products industry.

Since returning to Australia in 2005 he has been involved with the Allans Music Group and currently holds the position of Group Marketing Manager.

"It is a significant honour to have been considered by your peers as worthy of this post, and I look forward to being of service,” he said.

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Project Manager donates services to Slim Dusty Centre

The Slim Dusty Centre at Kempsey is another step closer to becoming a reality with the help of local Kempsey identity Phil Lahey of Lahey Detailed Joinery.

Phil has offered his time and expertise to project manage the preparation of the Centre’s development application.

Thanking him on behalf of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Slim’s widow Joy McKean said: "We would like to express publicly our deep appreciation of the wonderful contribution offered to the Slim Dusty Centre by Phil Lahey who has undertaken its project management as a total donation of his time and expertise.

"This means we are moving forward with the development application and the establishment of the Centre with renewed confidence and optimism."

Explaining his offer, Phil expressed his long-time admiration of Slim and Joy: "They are icons of Australian country music and now that I have met Joy, I understand better how Slim became a legend. The Centre will be not only a testament to Slim but also to Joy.

"My role in the project is overshadowed by the contributions of those that came before me and who are still currently involved in the process," he said. "I would like to make special mention of the work done by Kathryn Yarnold. If this project becomes reality – and it is my firm belief that it will – it will be due in no small part to her enthusiastic efforts.

"I would also like to acknowledge the role Mike Dutton from Dutton Engineering Excellence made before my own involvement commenced. As a contracted consultant on the civil and ecological sides of the project, he has been a driving force behind our efforts."

Schreiber Hamilton Architects from Newcastle have been selected as the designers of the proposed centre on the new South Kempsey site. The concept design that will be on display as part of the DA process, will confirm that the correct selection was made and that the building will be an Australian architectural landmark.

"As many people would know, there has also been a lot of effort put in by many local Kempsey people to help make this dream a reality," Phil said.

"I hope that the state, federal and local politicians, along with associated government staff, see how important this project is, not only to Kempsey, but to the entire country and play their part in making the Slim Dusty Centre an Australian landmark, to complement the Australian legend."

Weblink – www.slimdustycentre.com.au.

Chart update – Adam hits the top

Adam Brand takes over at number one this week on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart with Open Ended Heartache, pushing George Strait's Seashores Of Old Mexico down to number two.

Kasey Chambers' Nothing At All jumps another three places to number three while Lee Forster is steady at number four with A Fire In The Bar as is Carter & Carter's Ride at number five.

Anne Kirkpatrick's Drive Away drops to number six while Carter & Carter's Ride jumps two more places to number five, Kasey Chambers' Nothing At AllThe McClymonts' Something That My Heart Does remains at number seven.

Donna Boyd's A Good Day rises one place to eight, Canada's The Road Hammers enter the top 10 at number nine with their re-make of Jerry Reed's 1977 hit East Bound And Down and The Dixie Chicks are steady at 10 with Not Ready To Make Nice.

Bullet performers this week include SweeneyKilleen with Along For The Ride (22 to 19), Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World (24 to 20), Michael O'Rourke's The Hat (27 to 23), Graeme Connors' On A Roll (28 to 24), Travis Sinclair's The Boy In The Aerodyne (29 to 25) and The Sunny Cowgirls' Six Pack Short (debuting at 28).

Other new entries to the chart this week include Lee Kernaghan's Listen To The Radio (in at 29) and Kimber Sparks' Taking The You Out Of Us (at 30).

The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.

CMC Top 50 – Melinda at number one

Melinda Schneider takes over the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist this week with her clip of Big World Small World.

The Sunny Cowgirls jump to number four with Six Pack Short while Gretchen Wilson is steady at three with with California Girls.

Paul Brandt rises to number four with his remake of the CW McCall hit from 1978 Convoy, Lee Kernaghan is at number five with Listen To The Radio and Travis Collins jumps into the top 10 with Full Tank.

Bullet performers this week include Matt Scullion with Hard Earned Money (29 to 19), Jason Kemp with The Ballad Of Adrian Peddemore (49 to 37) and Wildseed with The Fire (42 to 39).

-I -N -T -E -R -N -A -T -I -O -N -A -L--•--U -P -D -A -T -E -

Kenny releases live CD

The new Kenny Chesney live album Live Those Songs Again was released in Australia on Saturday.

"Over a million fans each year. Songs sung, tears swept, laughs enjoyed, moments shared," said the media release from Kenny's record label, "If there's one thing that's marked each of Kenny Chesney's headlining tours... it's been the intense exchange of energy between the two-time and reigning Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year and the people who come to his shows."

"In a lot of ways, the fans are as much a part of the shows as the band,” Kenny says. "They take everything to a whole other level… and it starts when we can smell the grilling and hear the music blaring from the parking lot. Our fans know how to have fun… and they make us want be part of that. So after all these summers of them giving us so much, you know, and making this music so much more, I wanted them to hear how much a part of it they are…"

And so, Kenny Chesney – the man who shared the cover of Billboard with U2's Bono and the Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger for being the biggest touring acts of 2005 – releases Live Those Songs Again taking 14 songs – "many classic, some extremely rare, a few now retired – from anywhere and everywhere he and his band has been, the man who believes that songs are the audible time stamps of our lives shares the moments that have defined his summers – and so many others' – over the past five years."

"We did a really special version of On The Coast of Somewhere Beautiful for a small concert on a private island for some fans," Kenny says, "and we've got a version of Anything But Mine where the crowd just picks up the chorus and takes it from us… singing so sweet, me and the band just wanted to stand there and listen. We've got a bunch of the songs that maybe weren't singles or we're not doing now – like Back Where I Come From and What I Need To Do that are so much a part of my relationship with the fans…

"And I can't speak for them, but for me… listening to this, it brings all those shows, all those nights, all those faces right back. It's a funny thing, doing this. In some ways, it's a blur, but when you're on stage, you remember things about every single night, so many moments, so many things that happen. This album is like bringing them all alive in a single moment."

Weblink – www.kennychesney.com.

French Awards finalists

The French Association of Country Music has announced nominees in the fourth annual French Country Music Awards.

They are...

For Entertainer of the Year – Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and Big & Rich.

For Male Vocalist of the Year – Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Brad Paisley and Josh Turner.

For Female Vocalist of the Year – Sara Evans, Alison Krauss, Jennifer Neetles (Sugarland), Gretchen Wilson and Carrie Underwood.

For New Talent of the Year – Eric Church, Blaine Larsen, Danielle Peck, Ray Scott andCarrie Underwood.

For Duo of the Year – Brooks & Dunn, Big & Rich, The Wreckers, Little Big Town and Montgomery Gentry.

For Song of the Year – 8th Of November by Big & Rich, A Little Too Late by Toby Keith, Backwards by Rascal Flatts, The World by Brad Paisley and Would You Go With Me by Josh Turner.

For Album of the Year – Toby Keith's White Trash With Money, Blaine Larsen's Rockin' You Tonight, Brad Paisley's Time Well Wasted, Rascal Flatts' Me And My Gang and Josh Turner's Your Man.

For Live Performancd of the Year – Big & Rich, Kenny Chesney, Dixie Chicks, Neal McCoy, Keith Urban.

For Musician of the Year – Dan Dugmore, Paul Franklin, Brent Mason, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban.

For Bluegrass Band of the Year – Cherryholmes, Grascals, Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek and Rhonda Vincent.

For Video of the Year – As Good As I Once Was by Toby Keith, Coming To Your City by Big & Rich, Mission Temple Fireworks Stand by Sawyer Brown, The World by Brad Paisley and You'll Think Of Me by Keith Urban.

For Independent Artist of the Year – Randy Archer, Cyrus Clark, Corb Lund, Rivers Rutherford and The Weary Boys.

Country music fans and specialists of country music in France will vote during a special night (October 3) with the official ceremony to announce results on November 10 at Lyon.

Weblink – facm.free.fr.

