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This website brings you the latest Australian country music news. News releases can be sent to news@countrymusicbulletin.com.au |
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019 More Tamworth winners One thing that clearly sets the Tamworth Country Music Festival apart from any other event is the number of award presentations and talent quests.
In the decades following the 1973 foundation year, numerous other award presentations and talent quests have come to form a new talent and recognition backbone for the annual festival offering an entry point for new artists and recognition for the more established acts. In addition to the Golden Guitars (Country Music Awards of Australia), presentations like People's Choice (now entering their 20th year) and the independent country music awards under the ICMA banner (Indie Country Music Australia) are significant. And talent quests now abound headed by Toyota Star Maker and including significant events like Wests Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year (scroll down for news of this year's winners for both Star Maker and Aristocrat). The CCMA talent quest actually started before the Tamworth Festival, in 1966, so this year, the event celebrated its 53rd event. This most significant of all entry-level talent quests, has been responsible for introducing acts like Allan Caswell, Keith Urban and Felicity Urquhart to country music, just to name a few. Photo: Keith Urban, who returned to Tamworth Country Music Festival this year for a one off show in the historic Tamworth Town Hall, pictured with Norma O'Hara Murphy, with their Golden Guitar awards won in 1991. Keith is also one of the many acts who came through the famous CCMA National Talent Quest on the way to achieving the success he has today. * CCMA
In the CCMA Senior Performer of the Year, Jessie Allen-Berry and Tayla Clavarino were named joint winners from fellow finalists Greg Baldock and Jason Walters.
Winners of Wests Mt Franklin Junior Talent Quest... senior junior Lucy Parle (pictured), runner-up Jorja Dalton... junior junior Sarah Hamze, runner-up Toby Gray. * Coca-Cola Country Battle of the Youngstars... junior winner Lexus Hirst; intermediate Sarah Hamze, senior Harriet Kelly.
Battle of the Bands, The Tony Q Band. Battle of the Bluegrass... William Louis (banjo), Paddy Montgomery (guitar/mandolin), Gregory Peatey (fiddle) and Molly G (junior artist). New songwriter awards In their 53rd year, the CCMA this year introduced a new recognition scheme, the National Songwriter Awards.
Shaza was also named National Composer of the Year with Mist On The Murray from Anthony Baxter with Huntah's Melody, Alisha Smith with Chicken Pickin' and Lindsay Waddington with Nullarbor. Lex K was named National Lyricist of the Year with Love Songs And Memories from John Cauchi with Ghost Train, Christine Eccleston with Dust Off The Drovers, Lorena Quinlivan with Back Where I Used To Live and John Stretton with Where The Earth and Sky Collide. Jim van Fleet was named New Songwriter of the Year with I Don't Know from Aurielle Brunjes with Birdsong, Shane Butterworth with Mr Majestic Smile and Julie Prowse with I Say You Don't. Briana Dinsdale was named Junior Songwriter of the Year (17 and under) with Dear Future Me from Freddie Bailey-Cook with When The Rains Come, Felicity Dowd with Road Called Life and Amira Hamze with Falling Apart. TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 Cavalcade winners
The 2019 Country Music Cavalcade saw more than 100 individual entries wend their way through the city with well known artists and rising stars taking pride of place. Each year, Cavalcade entries are judged in thee categories for "best of" prizes. In the Commercial section, Tamworth City Dance Academy was named the winner with Curves in second place and Ballet Stars third. In Non-Commercial, Kirinari came first, with Northcott runner-up and Fire & Rescue in third place. In the Equine section, Tamworth Tentpeggers were named winner. Photo: a view of the Kirinari float with artist Tommy Miller playing and singing. MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2019 Rhys wins Busking Championship Rhys Crimmin has been judged winner of Country Music Capital's 2019 Busking Championship. The Froombsoms were named runner-up while Ella Powell came in third.
Staged last night at the conclusion of the 10 day Tamworth Country Music Festival, the championship also featured finalists... Freddie Bailey-Cook, Ria Brcic, Lily Grace, Will Gray, Ziggy McNeill, Suga Owens and Hudson Rose. Rebecca crowned Queen of Country Music
Sponsored by Hunt's Joinery, Rebecca's win was announced at a gala function in Country Music Capital last night on the final day of the 2019 country music festival. Rebecca was born and raised in Tamworth and has built a successful career in retail, currently working with Adairs. Casey Skewes, sponsored by the National Australia Bank, was named Princess, runner-up to the Queen title. Casey also works in retail, at Stormriders in Tamworth. Emerie Anonical was named Miss Congeniality and Lauren Foley, Miss Social Media. Thirteen entrants featured in the Queen of Country Music Quest this year. The Quest began in 1984. See more here. Photo: Rebecca (right) and Casey. SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 James elevated to the Roll of Renown James Blundell, the man many credit with leading the way for a new wave of country stars in the 1990s, was elevated last night to Australian country music's highest honour, the Roll of Renown.
