Country Music Spectacular For Wauchope

Saturday 12 July 2008
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

A 'Country Music Spectacular' with an impressive line-up of performers will be held at Wauchope RSL, as a fundraiser for the inaugural Wauchope Country Music Festival being staged early in the new year.

Festival president David Reneke said this Saturday night however promises to be equally as stunning with four hours of continuous country music to suit all tastes. Most of the artists like Col Carter, Alan McGovern, Pauline Fisher, Lyn Payne, Kevin Kelly and Amelia Richards have given their time freely for the fundraiser and have promised to put in their best efforts yet to satisfy the many fans they hope will come along on the night to support them.

The show is being hosted by well known country music artist and promoter Wayne Docherty who will also perform a bracket of well known Aussie country standards. Backing all the artists on stage will be one of our most popular and requested bands, 'Rusty Nuts' featuring local singers David and Michelle Styles. Your compere for the evening will be David Reneke.

The show starts at 7pm. "There's no need to book," David said. "Just turn up on the night and be prepared to be entertained." Tickets are $12 per person and all proceeds from the night go towards staging next year's festival.

Event Website: http://wauchopecmfestival.vpweb.com/
Venue: Wauchope RSL Club
Young Street and Cameron Street
Wauchope 2446
Prices: $12 Adult

General Enquiries:
Dave Reneke
Wauchope Country Music Festival Inc
PO Box 15
Wauchope 2446
Phone: 0400636363
dave.reneke@skyandspace.com.au

Greenwich Park Jamboree

13th September 2008
Walk Up Artist Concert 10AM - 6PM
$5.00 Under 16 free
Huge Woolshed Dance 7.00PM - ???????
$20 under 16 free
BYO drinks, nibbles, jokes & smiles

Bookings essential for Dance…
Call Patti: 0248298335 0432253057

“Free Camping”or "Swag In Shed"'
Entertainment from:

Annual Fundraiser for Big Hill Rural Fire Service…
they will be cooking good food throughout the weekend at reasonable prices.

Goulburn Country Music Association will be cooking breakfast..
Good Bush Tucker throughout the weekend

"Turn The Tide" Debut Album Launch
Doug McIntyre

Doug is one of Australia's great emerging country Singer/Songwriters.
To all who hear him, there is something refreshingly unique and at
the same time familiar, about his music. His songs are proudly about
this country, ever mindful of the past, yet anchored in the present

Doug's album was produced by Bill Chambers and Roger Corbett. It includes some of Australia's finest country musicians; Mick Albeck, Bill Chambers, BJ Barker, Clare O'Meara

An official launch will take place at the Mittagong RSL Club in the Auditorium on Sunday the 27th of July from 2-30 to 5pm

Tickets available at the door
Adults $8 Children under 13 Free
Enquiries at the Club 02 48726700

"I am so proud of this album and really look forward to performing my stories and meeting everyone"

Doug

Another #1 for Amber Lawrence!

One of the hardest working rising female country artists, Amber Lawrence has just topped (#1) the CMC charts with her third single “Good Girls”. 

“Good Girls”, is the third consecutive single from the debut album “The Mile” to reach a Top 10 position on both the CMC and Country Radio

charts. (Former singles “Things That Bring Me Down” and “Gonna Fly”).

To add to the list of growing accolades, Amber was nominated for “Female Artist of the Year” and “Best New Talent” at the 2008 Golden Guitar Awards, won the Female Vocalist of the Year at the National Southern Star Independent Awards and was voted in the Top Five Independent Entertainers of the Year at the Australian Country Music Achiever Awards.

Aside from her stellar solo shows, Amber has been a member of the touring entourage Chic Frontier also featuring Dianna Corcoran, Kirsty Lee Akers and Aleyce Simmonds, as well as supporting the likes of The McClymonts and a stint for our troops in East Timor.

Amber has commenced writing for her 2nd album to be released in 2009. In the meantime, she’s out and about around this great country of ours touring and ramping up the “Bloggin Along” series – Amber’s internet ‘on the road’ video blog series - for which Amber is fast attracting a legion of fans who enjoy witnessing Amber’s on the road tales and tribulations. (www.amberlawrence.com.au / www.myspace.com/amberlawrence1)

Good Girls’ go to Heaven and to Number 1
For further information please contact:  Karen-lee Goody @ Entertainment Consulting 0417 243 064, Karen-leegoody@bigpond.com

Domenica La Macchia
Promotions & Publicity Manager

Direct +61 2 9433 4840
Mobile +61 401 520 219
Telephone +61 2 9433 4800
Facsimile +61 2 9436 2661
Email Domenica.LaMacchia@destra.com
Address 107 Alexander Street Crows Nest NSW 2065

John Stephan's Nashville Debut Starts With The Vinnie – Culminates on Stage of Grand Ole Opry

Friday night June 20 - Australian country recording sensation John Stephan, known as “The Voice From Down Under,” culminated his 3 month writing and recording trip to Nashville with a standing ovation after his performance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry that was introduced by the legendary Vince Gill.