Willie cited for marijuana

Country music star Willie Nelson and four others were issued misdemeanor citations for possession of narcotic mushrooms and marijuana after their tour bus was stopped Monday morning on a Louisiana highway, State Police said.

In a news release, Police said the citations were issued after an early morning commercial vehicle inspection of the star's tour bus.

"When the door was opened and the trooper began to speak to the driver, he smelled the strong odor of marijuana," the news release said. A search of the bus produced 675 grams of marijuana and 10 grams of narcotic mushrooms.

Cited along with Willie were Tony Sizemore of Florida and Bobbie Nelson, Gates Moore, and David Anderson of Texas.

Each was released after being issued a citation.

Willie's publicist, Elaine Shock, declined immediate comment.

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DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2006

ARIA finalists announced

Finalists in the 2006 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards, to be presented in Sydney on Sunday October 29, were announced today.

In the Best Country Album category, finalists are Brighter Day by Troy Cassar-Daley (Essence-Capitol/EMI), The New Bush by Lee Kernaghan (ABC), Showman's Daughter by Anne Kirkpatrick (Compass Bros, pictured), Too Far Gone by Catherine Britt (ABC) and What A Life by Adam Brand (Compass Bros).

"Country" nominees in other categories include Kasey Chambers with Nothing At All (Capitol/EMI), finalist for Best Female Artist; The Flood with The Late Late Show (Rajon Music), finalists in the Best Blues & Roots Album category; and the Pigram Brothers with Under The Mango Tree (Pigram Music), finalists for Best World Music Album (winner of this category to be announced at the Fine Arts Awards on October 11).

A full listing of finalists can be found at www.ariaawards.com.au.

ACE Awards finalists

Finalists have been announced for the ninth Australian Club Entertainment (ACE) Awards to be presented at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club on Wednesday October 25.

In the dedicated country categories, Donna Boyd (pictured), Beccy Cole, Stacey Morris, Melinda Schneider and Felicity Urquhart are finalists for the Female Performer award.

Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, Travis Collins (pictured), Adam Harvey and Wayne Horsburgh are finalists for Country Male Performer.

And The Baileys, Buckshot, Feral Swing Katz, Whiskey Train and The Wolverines are finalists for Country Group/Band.

Country acts featuring in other categories include Beccy Cole and Melinda Schneider, among the finalists for Most Outstanding Club Performer of the Year; Aubrey & Martin and CATE, finalists for Vocal Group, Two or More; Pixie Jenkins, finalist for Versatile Variety Act; and Kasey Chambers, finalist for Original Music Performer.

In the Technical Support category, finalists include Graham Harbour, Dianne Wynn and Danny Zamor from Blacktown Workers Club, Michael Burton, Mark Alchin and Rock Knezevic (Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL) and Paul Kelleners, Clayton Peters, Jon Fieldhouse, Geoff Golsby and Craig Worsley (Twin Towns Services Club).

Amber wins 2006 Golden Saddle

Rising country star Amber Lawrence won the 2006 Golden Saddle Award at the Galston (Sydney) Country Music Festival on Sunday.

Amber wrestled the title in tough competition from fellow Grand finalists Karen Lynne and SweeneyKilleen ("all worthy winners in their own right," according to the judges).

Amber's prize included a handcrafted Golden Saddle trophy by courtesy of Cooper’s Brewery, cash, a certificate of excellence, a production package by courtesy of Herm Kovac, publicity for the next 12 months and an invitation to perform at the 2007 Galston Festival.

Amber joins a select list of previous Golden Saddle winners... Darren Colston (last year), Rob Wilson (2004), Mark Tempany (2003), Double-Decker Dave (2002), Michael King (2001), Dave Debs (2000), Colin Greatorix (1999) and Tracey Faith (1998).

This year is shaping up to be a big one for Amber with a finalist place for Rising Star at the upcoming Independent Country Music Awards at Mildura and builds on a number of major achievements over the last couple of years.

In 2003, Amber won the Newcastle heat of the Telstra Road To Tamworth talent quest, taking her to the finals staged in Tamworth in January, 2004, when she also graduated from the Australian College of Country Music.

In 2005, she made the grand finals of Toyota Star Maker, toured widely and released her debut single to wide acclaim and airplay.

The grand final of the 2006 Golden Saddle Award was staged as part of the Galson Country Music Festival which was washed out of its traditional park venue following heavy rain over a number of days in the Sydney region.

Activities were transferred to The Galston Club and, although potential attendance and other components of the event were drastically restricted, "the show went on" and was deemed to be very successful as it was.

Photo: Amber with her trophy (photo by courtesy, Terry Phillpot, Eyeball Photographic).

Victoria, Charley and Travis take out songwriter awards

Victoria Baillie, Charley Boyter and Travis Sinclair (pictured) have taken out major titles in the Tasmania & New Zealand Songwriters Awards announced in Launceston last week.

Springhurst, Victoria, based singer/songwriter Travis won the Independent Artists Album Of The Year Award for his latest release Rush. Victoria, from Fairy Meadow, NSW, won the Independent Artist EP Award Of The Year for her latest, self titled, release while Charley, from Penrith, NSW, won the first of a new award for Independent Artists Instrumental Album for his debut release Play Charley.

Other finalists for the Album award were Tracy Coster with Coster Country, Sandra Humphries with Take The Pain Away, Felicity Urquhart with My Life and Jeanette Wormald with Opal Blue.

Other finalists for the EP award were Lee Forster with The Way He Rolls His Swag, Kelly Cooper with her self titled release, Tracy Coster with I Don’t Want to Talk About Rain and Carol Donovan with her self-titled release.

Other finalists for the Instrumental award were Nev Molloy with My Silver City Home and Gary Smith with Broken Wings.

Thirty four albums were nominated for the Album award, 12 for EP (a release containing less than 10 songs).

The awards, which have grown considerably since beginning in 1999, aim to promote independent artists. Winners receive a framed copy of their CD plus a cash prize and certificate.

They are run under the title of the Tasmania & New Zealand Independent Artists Awards in conjunction with the songwriting contest which has been organised and run for the past 10 years by Gaylene Faulkner, Tasmania and New Zealand State Co-ordinator for Tamworth Songwriters' Association (TSA).

All sections of the competition, which is run with the support of the TSA, are open to all writers and independent artists of Australia and New Zealand. Entrants do not have to be members of the Association but there are benefits to those who are.

In the Songwriting Competition, multi-award winning recording artist and songwriter Owen Blundell won the Open Gospel section with Tenay Rose which is due to be released on a forthcoming album. The song was inspired by the death of a very young baby belonging to a close friend of Owen.

Owen also received the Lois Hall Excellence Award for the most outstanding song in the contest along with two other placings in Comedy/Novelty and Recorded sections.

Guest artists on the awards night were 2005 award winner Graham Rodger and Bendigo based songwriter Lois Hall (who was visiting Tassie).

In other song contest results...

Brent Lillie and Paul Mostyn won the Open Contemporary Section with Is There A Doctor In The House; Terry & Jenny Bennetts won the Open Ballad Section with An Old Country Waltz; Steve Power won the Tasmanian Resident Section with A Prayer For The Miners; John P Toomey won the Comedy/Novelty Section with Inside A Woman's Handbag; Nikki Sweeney and Roger Corbett won the Recorded Section with Big Smoke; and Steve Graham took out the Barry Thornton Encouragement Award.Owen Blundell – for the song Tenay Rose.

Adam signs to Sony

Multi Golden Guitar winner Adam Harvey has swapped record labels, from ABC Country to Sony BMG Music Entertainment (SBME) Australia.

Adam, whose major awards include three Golden Guitars for Male Vocalist of the Year and one for Album of the Year (for Workin’ Overtime), has also achieved Gold Record status (35 000 units) for Workin' Overtime, his 2005 release Can’t Settle For Less and his 2003 release Cowboy Dreams.