Roll of Renown Chairman Max Ellis said James had opened the door for many of today's contemporary country music stars after he won the Star Maker quest in 1987. James' elevation co-incides with the 40th anniversary of Star Maker. James won his first Golden Guitar the year after winning Star Maker, following with many more into the 1990s. Songs like The Gidgee Bug Pub Song and The Cloncurry Cattle Song were followed by the likes of Age Of Grace and Kimberley Moon, all of which built the then rising star a legion of fans through a wide cross-section of the Australian public and led to significant record sales. His version of of The Dingoes song Way Out West, sung with James Reyne at the 1992 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards catapaulted James into to a wider spotlight becoming a huge hit around the country. Part of James' Roll of Renown citation reads: "A skilled songwriter and charismatic entertainer with a genuine country charm, he... (changed) the face of Australian country music forever. His modern but authentic musical idiom appealed to young and old and his overnight success with traditional and mainstream audiences transformed our country music, paving the way for a whole new generation of stars." Photo: James accepts the Roll of Renown citation from industry pioneer Max Ellis and Lee Kernaghan. Mixed accolades at the Golden Guitars It was a night of mixed accolades at the Golden Guitars in Tamworth last night with a number of new acts gaining serious recognition and a balance of established acts adding to their trophy hauls.
The Wolfe Brothers were the biggest winner on the night taking home four awards, for Vocal Group of the Year, Contemporary Country Album for Country Heart, Song of the Year for Ain't Seen It Yet and the major Album of the Year award, the group's first ever Golden Guitars. Andrew Swift walked away with two, New Talent with Runaway Train and Alternative Country Album with Call Out For The Cavalry. Producer Matt Fell was also a significant winner taking home three Golden Guitars for producing The Wolfe Brothers and Andrew Swift winning albums of the year. Beccy Cole won Female Artist of Year, Travis Collins snared the Male award and Kasey Chambers & The Fireside Disciples featuring Alan Pigram won Traditional Album of the Year with Campfire. John Williamson took home Bush Ballad of the Year for Please Don’t Forget Me and Kristy Cox won Bluegrass Recording of the Year for Ricochet. Heritage Song of the Year went to Troy Cassar-Daley for Shadows On The Hill while Tommy Emmanuel was named winner of Instrumental of the Year for Wheelin’ And Dealin’. Video of the Year was won by Fanny Lumsden with Elastic Waistband directed by Anna Phillips & Sam Brumby. Single of the Year was Day Drunk by Morgan Evans and Keith Urban was confirmed winner of Top Selling Album for Graffiti U. One of the most notable wins on the night was in Vocal Collaboration of the Year which was won by Every Hello, by Bennett Bowtell & Urquhart featuring the voice of the late Karl Broadie. Lawrie Minson was announced as the Country Music Association of Australia's Musician of the Year. A coverage of the Golden Guitar Awards (officially the Country Music Awards of Australia) will screen nationally on ABC TV today at 12:30pm. Photo: The Wolfe Brothers accept their Album of the Year award with producer Matt Fell (left). Weblink – www.country.com.au. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019 Australia Day Honours Australia Day honours have been awarded to three music industry identities all with a strong connection to country music... record industry executive and retailer Barry Bull, artiist/songwriter/producer Garth Porter and bush poet Noel Stallard (pictured, from left). Garth is best known for his involvement in the very successful pop group Sherbet but more latterly as a producer for country music artists including James Blundell and Lee Kernaghan. His award was made for significant service to music as a performer, songwriter and producer. Barry was a record industry executive for many years, mostly with then CBS Records but more recently operated a music retail store – Toombul Music – in Queensland and has now extended himself to the public speaking circuit as "the music man". His award was made for service to the performing arts, particularly through music. Noel is an award-winning bush poet and author who, during the time of the annual Bush Laureate Awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, was a regular winner, including elevation to the bush poets hall of fame via the Judith Hosier Heritage Award in 2011 for his work in promoting Australian verse to children. His award was made for service to literature. Marge presented with Lions award The NSW Northern Rivers' Marge Graham has been presented with this year's Lions Country Music Community Service Award.
In addition to the accolade, Marge received one of the famous and collectable Fred Hillier “dunny” trophies and $500 which she will donate to her local Riding for The Disabled branch. A singer/songwriter and radio broadcaster, Marge has volunteered through her country music concerts, festivals, radio show, nursing home visits and fundraising events for worthy local projects. She hosts her own country music program – "Country Breakfast" on North Coast Community Radio, 92.9 Lismore (2NCR FM) and has been involved in radio for more than 40 years.FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019 2019 People's Choice Winners A very successful 2019 People's Choice Awards was staged in Country Music Capital last night.
Graham Rodger was the most successful taking home two trophies... Best Album for his latest release, Ringers In The Sky, and Best Bush Ballad for the self-writtem album title track. Dianne Lindsay was named Best Female Vocal while North Queensland artist Tony Cook won the Best Male Vocal award. Perrenial winners Brothers3 won their 12th People's Choice Award with their ninth consecutive win of the Best Group category. Dale Duncan won Best Song with Diamantina Coming Down, written by Norma O'Hara Murphy and Manfred Vijars. Multi previous finalist duo The Long & Short Of It won their first People's Choice Award with their video of Old School. New talent Phoebe Jay was voted winner of Most Promising Future Star. In broadcast categories, Rhonda Francis of Radio 2SSR in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, was voted Most Popular Country Music DJ and Alan Gilmour's "Australian Country Songwriters Show" on todayscountry94one was voted Most Popular Country Music Radio Program. The presentation last night was compered by Steve Passfield and Kathryn Jones. Voting for the 2020 Awards will get underway mid year with winners to be announced at a gala Awards presentation in Tamworth on Thursday January 23. Photo: the night's winners (from left): Tony Cook, Alan Gilmour, Dianne Lindsay, David Baird & Patsy Toop (The Long & Short Of It), Phoebe Jay, Rhonda Francis, Graham Rodger, Brothers3, Manfred Vijars, Dale Duncan. THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 World bush dance record set!