Gill told the audience that he had been introduced to John Stephan by a friend at his recent golf tournament (The Vinnie) and had asked John to perform at his post tournament concert. 

“I was really taken with him. He possesses a brilliant voice and is a very talented kid, and I think we're gonna hear a lot more from him,”  Gill promised the audience Friday night.  The audience was then treated to John’s a cappella version of his Australian hit single “Crying” that has become his signature song. In turn, the near capacity audience responded with a standing ovation and applause. 

“The audiences response to my music here in the USA has been amazing!” said John. “My love is country music, and it's wonderful to know that I have been embraced by so many highly respected people in the industry. It’s been a great start to my new life here in Nashville, and to wind up in such a relatively short time in the middle of the legendary circle on the Grand Ole Opry stage is something that most people only dream of”, said John.

John Stephan has been working with internationally renowned record producer Dann Huff, who produces regularly with  country music superstars Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and Faith Hill, among others.

Not only a remarkable singer but an accomplished writer, John has been writing with the world’s most celebrated writers, including legend Wayland Holyfield. (More than 40 number one hits including..'Could I Have This Dance', 'Some Broken Hearts Never Mend')

In the three short months that John Stephan has been here, he has managed to accomplish what most artists do in a life time including performing at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe and the LP Field during the CMA Music Fest to a standing ovation of 48 000 fans. In addition the CMA (American Country Music Association) hosted a meet and greet where John Stephan performed for numerous industry insiders, received an invitation to perform at the holy grail of country music, the Grand Ole Opry, and worked side by side with world renowned producer Dann Huff.

“I took one listen to this guy and decided I wanted  to do everything in my power to help catapult John Stephan to the top.” said Huff. " definitely one of the best singers that I have worked with" Huff added.

John Stephan returned to Australia immediately following the Opry performance to prepare for his national Australian tour.  He will return to Nashville permanently in the Fall.

"Becoming a star is difficult, but I've listened to John Stephan's CD and find his voice to be remarkable.  Not only that, but I've met John. I feel that he has in his make-up all the ingredients to become a star. He has composure, charisma, and likeability, plus Hollywood handsome good looks." Ralph Emery (Country Music Legend/Radio Host/TV Personality)

Carmen Zerefos
JCS Media
US (615) 692 1149
AU (02) 8003 3502
AU (Cell) 0417 484 730
czerefos@jcsmedia.net
www.johnstephan.com
www.myspace.com/johncstephan

Lonnie Lee Newsletter - June 2008
BBrrrrrr.... Some winter news!

Firstly, Some shows coming up soon..
July 12 Sat A Festival of Rock'n'Roll by one of it's original Legends...
Lonnie Lee and The Leemen 'Rock back to the Cross'
Club Swans Darlinghurst Rd., Kings Cross
Bookings at the club 02 8061 2300 and Ticketek ----
Tributes to J.O'K, Billy Thorpe, Ray Brown and others

The Best of Lonnie Lee Tour - On the Tours Page

Past Tense: In the last few weeks Lonnie and The Leemen filled the auditoriums of.. Smithfield RSL, Adamstown RSL, Liverpool Catholic Club, Matraville RSL and The Brass Monkey.

To The Future: Tours for, The Best of Lonnie Lee, Original Aussie Idols and The CRY! Show to WA Tour, NSW Sth Coast Tour, NSW Hunter Valley, QLD Tour, other Sydney clubs.

The Cry! Show!

The music and story of the great Johnnie Ray. Nov 15 Saturday 8PM Penrith Panthers - Dinner Show Bookings at the club 1800 061 991

After much time in preproduction, this exciting and sophisticated show has had it's 'off road' debut. Recently. at the Brass Monkey venue in Sydney the audience were absolutely knocked out by Lonnie's performance. Even though he had a bad flu and bronchitis, the critiques were fabulous proving this show is sure to be popular once its tour life commences.