Denis Handlin, Chairman and CEO of SBME Australia and NZ said: "The signing of Adam Harvey is very special to us at Sony BMG as he complements the extraordinary local artist roster we already have and strengthens it in the genre of country”.

"The country music genre is showing growth in our market and as a company we are totally focused on delivering growth both locally and internationally."

Adam joins a growing country music roster at SBME Australia which is already home to the multi award winning trio Bella (Kate Ballantyne, Lyn Bowtell and Karen O'Shea) and Telstra Road To Tamworth winner Aleyce Simmonds.

In addition to the expanding local roster, SBME International is renowned for its roster of artists which includes Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Gretchen Wilson, Tim McGraw and LeAnn Rimes.

Earlier this year, SBME appointed Jen Carmody to the newly created position of Product & Promotions Manager, Country, to work with Senior Marketing Manager Andy Jones in promoting country music nationally.

Weblink – www.adamharvey.com.au.

TSA entries open

Entries have opened for the 2007 Tamworth Songwriters' Association (TSA) Awards to be announced in Tamworth at the annual TSA Concert and Awards in Tamworth on Wednesday January 24.

"The evening honours the nation's most talented country music songwriters and showcases some 14 well known writers," said TSA President Bev Daniel.

"This year we have had to bring forward slightly the closing date for entries to give judges a little more time to receive, judge and return entries and to basically co-ordinate with the organising committee to meet publicity deadlines," Bev said.

The closing date is now October 15 as opposed to 30 October.

"We have also compiled a 'Frequently Asked Questions' guide which assists writers with definition and eligibility," Bev said. "It's available online along with entry forms.

"We're extremely pleased, too, about the added reminders through the electronic media and the inclusion of nomination forms in Capital News," Bev said.

There are three categories in the Awards... the TSA/Capital News New Songwriter Award (for recorded, commercially released, material), the TSA Songwriters' Salute Awards of Australia (for recorded, commercially released, material) and the TSA National Country Songwriting Contest (for songs that haven't been recorded and used for commercial purposes).

Winners receive a trophy and certificate. The New Songwriter Award offers $1,000 cash prizemoney as well as a trophy and a certificate.

Further information can be obtained by emailing tsa@tpgi.com.au or telephoning 07 5529 8162.

Weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au.

Slim concert to screen on ABC TV, special CD/DVD for limited release

Slim Dusty’s historic 1987 concert filmed at the Regent Theatre, Richmond, NSW, will be screened on television for the first time on the ABC on Sunday December 10.

And Slim's record label, EMI, is producing a special limited four disc set as a pre-cursor to the screening.

The event is one of two complete concerts released on the double DVD Slim Dusty Live in March this year. It will be re-released for a limited time on September 23 as a four disc set with the CDs of the same name.

The other concert footage included on the Slim Dusty Live DVD features Slim with various line-ups of his much respected Travelling Country Band filmed in concert during 1975 and 1992.

The 33 track Slim Dusty Live double CD recording was captured during the sell-out 2000 "Looking Forward Looking Back" concert tour which celebrated Slim’s multi-platinum 100th release.

Weblink – www.slimdusty.com.au.

Paul releases duet with Aleyce

A duet with Telstra Road To Tamworth 2005 winner Aleyce Simmonds is the first single to be released by Paul Costa from his new solo album Restoration.

The song, a Bryan Adams composition – The Way You Make Me Feel, is described as "a stunning duet" and "a bold choice for a first single" which has "come up an absolute treat" under the guidance of multiple award winner Rod McCormack who produced Paul’s second solo offering.

The album was launched last month at the Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie. Aleyce flew in to sing the song with Paul at the launch.

A video clip to accompany the new single has just been completed and will be released to CMC (Country Music Channel) shortly.

As an added bonus to CD buyers, Paul has teamed with Harvey World Travel to run a draw for two people to win five nights holiday on the Queensland Gold Coast including dinner and show at the Australian Outback Spectacular, a one day theme park pass to either Seaworld, Movie World or Wet and Wild, a ride around the Gold Coast in a restored classic car and a Paul Costa merchandise package.

Entries for the draw close on Friday October 27, 2006.

Weblink – www.paulcosta.com.au.

Photo: Terry Phillpot, Eyeball Photographic.

New video clip for Horswood

Ain't Seen Rain is the new video clip for Horswood now receiving airplay on CMC (Country Music Channel).

Produced by Jason Millhouse of Brisbane, the clip shows some very powerful images which will undoubtedly raise emotions, according to the media release announcing the new clip.

Since being released to radio stations across the nation, the single Ain't Seen Rain has been receiving widespread response.

"Being promoted in the 2GB radio studio via an interview with Alan Jones, to the Channel Nine studio with an appearance on Mornings with Kerri-Anne Kennerley, the national campaign to raise awareness and funds for drought relief is certainly working," say Melanie and Gina.

"Aussie Helpers (www.aussiehelpers.org.au), an organisation helping those severely affected by drought, whom we are donating 10 percent of album sales to, have noticed a considerable increase in donations and are extremely grateful and happy with the response."

Horswood will travel to Victoria in November to continue the national campaign which itself is a "2006 – Year of The Outback" event.

"We would like to thank the radio and television presenters who have picked up Ain't Seen Rain, thus helping this worthy cause," say Mel and Geen.

Weblink – www.horswood.com.

Johnny's "Country Connection"

Veteran Australian country music singer/songwriter Johnny Chester has reached an agreement with eight Australian commercial radio stations to air his "Country Connection" radio show.

The program will be heard each Sunday Morning for an hour from October 1 on the ACE Radio Network – 3YB Warrnambool (from 6am), 3CS Colac (8am), 3HA Hamilton (8am), 3WM Horsham (8am), 3SH Swan Hill (8am), 3GV Traralgon (9am) and 2AY Albury/Wodonga (9am) plus 4KZ Innisfail (7am).

Johnny is also negotiating with several other stations that have shown an interest in broadcasting the program.

"It is being offered on the barter system and any commercial radio station programmer who might be interested in broadcasting the show can contact me via email (chess@johnnychester.com)," Johnny said.

The program's initial main sponsor is Royal Flair caravans.

In addition to his substantial writing, recording and performing career, Johnny has many years of radio broadcasting experience having commenced his radio career 40 years ago on 3UZ in Melbourne.

Allan and Lynn reunite

Christie Eliezer reports in his weekly music business column at themusic.com.au that Allan Caswell and Lynn Hamilton are re-uniting for a performance on Network 7's series "Where Are They Now?".

Allan wrote On The Inside as his first song and Lynn recorded it as the theme song for long running Aussie sitcom "Prisoner".

It went to number one in 1979. This Sunday, the pair can be seen performing it together for the first time on television, as part of a "Prisoner" cast reunion on 7's "Where Are They Now?".

Allan and Lynne last saw each other at the 25th anniversary in Melbourne in 2004 (and that was the first time they'd seen each other in nearly 17 years).

Nowadays, Hamilton is a minister in her own Church on the Gold Coast. Caswell spends a fair bit of time "on the inside", teaching songwriting to teenagers in juvenile detention centres and special schools across NSW for the Australian children's music foundation.

Katrina kicks up dust at the 2006 Muster

Eighteen-year-old Gunnedah (NSW) singer-songwriter Katrina Burgoyne "limbered up" her vocal cords at Ag-Quip before heading off to the Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie late last month.

The winner of last year's Maton Talent Search at the Muster, Katrina sang throughout the day at the field days on the outskirts of Gunnedah in dry and dusty conditions proving the perfect training for her three shows in the rainforest, just outside of Gympie.

With bushfires raging around the Gympie Shire, the heat was definitely on and the water trucks wetting down tracks that wound throughout the site were a welcome relief.

Katrina’s first show was on Friday at 1pm in the Muster Theatre where a very respectable crowd turned out to see Katrina in full flight. With the expert backing of two wonderful musicians, Michael Muchow on lead guitar and the Chris Haigh on bass, the young girl from Gunnedah more than proved her mettle, winning over the audience with a great mix of originals and classy covers.