Ther brainchild of the band Simply Bushed, the record was set when, on a recount, more than 500 dancers took to Country Music Capital's Bicentennial Park for a heel and toe polka. There was disappointment at first when the number looked like it had fallen short, but on a recount, it was 521. "All the documents will now be sent to Guinness World Records," said Simply Bushed, "and we will have the official news in the months to come. "But you Bushies look like you’ve done it and we have set a Tamworth Country Music Festival world record for heel and toe polka!" Travis in Galaxy of Stars Travis Collins has been added to Country Music Capital's Galaxy of Stars.
His latest album, Brave & The Broken, has received widespread praise with four Golden Guitar nominations this year. Tamworth Regional Council Country Music Festival Manager Barry Harley said inclusion in the Galaxy of Stars was a fitting tribute to a dedicated and highly talented artist. "Travis is one of the brightest stars in Australian country music and has worked hard to carve a very successful career in the industry." The Galaxy of Stars plaques are displayed in the forecourt at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre. Photo: Travis with his Galaxy of Stars plaque and Tamworth Mayor Col Murray. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019 TSA Award winners Winners in the Tamworth Songwriters' Association (TSA) Awards were announced last night.
Elizabeth (or Lizzy) Steadman won Anzac Song of the Year for Brothers In Arms and the songwriting team of Ben Mawdsley & Kate Appleyard won the New Songwriter title with Meant To Be. Blake Dantier won the Novice award with his song Whisky Is My Woman, Lucy Parle won Youth Songwriting with I Used To Love You and the Lyrics Writer title went to Kevin Pye with Eucalyptus Breeze. The Gospel Song Award was won by Jean Darnell & Shaza Leigh for Part Of Our Father’s Plan and the Bluegrass Song Award went to Dave Diprose with Hillbilly Radio. Brendan Smoother took home the Country Blues Song Award for Behind The Seen with Kiara Rodrigues winning Comedy/Novelty Song with Mr Vanity. The songwriting team of Paul Grierson, Chris Rieger & Matt Scullion were named winners of the Country Rock Song Award for the Simply Bushed recorded White Side Of The Fence. Chloe Styler & Fanny Lumsden won the Alt Country Song Award for When Your Light Burns. The Country Ballad Award went to Andrew Wrigglesworth & Allan Caswell for The Roses Fall. Ex BAL Marketing, Rural Press Events and now Tamworth Regional Council Country Music Festival Manager Barry Harley was named winner of the Tex Morton Award for service to country music songwriting. And the Australian country music songwriting hall of fame recgnition, the Songmaker Award, went to Barry Forester. Photo: Terry Bennetts receives the twin awards on his own behalf and for Keith. Weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au. TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2O19 World's largest bush dance record attempt
Together with festival organisers, the band is encouraging festival goers to join them at the city's Bicentennial Park (known as Toyota Park during the festival) at 11am. "No experience is recommended!" according to Simply Bushed's Paul Grierson (pictured here with Chris Rieger). "We'll teach you everything you need to know!" Anyone wanting a heads up before the day can check out the Simply Bushed instructional video: youtu.be/dfuMYnUWtTo. The attempt is an official crack at the Guiness World Record. Kezia wins Aristocrat British country artist Kezia Gill (pictured below, left) has won this year's Aristrocrat Entertainer of the Year quest at West Tamworth League Club.
Runner-up in the senior section was Harriet Kelly from Hillston in NSW with New Zealander Jaydin Shingleton third. Kathryn Luxford (pictured) from Glen Innes, NSW, won the junior title with Sonny French, son of power country duo Stuie & Camille, in second place and SaBree – the duo of Sarah Hamze and Briana Dinsdale – in third place. Zoey Mills, from Mackay, Qld, was presented with the Nathaniel O'Brien Encouragement Award. Non placing senior grand finalists in the quest were The Aliens, Jorja Dalton, Heath Milner, Storm & Stone, Katie Suber, Mark “Bushy” Thompson and the Izzie Walsh Band. Non placing junior grand finalists were Briana Dinsdale, Felicity Dowd, Felicity Kircher and Keeley Sliwka. MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2019 Blake wins Star Maker
Last year's winner of Most Promising Future Star at the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards, Blake beat nine other hot contenders in a partially rain-affected event at Tamworth's Bicentennial Park. Blake wins a prize package valued at thousands of dollars, including the use of a new Toyota for the length of his reign fuel card, a recording session and the distribution and promotion of a four-track EP, production of two video clips, on-going personal and career support and promotion. Weblink – www.starmaker.com.au. SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 Entrants in the 2019 Tamworth Queen of Country Music Quest were anounced on Friday, day one of the annual country music festival. State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson did the honours, introducing Emerie Anonical, Emily Bellamy, Jessica Corby, Amy Duncan, Lauren Foley, Jenny Furner, Gabi Hudson, Rebecca Hunt, Paris Knox, Tammy Robinson, Ember Sawyer, Casey Skewes and Kate Sutherland, presenting the 13 with their official sashes.