Later that afternoon Katrina backed up for a second show, this one a songwriter concert at the Muster’s Bellbird Café, which she did without the band – just Katrina’s big voice and that bold guitar.

The best was yet to come on the Saturday, when Katrina took main stage at 2pm for a 45-minute set. On hand this time she had an ace band of Chris and Michael, along with the drummer’s drummer, Mitch Farmer, providing a big band sound.

"I didn’t expect to have anyone turn up at my gigs," Katrina said, "as not a lot of people know much about me, so I was really quite pleasantly surprised. The main stage gig was a real highlight for me. Having that great band behind me gave me the courage to get right into it and the people really seemed to enjoy it."

Following her main stage set, Katrina was delighted to find a number of people lined up to get her autograph, so she happily obliged, signing everything from guitars and hats, to programs, shirts and bodies!

Not having any recorded product to sell won’t be a problem for Katrina pretty soon though as she has recorded five songs (all originals) at Rancom Street Studio in Sydney, with engineer Ted Howard behind the control panel, and acclaimed producer Glen Hannah overseeing the project.

For the session, Katrina had the "A Team" of musicians on board – Glenn Wilson on drums; James Gillard on bass; Glen Hannah on lead guitar and Daniel Conway on acoustic.

Katrina is now gearing up for her next show – at The Pub in Tamworth, Country Music Capital, on Friday, September 15, where she will be joined by her fellow stablemate at The Pub Management, Aaron Bolton.

"I just love to get out there and perform and hopefully a lot more people will hear my music in the future," Katrina said.

– Anna Rose

Weblink – www.katrinaburgoyne.com.au.

Shaza's latest release

Following the success of Shaza Leigh's widely acclaimed single Old Calare, Shaza’s latest release – Fiddlers Creek – is out now and available through LBS Music Distribution and on the latest NfS (107).

Written by Brenda Lee Heathcote, the song is described as a contemporary bush ballad, "a modern day Camooweal".

"Brenda and I had some success with a song she wrote a few years earlier Woman At The Wheel," Shaza said. "I’ve been sitting on this new song for some time because it didn’t seem to fit on my previous albums.

"I wanted to do an inspirational album and include a contemporary bush ballad because I believe we must never forget our heritage and all play our part in preserving story songs. Fiddlers Creek is one of those songs. It’s about enduring love and the distance between the city and the country," Shaza reflected.

Fiddlers Creek is the first single from Shaza's eighth album Strength Within, described as a collection of inspirational songs written by Shaza and some of her favourite songwriters.

Old Calare (which received finalist nominations in the 2005 Stan Coster Memorial Australian Bush Ballad Awards, the 2005 TSA Awards and success in the 2006 Female Vocal Queensland Gold Medallion Awards) is also included on the album.

Shaza is profiled in this month's Country Music Capital News by Deborah Minter who writes about the 2006 "magic carpet ride" LBS' principal female artist.

Nashville singer hosts "Nu Country TV"

Maverick community television broadcaster "Nu Country TV" has scored a coup by enlisting syndicated Nashville radio personality and singer-songwriter Kacey Jones as a guest host.

"Nu Country TV" Associate Producer Carol Taylor filmed Jones’ interview and hosting role in Austin, Texas, in June.

It was at the world premiere of her video clip for the Mickey Newbury hit song San Francisco Mabel Joy. The song is the title of Jones' tribute disc to Newbury who died of pulmonary fibrosis at 62 in 2002.

Texas born legend Kris Kristofferson and fellow singing actor Waylon Payne joined Jones in her video directed by New Mexico singer-songwriter Stacy Dean Campbell. Newbury toured Australia in 1983 – a decade before Campbell and Texan troubadour Hugh Moffatt made their debut Australian sojourn.

The Jones hosted episode of "Nu Country TV" features San Francisco Mabel Joy and her video duet with Texan Delbert McClinton on their European top five hit You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly. Other highlights are a rare video of singing Texan crime novelist Kinky Friedman and Willie Nelson performing Marilyn And Joe.

Jones also talks about her admiration of Dean Miller – son of the late Rodger – and his new video clip Hard Love from his third album Platinum. Miller wrote with a brace of Australians while living in Melbourne when engaged to Altona country singer Renee Stewart.

For "Nu Country TV" producer-interviewer David Dawson it was a nostalgic reunion – he first interviewed Jones in Nashville in 1988 when her band Ethel & The Shameless Hussies released their debut album Born To Burn.

Jones has released five solo albums, produced Kinky Friedman's tribute disc Pearls In The Snow and hosted syndicated Kacey’s Corner on the US ABC radio network. She is a regular guest on Garrison Keillor’s radio show "A Prairie Home Companion" – subject of a new Hollywood movie.

Her best known tunes include Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay Or Dead, Never Wear Panties to a Party, Show Up Naked, Bring Beer, I Could Get Over Him (If I Could Get Under You) and Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History.

The Jones hosted episode of "Nu Country TV" airs in Victoria this Saturday September 16 at 8.30 pm, South Australia on September 17 at 6.30 pm and in New Zealand in Waikato and Rotorua in October.

Weblink – www.nucountry.com.au.

The McClymonts on "Getaway"

The McClymonts (sisters Brooke, Mollie and Samantha) have been invited by the Nine Network's "Getaway" program to feature in a segment of the show on their home town of Grafton (NSW).

Success is building for the girls, said a spokesman, as they tour the country with Lee Kernaghan promoting their single Something That My Heart Does from their self titled EP released through Universal Music.

Included in the Grafton segment will be a performance at the Crown Hotel on the Terrace at 6 o'clock tonight (Wednesday, September 13) and have invited "all the locals" to join them.

Weblink – www.themcclymonts.com.au.

A big year for Craig

Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist 2006 Craig Stewart has been notching up excellent album sales, his latest newsletter says, in a year which has seen some notable achievements for the Port Macquarie (NSW) based artist.

Following his participation in Star Maker in January and a nomination for the this year's Golden Saddle Award, later this month, Craig is up for a Rising Star award at the 2006 Australian Independent Country Music Awards.

Since releasing his debut album – The Spirit Of Australia – late last year, Craig has appeared as a feature artist at this year's Tamworth Festival and at the Gympie Muster just gone.

Weblink – www.craigstewart.com.au.

Chart update

Adam Brand jumps to number two on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week with Open Ended Heartache, nipping at the heels of George Strait who retains the number one spot for a second week with Seashores Of Old Mexico.

Anne Kirkpatrick's Drive Away is steady at number three while Lee Forster edges up one more place to number four with A Fire In The Bar.

Carter & Carter's Ride jumps two more places to number five, Kasey Chambers' Nothing At All bounds up four places to number six while The McClymonts' Something That My Heart Does rises to number seven.

Beccy Cole's former number one Poster Girl drops to number eight, Donna Boyd's A Good Day enters the top 10 at number nine and as does The Dixie Chicks' Not Ready To Make Nice at number 10.

Bullet performers this week include Catherine Britt's Swingin' Door (16 to 13), Paul Costa's What Else Could Go Right (19 to 16), Sovereign's Unbelievable (20 to 17), Cat Southern's Last First Kiss (22 to 19), Jetty Road's Heart And Soul (23 to 20), SweeneyKilleen's Along For The Ride (26 to 22), Melinda Schneider'S Big World Small World (29 TO 24) and Michael O'Rourke's The Hat (30 to 27).

New entries to the chart this week include Graeme Connors' On A Roll (in at 28) and Travis Sinclair with The Boy In The Aerodyne (at 29).

The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.

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CMC Top 50

Cord Lund hangs on to the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist this week with his clip of Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer.

Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World edges up one place to number two, as does Gretchen Wilson with California Girls to number three and The Sunny Cowgirls to number four with Six Pack Short.

Lee Kernaghan jumps three places to number seven with Listen To The Radio while Travis Collins bounds up to number 12 with Full Tank.

Bullet performers this week include Anne Kirkpatrick (pictured) with Drive Away (24 to 21), Matt Scullion's Hard Earned Money (32 to 29) and Kimber Sparks' Taking The You Out Of Us (50 to 35).

New entries to the playlist this week include Jason Kemp with The Ballad Of Adrian Peddemore (new at 49).

-I -N -T -E -R -N -A -T -I -O -N -A -L--•--U -P -D -A -T -E -

CCMA Awards... celebrate Canada's hottest country stars

One Winner Takes Home More Than Just Hardware

The Canadian Country Music Awards in Saint John on Monday night showcased some of Canada’s biggest country stars.

Performances from George Canyon and Carolyn Dawn Johnson (pictured) were followed by their wins for Male and Female Artist of the Year, with George also picking up the award for Single of the Year.

Self-proclaimed "scruffy" Albertan Corb Lund performed with his band the title track from what was awarded that evening’s Album of the Year – Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer. Corb also won Roots Artist of the Year.

In an unprecedented event, this year’s Chevy Trucks Rising Star of the Year winner Johnny Reid walked away with not only the award but also a 2007 truck, courtesy of the presenting sponsor.

The annual Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans’ Choice Award, voted on by fans from coast to coast, was presented on stage by the Ultimate Fan contest winner to Terri Clark who set yet another new record this year by winning for the sixth time.

Fans were also treated to performances by Aaron Lines, Emerson Drive, Amanda Wilkinson, Aaron Pritchett & Tyler Connelly and East Coasts Great Big Sea.

Highlights from this year’s broadcast included a tribute to Hall of Fame inductee Brian Ahern by international superstar Anne Murray. Murray was also on hand to present her manager Bruce Allen with the Leonard T Rambeau International Award of Achievement.

Michelle Wright and Brad Johner took to the stage for a special tribute celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Country Music Association, singing a collection of songs from the past including one from this year’s Hall of Fame Artist inductee, the late Terry Carisse.

Weblink – www.ccma.org.

Universal Music wins bidding war for BMG Music

Vivendi's (V) Universal Music Group put itself in line to become the world's number one music-publishing company on Wednesday after its $2.1 billion offer won a widely watched bidding war for Bertelsmann's BMG Music Publishing Group.

If approved by antitrust officials in Europe and the USA, Universal will pick up more than a million copyrights for an eclectic array of songs from artists including Coldplay, Barry Manilow, Christina Aguilera, R Kelly, the Bee Gees, Elvis Costello, Puccini and Ravel.

Universal already has about one million copyrights, including those of Paul Simon, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Motown's Holland-Dozier-Holland, Madonna, Prince, Leonard Bernstein and Kiss.

Other bidders weren't disclosed.

The acquisition "is a unique opportunity to grow our music-publishing business and enhance the value of Universal Music Group," Vivendi CEO Jean-Bernard Levy said in a statement.

While the deal would give Universal the most copyrights, it still would have major rivals:

In the second quarter, EMI controlled 19.8 percent of songs played on US radio stations monitored by Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems. Warner/Chappell had 13.8 percent, Sony/ATV 10.5, Universal 10.2 and BMG 7.3 percent.

"Only a handful of copyrights really matter," says Larry Mestel of Primary Wave Music Publishing, which has rights to Nirvana, Daniel Johnston and music from movies including Ben Hur. "The rest just clutter up the system."

Privately owned Bertelsmann put its music-publishing unit on the block to help repay loans it used to buy back a 25.1 percent stake owned by Belgian billionaire Albert Frere.

But BMG Chief Thomas Rabe said in a statement that "Bertelsmann remains fully committed to its recorded music business through its partnership with Sony in Sony BMG Music Entertainment."

BMG Publishing generated $234 million in revenue in the first half of 2006, about two percent of the total for Bertelsmann, the company reported on Wednesday.

While that's flat with the same period last year, operating cash flow for music publishing grew 30 percent to $38.4 million. Separately, Bertelsmann settled the Vivendi piece of a lawsuit by several music companies.

The lawsuit alleges that loans Bertelsmann made to Napster helped the file-sharing service operate longer than it otherwise would have. Universal will get $60 million, while Bertelsmann admitted no liability.

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DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2006

On-line voting opens for the People's Choice Awards

On line voting for the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards, to be presented in January 2007, has opened.

The voting page can be accessed at www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.

Categories for the Awards have been expanded by one for 2007 with the addition of a new talent or rising star award, Most Promising Future Star.

Otherwise, key categories remain unchanged from this year – Best Female Vocal, Best Male Vocal, Best Group or Duo, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Heritage Song and Best Album.

Members of the public are encouraged to have their say in determining "the best" in Australian country music.

Organisers this year are also inviting voters to nominate their favourite country music DJs and radio stations who will be recognised during the 2007 Awards.

The Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards, originated by the Australian Country Music Listener's Association, are now being organised and staged by the Country Music Bulletin.

Winners will be announced at the gala Awards presentation in Tamworth, Country Music Capital, on Thursday, January 25, 2007.

Venue details will be announced shortly.

Toyota Star Maker prize to include album recording contract

Toyota Star Maker, long recognised as Australia’s leading country music talent search, will introduce a contract to record a full album with Compass Brothers Records as part of the winner’s prize from this January.

The quest, which has helped launch the careers of many of Australia’s leading country acts, sets yet another first in providing the perfect launching pad for emerging artists, according to Barry Harley, General Manager of Toyota Star Maker organisers Rural Press Events.

"The contract is made possible by an exciting new association between Toyota Star Maker and Australia’s leading country music label Compass Brothers Records," Barry said. "It guarantees the recording, marketing and promotion of at least one full length CD on Compass Brothers Records."

"In the years that Rural Press Events has been involved, we have overseen the addition to the prize pool of the use of a Toyota vehicle, fuel card, Maton guitar, Bose PA system and professionally produced video, but the real prize is still the title, the record release and the subsequent promotion through video, radio and our publications," he said.

"Now, with our label partner Compass Brothers, we are able to add to the package a much sought after album deal that will guarantee the winner the experienced and committed support needed to launch a career in country music."

In addition to committing to the initial album release, the Compass Brothers deal will offer options to record further albums, allowing for the possibility of an on-going relationship with the winner.

Graham Thompson, Managing Director of Compass Brothers Records, said that his team was extremely excited to be involved and believed that their involvement would continue the guarantee to deliver the best, most exciting new talent to Australian fans.

"Star Maker has been extraordinarily successful over the years," he said. "With the depth of young talent out there, we believe that the combined enthusiasm of the teams at Compass Brothers, Capital News and Rural Press Events will significantly enhance the potential for the winner of Toyota Star Maker 2007.

"Every young artist dreams of releasing an album. With our track record in launching the careers of Adam Brand, Melinda Schneider, The Sunny Cowgirls, Dianna Corcoran and others, we are well positioned to help discover, develop and break new talent. Toyota Star Maker is the ultimate launching pad for new talent in Australian country music so we can’t wait to start working with the winner."

Since 1979, winning Toyota Star Maker has been crucial in the careers of many of our current stars including Lee Kernaghan (1982), James Blundell (1987), Keith Urban (1990), Gina Jeffreys (1991), Beccy Cole (1993), Darren Coggan (1996), the Bella girls – Lyn Bowtell (1997) and Kate Ballantyne (1998), Brendon Walmsley (1999) and, more recently, with young stars Travis Collins (2004) and Samantha McClymont (2005).

Entries in Toyota Star Maker are now being invited. Entry forms will be available for downloading at www.capitalnews.com.au, or requested by ringing Rural Press Events on 02 6762 2399.

Toyota Star Maker will be staged at the Toyota Country Theatre on Sunday January 21, 2007.

Aussie music market up

Recorded music sales in Australia increased by more than $12 million, or 5.8 percent, to over $224 million in the six months to June 2006 (when compared to the corresponding period last year), the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) reports.