The entrants will spend the festival interacting with the community and lending them a helping hand, promoting their sponsors, local businesses and the Zonta Club of Tamworth, organisers of the quest. Launched in 1984 by the Tamworth & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Queen of Country Music Quest has held a prominent place in the history of the festival since that time. The first Queen was Christine Little, followed by Salle Campbell in 1985, Cheryl Byrnes in 1986 and Andrea Paull in 1987. Sally Wauch followed in 1988, Sonia White in 1989, Lynette Dallas in 1990 and Alison Wilson in 1991. Melissa Harford was crowned winner in 1992, Cherie Hudson in 1993, Karen Thompson in 1994, Karen Bliss in 1995 and Leanne Clark in 1996. Kelly-Ann Tait won in 1997, Jacinta Graham in 1998, Jolene Spreadborough in 1999 and= Sophia Hearn in 2000. Amanda Walters was announced winner in 2001, Rebecca Redfern in 2002, Laura Camilleri in 2003, Katie Doherty in 2004 and Emma Bock in 2005. Kasey McCulloch took home the title in 2006, Leanne Coddington in 2007, Renae Sweeney in 2008, Jacqui Marsden in 2009 and Anna Redden in 2010. Sally Laurie won in 2011, Dimity Chaseling in 2012, Sophie Dewhurst in 2013, Lucinda Whitehorn in 2014 and Katrina Higgins in 2015. Madeline Lang was named winner in 2016, Taylor Fletcher in 2017 and last year's Queen was Alexandra Kellahan. The Queen, together with a runner-up Princess, will be crowned next Sunday, January 27. Contributors honoured In a big day at the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame yesterday, 11 individuals were recognised for their contribution to country music. The 2019 inductees into the Country Music Hands of Fame were announced...
Ron and Rosie Adsett – long time industry figures, including as operators of the legendary Country Music Store in Brisbane; Ashley Cook – well known bush balladeer; Ross McGregor – long time country music producer; Robyn McIntosh – leading photographer of country music people and events; Aleyce Simmonds – Golden Guitar winning artist and industry figure; Gina Timms – award winning country artist and industry personality; Lindsay Waddington – respected musician and recording studio operator. Wally's award was accepted by long time friend and associate Robyn McIntosh. All other attendees were present except for Ron and Rosie Adsett. Their recognition was received by one of the founders of Country Music Capital Max Ellis.
Tamworth Mayor Col Murray was involved in the presentations together with local State member of parliament Kevin Anderson (himself a musician), Country Music Roll of Renowner Frank Ifield and Hall of Fame Vice President Lorraine Pfitzner. Hands of Fame recipients will have their handprints set in concrete next Saturday, January 26. Pictured (top from left): Hands of Fame inductees Lindsay Waddington, Robyn McIntosh, Ross McGregor, Ashley Cook, Gina Timms, Max Ellis (for Ron and Rosie Adsett) and Aleyce Simmonds. Middle: Robyn McIntosh accepts Wally Sparrow's plaque from Kevin Anderson. Hall of Fame Board member Barrie Brennan presents the Eric Watson award to Anna Rose. Weblink – countrymusichalloffame.com.au. SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2019 Frank bust unveiled A bronze bust of Australian country music pioneer Frank Ifield was unveiled in Tamworth yesterday.
He joins, in alphabetical order, Stan Coster, Reg Lindsay, Jimmy Little, Chad Morgan, Tex Morton, Gordon Parsons, Shirley Thoms, Barry Thornton and Buddy Williams. Tex's was the first to be unveiled in 1991, Buddy's the second, followed by, in chronological order, Stan, Gordon, Barry, Shirley, Reg, Jimmy, Chad and now, Frank. Yesterday was also the official unveiling of the name Pioneers Parade, the area where the busts are now located in ordered lines along the pedestrian pathway into Bicentennial Park. Originally, the busts were scattered nearby in the park in no particular order. Most of the fundraising work for the busts of Stan, Reg, Jimmy, Chad, Gordon, Shirley, Barry and Frank was spearheaded by Australian country music industry legend Lorraine Pfitzner. Lorraine is pictured above with Frank andf his newly unveiled bust. Photo: Robmac. In addition to the busts, Tamworth has lifesize statue's – located on the city's "Boulevarde of Dreams" (Peel Street) – of Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean. FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 Wests, Tamworth's biggest club venue Wests Entertainment Group, which operates West Tamworth League Club and Wests Diggers, offers the most entertainment of all club venues during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. For years, Wests has held the reputation for hosting many of the biggest stars of Australian country music and this year is no exception. Among the headliners for 2019 will be James Blundell (pictured below), Adam Brand, Brothers3, Kasey Chambers (pictured), Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey (pictured), Amber Lawrence, Simply Bushed and Felicity Urquhart (pictured).
Literally dozens of other well known names in Australian country music feature during the festival in paid and free shows. Wests also runs two significant talent quests, Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year and the Mt Franklin Junior Talent Quest. Not to mention special events like tonight's Academy of Country Music Graduation Concert. Full details of entertainment at Wests venues over the Christmas can be obtained from the website. Weblink – www.wtlc.com.au. Country Under the Vines Country Music Capital's annual Country Under the Vines will again support Ronald McDonald House through it's annual fund-raiser. Set for The Longyard Hotel this Sunday, the event will star Roo Arcus, Darren Coggan, Hayley Jensen and Dan Murphy (all pictured) with visiting Canadian act Amy Nelson & The Dungarees also performing.