The market for CD albums experienced one of the greatest gains in recent years, with more than three million extra units shipped to retail, representing a 17 percent increase on the same period last year (although revenues were up only 4.65 percent illustrating a further decline in unit wholesale prices).

As expected, digital sales have also posted very significant gains in another positive trend for the industry, ARIA said.

Digital music, included for the first time in the half year figures, accounted for 5.5 percent of the overall value of the recorded music market during the period. This compared very favourably with the full year results for 2005 where, as at December 2005, digital sales made up 1.5 percent of the market for the full year.

"With the global market for digital music growing at a phenomenal rate for a number of years, the Australian industry is encouraged by this result and is continuing to aggressively license and market music in digital formats," ARIA said.

The results for the first half have again underscored the ongoing success of Australian artists. Retail sales of albums by local artists have grown to represent 31.8 percent of the Top 100 albums chart for the period, up from 23 percent last year.

While the industry is pleased with the results for the first six months, ARIA remains cautious about predicting full year results based on these half yearly statistics, particularly in relation to the next six months. "Tougher economic conditions predicted for Australian households during the remainder of 2006 are likely to prove challenging for the industry," ARIA said.

Overall, the industry is encouraged by the significant increases in CDs and digital sales. It remains optimistic that a strong release schedule for the remainder of 2006 will ensure that this year continues to be positive for the industry.

Weblink – www.aria.com.au.

More people listen to community radio

Australian community radio's national audience climbed seven percent in the past two years and nearly half of Australians (aged 15 plus) listen to community stations, according to a new survey by McNair Ingenuity.

Conducted between March and May 2006, the survey found that the number of listeners in an average month rose from 7,054,000 people (45 percent) in 2004 to 7,515,000 people (47 percent) in 2006.

"That's more than four million listeners every week," said McNair Ingenuity CEO Matt Balogh, "an audience that would be the envy of any commercial network."

Half the respondents said they listened to community radio for "local information/local news". Almost half said "they play Australian music/support local artists", 46 percent for "specialist music or information programs". "Diversity in the programming" was also a common response.

General Manager of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Barry Melville, said: "Listeners are turning to community radio because it is vibrant, relevant and connects with their local interests."

He added that the CBAA's 300 member stations engaged closely with their listeners. The sector has 20,000 volunteers.

Full results of the Community Radio National Listener Survey can be found at www.cbonline.org.au.

Troy to tour with Tommy in America

In a spectacular year so far for Troy Cassar-Daley in Australia, it has been announced today that the country superstar will join Tommy Emmanuel for a month from this week on his current tour of America.

Since taking out four Golden Guitars at this year's Golden Guitar Awards, Troy has gone on to appear in the hit television series "It Takes Two" with "Home & Away" star Kate Ritchie, been interviewed by television's Andrew Denton and David Tench and is currently the subject of a special called "Rollin' With..." on the Country Music Channel.

Apart from headlining some major events and festivals (he has just returned from a triumphant appearance at the Gympie Muster where his special guests included Jimmy Barnes and Shane Howard), Troy also continued to tour the country in support of his highly acclaimed sixth album Brighter Day.

The opportunity to tour the USA was the result of a long-standing invitation from Tommy. And while Troy had been keen to join Tommy in some shows, his continuous busy schedule in Australia had consistently prevented him from taking up his friend's offer until now, his management company said.

"This is about having some fun with one of the world's greatest guitar players in a country where much of our collective musical roots come from," Troy said.

"It is not an attempt to break into the US market on a grand scale but rather gain some experience, get inspired and generally put my toe in the water over there. But really, it's going to be the best three week guitar lesson I'll ever get!"

Troy will join Tommy in a mix of theatres and festivals from Waco, Texas, tonight (September 6), concluding in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday the 23rd.

Tour details can be obtained from Tommy's website www.tommyemmanuel.com.

Keith gets four CMA Awards nominations

Keith Urban, meanwhile, has been announced as a front-runner again for accolades at the 40th annual CMA (Country Music Association) Awards to be announced in Nashville in November.

In the nominations, announced today, Keith is up for the prestigious Entertainer of the Year title, Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year with Better Life and Song of the Year for Tonight I Wanna Cry (co-written with Monty Powell).

Brooks & Dunn and Brad Paisley led the most nominations tally with six each while Keith and newcomer Carrie Underwood had four and Rascal Flatts and Dolly Parton three.

The CMA described the final list of nominees as an across-the-board collection of hard-core traditionalists, country music hit makers and mainstream innovators, "with a healthy dose of up-and-comers added to the mix".

"Country music is thriving on the talent and creativity of an outstanding group of artists and they are well represented with our nominees,” said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese.

"These talented performers, musicians, songwriters, producers and directors demonstrate the artistic depth and creativity driving the growth of our format this year. It is an exciting time for country music and the 2006 CMA Awards will definitely reflect that in November.

Award winners will be announced on Monday, November 6 from Nashville.

A full list of nominees can be found at www.cmaawards.com.

And Once In A Lifetime reaches Australian radio

Once In A Lifetime – the first single off Keith's as yet still un-named new album – has gone to Australian radio this week.

The single, released to American radio several weeks ago, made American history by debuting on the Billboard country singles chart at number 17, the highest ever debut on the chart.

Crakajak creates multi-media experience with new album

Popular Melbourne Band Crakajak have announced the arrival of their new CD/DVD package titled Ten.

The release includes 14 new original songs, eight bonus tracks, six music video clips and celebrates the band’s 10 years together.

According to the band, standout tracks include Drive, Sentimental, Tell My Wife That, What’s Wrong With A Little Hard Work, Baby It's Over and She Weeps Alone, all penned by Harry Jon Nanos, Mark Donahoe and Tony Arena.

Also on the album are two tracks featuring David Briggs ex Little River Band. Don't Give In To Loneliness is a David Briggs/Greg Macainsh song and features guitar and backing vocals by Briggs. David, Harry and Tony also co wrote BnS Balls And Bundy, a "high energy anthem" that is quickly becoming popular in the B & S community.

Lead singer Harry explains: ''David Briggs is a legend of the Australian music industry and to have the opportunity to work with the man has been awesome. Over the last 12 months, David has become a great friend of Crakajak and we look forward to him continuing to write and record with us. David will also appear with us at selected shows from November on."

The other news from Crakajak is the band's popularity surge among the B & S ball community. The band has been performing at many of these balls throughout country Australia and created a vibe within the B & S community by announcing the making of the reality documentary "Balls in Bush" about the B & S ball culture in Australia featuring Kevin "Bloody" Wilson.

To promote the documentary, Crakajak and its management company Makia launched a B & S ball website www.ballsinthebush.org. The website now attracts more than 5,000 visitors a month in just seven months since its launch with Harry hosting Australia's first on-line and live B & S radio show through 100.7 Highlands FM.

Recently, Crakajak and Makia assisted MTV with their documentary program "Full Tank" at the Condobolin B & S Ball in July.

Weblink – www.crakajak.com.

Melinda's gold

Melinda Schneider’s highly acclaimed third album Family Tree, for which she won two Golden Guitar Awards in 2005 including Album Of The Year, has gone gold.

Melinda was presented with her gold album by Richard Wilkins on The Today Show before flying out of Sydney for a festival appearance in France at the weekend.

The achievement confirms Melinda’s position in the elite ranks of Australian country music and coincides with the release of Stronger, her fourth album.

Big World Small World, the first single from the new album, is currently at number three on the CMC (Country Music Channel) and has just entered the Country Tracks Top 30 chart with a bullet.

Melinda has just completed a successful tour with Deborah Conway, Ella Hooper, Mia Dyson and Kate Miller–Heidke and will continue her Stronger tour of Australia when she returns from France.

Latest issue of the Bulletin out now

The latest issue of the Country Music Bulletin has "hit the streets" with a host of news and features for industry readers, according to the publishers.

The Bulletin covers in print news of specific interest and importance to the country music industry and carries numerous features including industry profiles, product reviews and dedicated specialist sections.

Profiles in the current issue are multi award winning Deniese Morrison who has just launched StageCoach, a new education and training intitiative, and Dave Croxton, Managing Director of Australian Audio Supplies.

Product reviews in the current issue are the Shure Performance Gear wireless microphone systems and the Lexicon Lambda Desktop Studio.

Highlighted in the comprehensive news coverage are the upcoming Galston Festival, including 2006 Golden Saddle finalists, and this year's Mildura Country Music Festival and Independent Country Music Awards.

The first 18 of 22 participants in the 2007 College of Country Music January course are detailed in Education & Training and Music Business Profiles feature violin maker David Guscott and Crossroad Guitars.

What's happening/been happening Australia-wide is covered in the Bulletin's State of the Country Nation section while a range of updates are included in Artist News In Brief and the Industry Update sections.

News on broadcasters Norm and Coral Burke and Helen Kay are highlighted in the Country Airwaves section which also includes the in-depth story of community radio playing more Australian material.

Songwriting, Country On The World Wide Web, International Industry News, Bluegrass Buzz, Muso's Notes 'n' Goss, Festival News and the Bulletin's Festivals & Events listing round out the specialised sections.

The September issue also includes a voting form for the Country Music People's Choice Awards for those who prefer to vote using "hard copy" rather than on line.

Subscription options (available from $15 per annum) can be obtained at the Bulletin's website – www.icmb.com.au.

Countdown to Galston

This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of Galston, Sydney’s own country music festival.

The Festival developed out of the Rotary Spring Festival which had been organised by Galston Rotary since 1982. After a washout in ‘96, it was decided to try for something bigger and better the next year, so, after some prodding from local identity and international superstar Frank Ifield, Galston Rotary decided to give country music a go – and the rest, as they say, is history!

This year’s Festival starts with a free "meet & greet" show at Glenorie RSL this Friday (September 8), an opportunity for visitors to rub shoulders with some of the stars of the Festival as they hold an impromptu get together and concert.

"Saturday night is the traditional Country Music Spectacular at the Galston Club," said a spokesman for the organisers, "the premier event of the Festival with no less than five international touring stars... The Borderers, Donna Boyd, Pat Drummond, Steve Graham and Kevin Johnson.

"Donna will feature a few tracks off her yet to be released new album while The Borderers claim to have played before a million people in live concerts throughout the UK and Europe in the last 12 months. Kevin Johnson should be known by everyone as he became part of the fabric of everyday life with his number one world-wide hit in 1973, Rock And Roll I Gave You All The Best Years Of My Life."

On Sunday (the 10th), all the action is in Fagan Park, Galston.

"With the Poet’s Breakfast starting at 9am and then live entertainment all day from 10am on the main stage plus many other activities, this year’s Festival promises something for everyone," the spokesman said.

Last year’s Coopers Golden Saddle winner Darren Colston returns along with this year’s three grand finalists – Amber Lawrence (pictured, above right), Karen Lynne (above) and SweeneyKilleen – to battle it out for the 2006 title.

Also appearing will be 2006 Frank Ifield International Spur Award winner and Toyota Star Maker winner Travis Collins. Other entertainers include Johanna Hemara, Julie Perandes, Doug DeKroo and his band Lonesome Train and the Bushwackers.

"As well as the full program of entertainers, the Festival this year also boasts a huge Kids Carnival area with dodgem cars and other rides, pony rides, art and craft stalls, the massive Galston Ute Muster and plenty of food and drink outlets."

Further information about the Festival can be obtained by visiting www.galstonfestival.com or by calling the Festival hotline on 02 9653 2483.

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Dwight on CMR

Multi award winning international country music hit maker Dwight Yoakam will be talking with Nick Erby on CMR (Country Music Radio) this weekend.

Nick’s exclusive radio interview with Dwight will explore his musical progression as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of the release of his highly acclaimed first album Guitars Cadillacs Etc Etc in 1986.

In the interview, which will be played over two weekends on CMR, Dwight talks about his movie roles, his music without long term musical collaborator Pete Anderson and his desire to tour even more outside America.

Dwight will be touring metropolitan and regional centres in October and November this year.

The first part of Nick’s interview with Dwight Yoakam is this Saturday night at 9.20 on CMR, which is broadcast across the 34 outlets of the Super Radio network (and on-line at 2sm.com.au).

Vital continues to soar

The team at Vital Entertainment Solutions have been busy recently celebrating number one chart success with two of their artists and a very successful Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie.

Heading up the chart success is Beccy Cole (pictured) with Poster Girl which spent four weeks at the top of the Country Tracks National Top 30. Beccy was naturally delighted with the news and the reinforcement that the sentiments expressed in this very personal song had touched so many people, a spokesman for the company said.

Also hitting the number one spot this week on CMC's Top 50 playlist is Canadian Corb Lund whose quirky Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer video has proved to be a winner with CMC viewers. Corb has a record number of nominations in the Canadian Country Music Awards which are set to be announced next Monday (September 11) with finalist berths in Male Artist, Roots Artist or Group, Independent Male, Video, Album Design, Web Site and Indie Record Company of the Year categories.

"At this year’s Toyota National Country Music Muster, Steve Forde & The Flange's sensational main stage performance on Friday Night resulted in huge CD sales," the company said. "Causing a stir back stage was Steve’s brand new quarter million dollar tour bus which sleeps 14 and is fitted out with state of the art technology. Positioned next to CMC’S motor home fleet (which included 12 Gympie “virgins” from the XYZ Channel), CMC’s Tim Daley proved to be the perfect backstage host providing excellent catering over the weekend with the aid of his trusty barbecue."

Another Muster highlight was the "roof raising" performances of Vital’s "rock chick" Harley Smith, at the Crowbar. "Harley again proved that she is a crowd favourite and the 'wow factor' was not lost on members of the music industry and other musicians and artists who were spotted enjoying the atmosphere and joining in the excitement of her stunning 90 minute set."

Jake Nickolai was in the news, too, when he gave "a sizzling performance" when he opened the evening for fellow ABC label mate Catherine Britt at her showcase at Sydney’s Vanguard. Jake is currently writing for his new ABC album in between a very busy performance schedule in and around Sydney.

Casey's new single out now

Brisbane’s Casey Watt, a two-time Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist, is featured on the latest NfS compilation just released to radio stations around Australia.

I Don’t Want To Work This Hard is the title of the eagerly awaited first release from Casey’s debut album Lead You Astray.

Casey, who has been voted Female Club Entertainer of the Year for South East Queensland three times, chose Brisbane’s country music guru, world-class guitarist and arranger Brendan Radford, to produce the track, and, with the best available musicians on board, "it’s a classy treatment of a very catchy song," Casey said.

Country music veteran Jim Haynes says: "This song was worth waiting for. I’ve been a Casey Watt fan since I first heard her sing when she was 15. Now, since she played me this song, I can’t get it out of my head, I love it!"

Weblink – www.caseywatt.com.

And Noel's...

Noel Parlane latest single release, also on NfS 107, is The Shade.

Expatriate New Zealander now Brisbane based Kiwi "country music legend" Noel is one of the most successful entertainers and one of the most accomplished country music artists to ever come out of "the land of the long white cloud".

Renowned for his performance of ballads and for his distinctive yodeling ability, Noel has released 10 albums and two compact discs and appeared in more than 30 television shows in Dunedin and Christchurch in New Zealand and the USA cable network over a period of 15 years.

Weblink – www.noelparlane.com.

Another "country" Idol contender

Joining Jessica Mauboy in the top 12 of Australian Idol 2006 is another "country" contender, Klancie Keough.

Klancie (pictured) made the top 12 as one of four "wild card" entrants this week on the Network 10 program.

Described as a "ravishing country diva", Klancie, whose Dad was in the audience on Monday night, was surrounded by music since an early age, but is the first in her family to seriously chase the bright lights of stardom.

Growing up on her family’s cattle properties, Klancie was drawn to urban life, studying commerce and working in finance.