Organisers say some special surprise guests are also set to appear. Speaking for the organisers, Chris Watson said: "It’s always been a fantastic event and the line up keeps getting better – it’s a show not to be missed. "We always have some fantastic surprises, and this year we have some really big names coming along to support the cause." Tickets are available from The Longyard bottle shop, by calling 02 6701 8400, or at oztix.com.au. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 It's everywhere, it's everywhere Adapting the catchphrase of '60s radio star Chickenman (he's everywhere, he's everywhere), COUNTRY MUSIC is everywhere you turn in Tamworth from tomorrow for the next 10 days. In our look at major venues in the city (and surrounds), today we cover shopping precincts, namely The Atrium Shopping Centre, Centrepoint and Tamworth Square in Peel Street and Tamworth Shoppingworld in West Tamworth.
Centrepoint will have entertainment from Tuesday 22nd to Friday 26th with appearances from stars like Catherine Britt, Aleyce Simmonds and The Wolfe Brothers and rising stars including Melanie Dyer, Finnian Johnson and Becci Nethery. Tamworth Square (previously K Mart Plaza) has a program runing from Monday January 21 to Saturday 26th with artists including Scott Douglas, Cassidy Rae Gaiter, Home Grown, Felicity Kircher, Bobby Valentine and Trinity Woodhouse. Tamworth Shoppingworld has a program running from Friday 18th to Saturday 26th highlighted by the return of Aussie country legend Chad Morgan (pictured) who will be appearing at 12:30pm every day. The roster will also include artists like Paul Costa, Johanna Hemara, The Hillbilly Goats, Hurricane Fall, Juliet Oliver and Bryce Sainty. A feature of the Shoppingworld program will be the return of Dare to Dance linedancing each weekday from 2pm. Weblinks – The Atrium • Centrepoint • Tamworth Square • Tamworth Shoppingworld.
Tamworth's orginal shopping arcade – recently modernised and refurbished – will have the most extensive program of all shopping precincts in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital, this January. A dedicated Festival stage will operate every day of the 10 day event from 11am with a wide array of "walk-up" entertainers, including a few well known acts like Simply Bushed, Dianne Lindsay, Brendan Smoother, the String Loaded Celtic Fiddle Band and Bobby Valentine.
The Atrium Festival Stage is supported by Capital Country Radio which will be running a number of promotions, including contests and giveaways, throughout the 10 days for show attendees. This year is particularly significant as it sees the return of the Musician's Headquarters. A staple of earlier festivals, Muso's HQ will be open every day of the event with a number of displays and activities of particular interest to artists and musicians. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 New album from Sara Multi Golden Guitar winning Sara Storer released the first single from her new album Raindance, the title track, today.
Speaking of the first single, Sara said: "Raindance is a song of hope. It also sends a message of coming together through dance and song. Music is great therapy and while our nation waits on rain, let’s dance and sing this drought away. "As a songwriter, we can often find ourselves writing stories with a heavy heart whether it be about ourselves or of others. So with regard to the drought, and the endless hardships of Aussie farmers, I felt it time to write a song of hope. A song that can lift out spirits during the nations wait for rain." The new album was produced by Matt Fell with Shane Nicholson engineering the drums and guitar tracks. A number of interesting points about the album include involvement by lead singer if Aussie pop gfroup Men At Work on the song Next Year People, originally written and recorded by him as well as Fanny Lumsden and Sara’s brother Greg Storer. Weblink – www.sarastorer.com.au. TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 Artists announced for People's Choice Awards The artist line-up for the 2019 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards has been announced.
Most finalists in this year's Awards have accepted the invitation to perform at the event on Thursday January 24 in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital. The line-up, in alphabetical order, is Brothers3 (pictured), Tony Cook, Paul Costa (pictured), Destiny Band Oz, Dale Duncan, Phoebe Jay, Emma Jene, Rachel Jillett, Shaza Leigh, Dianne Lindsay (pictured), The Long & Short Of It (pictured), Maddi Lyn, Becci Nethery (pictured), Graham Rodger (pictured) and Gina Timms (pictured). Comperes for the event will be Steve Passfield and Kathryn Jones who will also perform during the gala presentation. The People's Choice Awards this year will be held in a new venue, a purpose built performing arts theatre with tiered seating – Our Lady of The Rosary Cultural Centre, part of the McCarthy Catholic College complex in Tribe Street just north of the Northgate Shopping Centre. Tickets for the Awards are available online by visiting the Awards website. Awards will be presented in 10 categories, Best Female, Best Male, Best Grouo or Duo, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video and two broadcaster awards, Most Popular DJ and Most Popular Program or Radio Station. The full listing of finalists can be viewed at the website. Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. Wolverines to miss Tamworth Lead singer of the legendary Wolverines Darcy Le Year has been admitted to hospital for emergency heart surgery which means the band has had to cancel their Tamworth 2019 festival shows.
"But right now, our concern is for Darcy," band members said. "To make sure he makes a speedy recovery, but it is so disappointing to miss catching up with everyone at the biggest festival of the year." The Wolverines are known for giving their time to people with disabilities and their annual Poker Run that’s continued for 20 years to raise funds for children’s causes. They were booked to play at The Longyard.
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019 Dolly's Imagination Library launches in Tamworth
The Imagination Library is a free children's book gifting program – providing a free age-appropriate book each month in the mail until the age of five, regardless of family income. Dolly started the program in 1995 in her home state of Tennessee in America. In 2000, the Imagination Library became so popular, Dolly announced that she wanted to make the program available to any community that would partner with her and support it locally. The program has since expanded to more than 1,800 local communities in Australia, Canada, the USA and the United Kingdom and currently ships some 1.3 million books to children every month globally. In Australia, the program is administerd by The United Way, the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit that aims to bring people and organisations together to tackle challenges, with a focus on improving education, financial stability and health. A launch concert for establishment of the library in Tamworth will be held this Sunday at the Capitol Theatre with stars including Kirsty Lee Akers, Aleyce Simmonds and guests. Dolly Parton will appear via a special video message recorded for the occasion. "As the Country Music Capital of Australia, it seems only fitting to feature a tribute performance for Dolly during festival to officially launch this important initiative which has as its core foundation, the growth and development of reading skills," said Tamworth Mayor Col Murray. The Imagination Library will provide all children with access to their own library of literary resources from an early age to assist them in developing competent reading and comprehension skills before they start school. DPIL mails free age appropriate and culturally sensitive books to children registered in the program from birth to the age of five. Weblink – imaginationlibrary.com. SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2019 CCMA announces songwriter finalists The Capital Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced finalists for its expanded songwriting competition now known as the National Songwriter Awards. And they are... For Songwriter of the Year... Emma Jene with Yahoo, Shaza Leigh with Land Of Our Kin, Shaza Leigh & Emma Jene with As My Memories Fade, Rachel Summerell with Swing From The Chandeliers and Brian Stitt with It's Not Quite A Ghose Town.
Pictured from left: Emma Jene, Shaza Leigh, Brian Stitt and Rachel Summerell. For Composer of the Year... Anthony Baxter with Huntah's Melody, Terry Bennetts with Chicken Pickin', Shaza Leigh with Hill Of Tara and Mist On The Murray and Lindsay Waddington with Nullarbor. For Lyricist of the Year... John Cauchi with Ghost Train, Christine Eccleston with Dust Off The Drovers, Lex K with Love Songs And Memories, Lorena Quinlivan with Back Where I Used To Live and John Stretton with Where The Earth And Sky Collide. For New Songwriter of the Year... Aurielle Brunjes with Birdsong, Shane Butterworth with Mr Majestic Smile, Julie Prowse with I Say You Don't and Jim Van Fleet with Barbed Wire And Bullets and I Don't Know. For Junior Songwriter of the Year (17 years and under)... Freddie Bailey-Cook with When The Rains Come, Briana Dinsdale with Dear Future Me and Help Me Meet The Lord, Felicity Dowd with Road Called Life and Amira Hamze with Falling Apart. Winners will be announced during the CCMA's National Jamboree in the Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday January 26 from 3pm. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019 The Winners 2019 released The 2019 edition of the Country Music Association of Australia's Winners album had been released.
Featured on the album are Bennett Bowtell & Urquhart, Catherine Britt, Jeff Brown, Troy Cassar-Daley, Allan Caswell, Kasey Chambers & The Fireside Disciples, Imogen Clark, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Graeme Connors, Brad Cox, Kristy Cox, Rex Dallas, Jayne Denham, Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont, Tommy Emmanuel, Morgan Evans, Tori Forsyth, Adam Harvey, The Hillbilly Goats, Judah Kelly, Troy Kemp, Missy Lancaster, Fanny Lumsden, Montgomery Church, Mustered Courage, Dean Perrett, Runaway Dixie, Andrew Swift, Lindsay Waddington, John Williamson, The Weeping Willows and The Wolfe Brothers. The album is available on line and at record stores. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 Chad wins fRETfEST Chad Sinclair has won the fRETfEST Regional Song Contest with a song titled Upon Me.
That took him to the Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year quest on Norfolk Island in May of the same year where he won the encouragement award and the original song award. As winner of the fRETfEST contest, Chad has a six month membership with fRETfEST and a remix of his song which will be launched on iTunes. "I was shocked when I won,"Chad said. "I felt like it was an acknowledgement that your songs hit the mark and they’re current." Runner-up in the competition was Sophie Volp with her song Letters and an encouragement award was presented to Shyanne Irwin. All of this year's fRETfEST finalists will appear during the this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival. THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Balladeers 2019 Tamworth curtain raiser Now an annual event on the Tamworth Country Music Festival Countdown program, the Balladeers 2019 Fundraiser for the Westpac Rescure Helicopter Service runs from 10am to 4pm this Sunday.
Local broadcastering legen Brian Howard will emcee with a mainstay on the Country Music Capital balladeers scene Graeme Doubleday. Artists will include Rex Dallas, Dale Duncan, Lynette Guest, Pixie Jenkins, Tommy Maxwell, Patti Morgan, the Dally Croft Backing Band and "many more". Renowned performing bush poet Gary Fogarty will also appear. Weblink, Kootingal Bowling Club. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 Tamworth Countdown kicks off Friday The annual Tamworth Country Music Festival gets underway unofficially on Friday with the kick-off of the Festival Contdown... a week of activity that would make a fairly decent little festival in its own right.