She returned to the bush to work as a governess on her sister’s property before taking the step to enter the Australian Idol competition.

And another one out

Meanwhile, another act with a country music background just missed out on the top 12 last week.

Raechel Lee, from the family band The Lees, was only eight years old when her father decided to establish the family band.

Inspired by The Dead Ringer Band (featuring Kasey Chambers), the family became a country-type Partridge Family with each member playing a different role.

As the career of The Lees progressed, it became obvious that young Raechel’s role would be "the singer" and after touring overseas, the band still remains a successful independent act.

The Sunny Cowgirls sell big at Gympie

The Sunny Cowgirls' new album Long Five Days was the highest selling album at the Toyota National Country Music Muster attended by more than 30,000 people in the Amamoor State Forest near Gympie late August.

"This is the second consecutive year that the girls have been the top selling artist at the Muster," said a spokesman for the girls' record label, Compass Brothers. "Their debut album Little Bit Rusty was also the highest selling album at the 2005 event."

Since bursting on to the Australian country scene in 2005 with the release of Little Bit Rusty, The Sunny Cowgirls have quickly became "the sweethearts" of the Australian bush. They toured extensively with Compass Brothers stable mate Adam Brand and were the hit of many country festivals, ute musters and B&S balls.

Weblink – www.sunnycowgirls.com.

Alison to present workshops

Rising country star Alison Hams (pictured) will conduct the first of eight ARTS South Australia funded workshops Saturday week.

Hosted by Junior Country Crossover, the workshops are aimed to further develop talent of all ages in SA.

Alison's subject areas will be Vocal & Microphone Technique and Stage Presentation & Performance.

Aimed at all ages, the vocal/microphone session aims to coach performers on how to handle equipment successfully. It also covers vocal techniques such as breathing, diction, and projection; working successfully with bands/industry partners and writing music charts.

The stage/performance session aims to coach artists of all ages to present themselves to their best ability on and off stage covering all aspects of stage presentation and everyday performance including industry networking.

Alison’s workshop also supports parents to successfully give assistance and encouragement to their children in regard to the workshop subject areas.

The workshop runs from 1 to 4.30pm on Saturday September 16 at the Folk Federation of SA, corner of George Street and South Road, Thebarton.

Weblink – www.saccm.com.

Chart update – George at number one

George Strait has taken over the number one spot on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week with Seashores Of Old Mexico.

Beccy Cole's Poster Girl drops to number two while Anne Kirkpatrick's Drive Away edges up one more place to number three.

Adam Brand's Open Ended Heartache jumps another three places to number four while Lee Forster one more spot to number five with A Fire In The Bar.

Lee Kernaghan's former number one The New Bush falls to number six while Carter & Carter's Ride jumps two places to number seven and The McClymonts' Something That My Heart Does bounds into the top 10 at number eight.

Felicity Urquhart's My Life falls to number nine and Kasey Chambers' Nothing At All enters the top 10 at number 10.

Bullet performers this week include A Good Day by Donna Boyd (15 to 12), Sovereign's Unbelievable (23 to 20), Cat Southern's Last First Kiss (25 to 22), Jetty Road's Heart And Soul (28 to 23) and SweeneyKilleen's Along For The Ride (29 to 26).

New entries to the chart this week are Melinda Schneider with Big World Small World (in at 29) and Michael O'Rourke with The Hat (at 30).

The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.

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CMC Top 50 – Corb Lund hits the top

Canada's Cord Lund has taken over the top spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist with their clip of Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer.

Catherine Britt drops back to number two with Swingin' Door while Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World is steady at number three.

Gretchen Wilson also moves up one to number four with California Girls while The Sunny Cowgirls rise two places to number five with Six Pack Short and Rascal Flatts jumps four to number six with Me And My Gang.

Kasey Chamber' Nothing At All falls to number seven, Joe Nichols enters the top 10 at number eight with Size Matters, as does Brad Paisley with The World at number nine and Lee Kernaghan at 10 with the clip of his new single Listen To The Radio.

Bullet performers this week include Felicity Urquhart's My Life (17 to 14), Anne Kirkpatrick's Drive Away (27 to 24), the Wolverines' Up And Gone Died (45 to 41), Travis Collins' Full Tank (new at 42) and Ronni Rae Rivers' Janine – Care Of The Stars (49 to 44).

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American Hall of Fame inductees

The CMA (Country Music Association) has announced 2006 inductees into the American Country Music Hall of Fame.

Contemporary superstar George Strait, '60s and '70s hitmaker Sonny James (pictured) and legendary American studio musician Harold Bradley have been selected as the newest members, the formal inductions to take place during the 40th annual CMA Awards on November 6 in Nashville.

George Strait remains a dominant force in the music industry with sales exceeding 62 million and a top 10 hit every year since his chart debut in 1981. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has certified 13 multi-platinum, 30 platinum, and 33 gold Strait albums.

Sonny James, known as "The Southern Gentleman", had a string of hits through the 1960s and 1970s, including his signature song Young Love which spent nine weeks atop the charts in 1956.

Harold Bradley is one of the most recorded guitar players in history and a prolific producer throughout a career that began in the 1940s.

He is one of 12 musicians inducted into the Studio Musicians Hall of Fame at RCA's Studio B, now a museum operated by the Country Music Foundation. In the late 1940s, Bradley and his brother Owen built Nashville's first recording facility, Castle Recording Studio. Owen Bradley, who died in 1998, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1974.

Broadway meets Country

Great stories and great songs are hallmarks of country music and Broadway musicals and they are coming together again in 2006 for the second annual "Broadway Meets Country" benefit concert presented by the Country Music Association as part of "Nashville Celebrates Country" – a week of activities leading up to the 40th annual CMA Awards in November.

At the charity fundraiser event, stars from the worlds of country music and Broadway will join together in a cabaret-like setting at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Broadway performers will sing their favorite country songs and country artists will sing their favorite Broadway show tunes – and there may even be a few duets pairing the artists together, says the CMA... "the benefit concert is a celebration of the universality and crossover appeal of these two popular musical genres and some of their best performers.

"Last year’s 'Broadway Meets Country' event in New York City was a tremendous success on many levels from the critical acclaim to the artists’ reaction and overwhelmingly positive response from music lovers of both genres," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer.

"Bringing this one-of-a-kind musical event to Nashville as part of the activities leading up to the CMA Awards was an obvious choice and one that I am sure music and theatre fans in Nashville will embrace."

The impressive line-up of artists will include country artists Josh Gracin, Raul Malo, Lorrie Morgan, Jamie O’Neal (pictured), SHeDaisy, and Lee Ann Womack, along with Broadway’s Laura Bell Bundy ("Hairspray"), Dixie Carter ("Designing Women," "Thoroughly Modern Millie"), Michael Cerveris ("Sweeney Todd," "Assassins"), Renée Elise Goldsberry ("One Life to Live," "The Color Purple"), Brian D’Arcy James ("Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Sweet Smell of Success," "Titanic") and Julia Murney ("The Wild Party," national tour "Wicked") with more artists to be announced soon.

"I don’t know if people realise, but there is often a great camaraderie and level of mutual respect between artists, whether they’re Tony winners, Grammy winners, CMA Award winners, MTV award winners, whatever," said Malo, who also participated in the 2005 "Broadway Meets Country" event.

"We tend to have each other on the radar and events like 'Broadway Meets Country' that bring us together with people we admire and might not otherwise get to work with are really incredible. Hosting an event like this is really an honour for Nashville, and I can’t wait to be part of it again this year."

Weblink – www.CMAawards.com.

Brooks & Dunn "go better with Coke"

American super duo Brooks & Dunn are currently appearing on 2.9 million packages of Coca-Cola and Diet Coke in Wal-Mart stores in America, making it the largest custom packaging promotion the soft drink company has done with the retailer.

Brooks & Dunn have previously been featured on the front of Kellogg's Corn Flakes boxes.

– CMT.com

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