Wests have shows nightly from Friday to Tuesday and three on Wednesday and Thursday prior to the official launch of the Festival on Friday the 18th. Artists appearing include Marie Hodson, Shaza Leigh & The Butler Showband, The Long & Short Of It, Lawrie & Shelley Minson, Two Gals and Sally-Anne Whitten & The Rumour Mill at Wests and 2 Black Cadillacs, Bolton Crook, Allison Forbes, Jonny Taylor and Sally-Anne Whitten & The Rumour Mill doubling up at Diggers. Tamworth Services Club will feature acts in the Countdown including Michael Bryers, Jess Holland and Kerry Kennedy & The Mustavbeens. A snapshot of other venues with activity include the Austin Tourist Park, the City Lights Caravan Park, the new Coffee & Grill Hut in front of 2TM, the Court House Hotel, the Longyard Hotel, the Oasis Hotel, Paradise Tourist Park, the Post Office Hotel and the Tudor Hotel. A number of major Festival curtain-raiser type events are also scheduled including the Bush Balladeers Westpac Rescue Helicopter Fundraiser at Kootingal on Sunday (see more detailed story tomorrow), the Capital Country Music Association Welcome Jam at South Tamworth Bowling Club on Wednesday night and the Country Music Charity Ball in the Tamworth Town Hall on Thursday night. A smattering of buskers will also start entertaining in Peel Street during the Countdown. Festival co-ordinators Tamworth Regional Council have launched a Festival app which is available for download from the Apple App Store and Googleplay for Android devices. Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au. TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019 OZ to NZ artist tour In a reversal of activity, a number of Australian country artists will travel across the Tasman this March for a series of performances in New Zealand.
Joining Marie will be Luke Austen, Sandra Humphries and Anthony Taylor. The troupe will play Fox Glacier on Thursday March 7, Cromwell on Wednesday March 13 and Woolston on Saturday March 16. The performances are part of a Long White Cloud luxury coach tour of New Zealand's South Island. Details can be obtained from the facebook listing. MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2019 Dora Creek replaces Gwandalan
Following many requests, a country music concert at the Dora Creek Workers Club will be held in its place on Saturday, January 12 at 1pm. The concert will be a fundraising event for the Frank Ifield Bronze Bust which is to be unveiled at the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year. Artists on the day will include Dianne and Peter Simpson, Greg Bain, Peter Coad, The Coad Sisters, Marcus Greene, Jim Hermel and artists from Steel City Country Music Club and the Central Coast Country Music Association. Admission is set at $10 and lunch and dinner will be available at the club. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 Tamworth venues update – Servies Group This week, we begin highlighting a number of major venues in Tamworth with substantial programs set for the upcoming country music festival. First up is the Tamworth Services Club group which includes the Tamworth Services Club itself in Marius Street, the North Tamworth Bowling Club and Manilla Services Club (formerly the Manilla RSL).
Ticketed shows at Tamworth Services Club feature Jeff Brown, Darren Coggan, Tracy Coster (pictured above), Lonnie Lee, Luke O’Shea (pictured above), Danny Phegan, Simply Bushed (pictured) plus the Johnny Cash and John Prine tribute shows and the Songhouse Sessions with Kevin Bennet, Catherine Britt, Brad Butcher and Kelly Cork. Writers in the Round, also ticketed shows, will be held 9 til 11:30am each day Monday Januaru 20 to and including Friday January 25. Writers featuring include 8 Ball Aitken, Brad Butcher, Allan Caswell, Roger Corbett, Paul Costa, Will Day, Col Finley, Arna Georgia, Della Harris, Dana Hassall, Melanie Horsnell, Rob Imeson, Innocent Eve, John Krsulja, Hayley Marsten, Richo Richardson and Brooke Schubert. Free shows at Tamworth Services will feature artists like Michael Bryers, Deep Creek Road, Phil & Lana Doublet, Col Finley, Alison Forbes, Jess Holland, Kerry Kennedy, Oakwood, Texas Rose, Colt Seavers, Kevin Sullivan, Trainwreck and Luella Widt. Ticketed shows at North Tamworth Bowling Club include Chris Callaghan, Andrew Clermont's Supper Club, Shanley Del & Lachlan Bryan, Feral Swing Katz, Amber Joy Poulton, The Renegade Women of Country Music (The Sheilas' Show), The Rhymers Roundup, Fred Smith and Stuie & Camille. Ticketed shows at Manilla Services Club feature Luke O’Shea (Wednesday January 23) and Justin Standley (Thursday January 24). Free shows feature acts including Kerry Kennedy and Trainwreck. A Manilla Showcase will be staged on Tuesday evening January 22). Details can be found at www.theservicesgroup.com.au. THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 Vale – Rob Wilson Another Australian country music personality – Rob Wilson – has lost a battle with cancer.
He was diagnosed in October and fought to beat the insidious disease but died on New Year's Eve. He was 58. Rob released his debut album Rough Around The Edges in 2003 which garnered numerous finalist places in a number of awards and saw him named winner of the 2004 Golden Saddle Award. In June 2004, he became the first Australian to top the Worldwide Most Played Country Artists’ Charts (based on radio playlists from Australia, Europe, New Zealand and the USA). In January 2005, Rob won Best Song at the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards with Same Ol’ Love. November 2005 saw him open his Longhorn Studio which ultimately produced works for the likes of Trevor Day, Angela Hayden, Adam Kilpatrick, LeAnne King, Scott McCallister, Ross McGregor, Tara Naysmith and Alby Pool. In addition to Round Around The Edges, Rob had released several more albums including a Mildura Special in 2006, The Real Deal in 2007 and Real Country in 2011. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 Vale – Al Slade
The Lismore (NSW) based Australian country music supporter died on Sunday, December 30. Numerous facebook posts have paid tribute. Following is but a sample... "Al Slade supported us all with his wonderful live photos at festivals around the country." "I lost a long time friend in Al Slade... He is now in a better place and will always be remembered for his photography."
"Al was a kind, generous, jovial fellow who brought not only a camera but great warmth and humour wherever he went. The Aussie country music industry has lost a great friend and photographer who cataloged some of music's brightest stars." "Al Slade’s photos captured so many wonderful memories while his beautiful personality captured so many hearts." "Al Slade you were a man with a great eye and a huge heart and will be missed by so many people. Your support for every musician you met was infinite and it showed through your art." "Al was a shining light in the country music family and was a passionate supporter of all artists and live shows/festivals, new and old. You will be greatly missed. The music will play on and your wonderful photos will never fade."
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In every one of its 47 years to date, the Festival has featured both. Indeed, an awards night (Golden Guitars) and talent quest (Capital Country Music Association or CCMA) were the two foundation activities of the weekend festival that has now grown to 10 days attracting more than 50,000 visitors annually (or an aggregate number in the hundeds of thousands).
* Mt Franklin
Battle of the New Stars (18-49) Tameka Kennedy (pictured), Battle of the New stars (Golden Oldies) Robert Doherty.
Winner of the key National Songwriter of the Year was Shaza Leigh with Land Of Our Kin. Shaza won from fellow finalists Emma Jene with Yahoo, Brian Stitt with It's Not Quite A Ghost Town and Rachel Summerell with Swing From The Chandeliers.
Rebecca Hunt has been crowned Tamworth's Queen of Country Music for 2019.
The announcement, at the Golden Guitar Awards, noted that James was the 52nd inductee and confirms the 54-year-old singer/songwriter as one of the living legends of Australian country music.
The Wolfe Brothers and Andrew Swift were prominent among the newcomers while established stars Beccy Cole, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel, Keith Urban and John Williamson snapped up one award each.
Garth has been announced as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in today's honours list while Barry and Noel have been awarded Order of Australia Medals (OAMs).
The award, presented by Country Music Capital's Peel Valley Lions Club for exemplary service to the community through her association with country music, was made following a nomination from the Lions Club of Lismore.
From busking on Peel Street at age 11 to being crowned Toyota Star Maker in 2004, the now winner of six Golden Guitar Awards has established himself as one of the nation's leading country music recording artists.
The big winner on the night was the Dale Duncan recorded Station Minderoo which won two awards, Traditional or Bush Ballad of the Year and the major TSA Country Song of the Year for co-writers Terry Bennetts & Keith Lethbridge.
Simply Bushed will lead an attempt on a world record Heel and Toe Polka during the Tamworth Country Music Festival tomorrow.
One of the more significant talent search-type events during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Aristcrat carries a cash prize of $2,000 for the senior winner.
Two individuals were inducted into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame, retired announcer and video director/producer Graham Archer and the late South Australian broadcaster and industry figure Wally Sparrow.
Well known journalist and country music writer Anna Rose was announced as recipient of the Eric Watson Literary Award for her significant contribution to the recording of Australian country music history through her contemporary features and articles over the last three decades.
Frank is the 10th bust in what is now known as Country Music Capital's Pioneers Parade in the city's Bicentennial Park.
The Atrium (see story following) has the most extensive program with its Festival Stage running every day of the 10 day country music extravaganza from 11am. Stars of Australian country music apprearing include Simply Bushed, Dianne Lindsay, Brendan Smoother and the String Loaded Celtic Fiddle Band and rising stars like Lance Birrell, Phoebe Jay and Emma Jene.
A big Tamworth festival for The Atrium
A dozen or more rising stars of country music will appear... Kalesti Butler, Elyssa Faith, Sally Jane, Phoebe Jay, Mariah Jayne, Kimberly Gold, Felicity Kircher, Maddi Lyn, Sami McGrath, Jordanna Jones, Kora Naughton, Brendan Nawrocki, Becci Nethery, Chloe Styler, Georgie Taylor and Trinity Woodhouse.
Recently signed with Universal Music Australia on a world-wide deal, Sara will release the new album in April.
It will be the first time in 25 years the band won't perform at the festival and the first time they have ever had to cancel a gig anywhere... quite a record.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is launching in the Tamworth region with a Dolly tribute concert during the upcoming country music festival. 
The album features finalists from the 2019 Golden Guitar Awards which will be staged in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital, on Saturday night, January 26.
Previously, Chad had major success in January 2017 when he won the Overall Senior Champion title at the Capital Country Music Association National Talent Quest in Tamworth.
Staged at the Kootingal Bowling Club, entry is by gold coin donation with morning tea, barbecue lunch and raffles on the program in addition to the music.
Numerous venues in the Country Music Capital will have entertainment organised for the Countdown including the city's major club group, Wests Entertainment which operates West Tamworth League Club in Phillip Street and Diggers in Kable Avenue.
Leading the charge will be expat New Zealander Marie Hodson.
Dianne Lindsay, a prime move behind the annual Gwandalan Country Music Festival on the NSW Central Coast, has announced the festival will not be held this year.
A singer/songwriter, record producer and member of the Australian Highwaymen tribute show, Rob had been an active part of the Australian country music industry for more than two decades after he made the grand finals of Star Maker in 1996.
Well-known country music photographer Al Slade has lost his battle with cancer.
"We lost a great friend... Not only was he a wonderful human but a supremely talented photographer who always seemed to capture us perfectly."