Phrases such as,

--- 'Absolutely incredible! I'd never heard of Johnnie Ray before but Lonnie's singing was just fabulous!
--- In the style of Buble and the other Frank Sinatra style shows, this is sure be amongst the most popular if it is promoted.
--- Excellent songs, singing and band.
--- My only downer was I didn't want it to end.
--- I sort of remember some of the songs, but even the ones I'd never heard of were tremendous. -- ------ Go Lonnie!
You can see the show web site at http://www.thecryshow.com

Update on CDs
The recent albums, the Doo Wop ballad, 'Light of Love' and the Rockabilly Country, 'North West Mail' have both received excellent reviews by country and general music critics and ales and plays are well surpassing all other recent album. We thank you if you have helped that.

A new live release will be out later this year to follow the very successful 'Good Rocking' Tonight' live CD. This new release will be titled, 'The Best of Lonnie Lee, Live'' and will feature his current show.

Definitive Original Collection Volume 4 is also scheduled for release later this year. It features his HMV releases from the mid 60's including all tracks from Australia's first stereo album, Lonnie Lee, 'A Country Boy at Heart'. Pre-Release orders are already being taken for both CDS mentioned above. Pre Release orders here.

Johnny O'Keefe - October 6th is the 30th Anniversary of his passing
It does not seem so long ago that we lost the initial prime motivator of our Aussie music industry. Still much loved by his audiences as well as the hundreds of thousands who attended the Shout productions, who were not even born whilst he was alive. A documentary has been filmed about his life with many interviews including with Lonnie who was one of his close friends. That doco as well as others will be aired on TV in and around October.As his small tribute, Lonnie includes his version of, 'You excite me', 'Real Wild Child', 'So tough' and 'Doubt our love', in his current show.
If you are planning a J.OK tribute .. let us know here.

Health Food
Later this year Starlite will enter the health food industry with a breakfast cereal product which he and his wife Suzanne have been using for many years. It's nutrition content is aimed at the helping the brain, immunity and general well being. The product will be launched internationally and is mainly aimed at the baby boomer generation. More on this later.
Later this year and early next year, Starlite will be touring Lonnie throughout much of Australia and if you feel audiences in your area would like to see the show, please let us know so we can include it in our research.

Speaking Engagements
Over the years Lonnie has been guest speaker at many corporate events, business conventions, community and education events. His experiences in business as well as a performer and producer in the music industry for over 50 years, make for an interesting and exciting story.

From his start before there was an Australian music industry through his halcyon days of incredible success all the way to his many years overseas and his involvements with stars such as Roy Orbison

Bookings are open for 2008 and 2009.
Thank you for all the plays and support over the years..
If you're at one of our shows, come and say, "Hi!"

PO Box 3374
Liverpool NSW 2170
02 9826 0220
admin@starlite.com.au
www.lonnielee.com

Becky Hobbs

Personal note from Lonnie about Becky Hobbs. I remember flying into Tulsa from Nashville one year for Christmas on one of those small corporate jet type 12 seaters that Frontier Airlines used to run and Becky was on the flight going back to Bartlesville to be with her family also. We kind of knew each other from the music business in Nashville so we

visited on the flight and since she was changing flights in Tulsa and I was getting off I asked her if she had time to say hello to my Mom and my sister, Shirley Owens, who were picking me up. Becky agreed but she seemed to doubt they would even know who she was. I reminded her we were in Oklahoma and it would be a big deal to them and I was pretty sure it would be like meeting Dolly to them both. When we walked over to where Mom and Shirley were waiting Shirley, a big country music fan, nudged me before I had time to make the formal introductions and said "Is that who I think it is?" I assured her it was and Becky stuck around for a while and talked to them before she had to continue her trip home. My stock went way up in the family's eyes after that because I knew Becky Hobbs and now thanks to my introduction so did they. They thought that was pretty "cool" and I have to agree with them. It is. Thanks Becky

Becky Hobbs (born January 24, 1950 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma) is an American country music singer, songwriter and pianist. To date, she has recorded seven studio albums, and has charted multiple singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including the #10 hit "Let's Get Over Them Together", a duet with Moe Bandy.

Besides her work as a solo artist, Hobbs has also written for several country and pop acts, such as Helen Reddy, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Shelly West, and Alabama.

Lonnie Ratliff

Tiana Miti From Porirua NZ

Tiana is of Samoan Heritage and lives here with her siblings and parents, not far from where I live.

The show is to be this Friday and we are expecting a very big crowd of supporters to support this very talented girl and her family.Tiana is not only New Zealand Junior Country Entertainer for 2007 , but she is also NZ Samoan Idol and travels with her family, myself and My partner Peato to Samoa in September to Compete in the Samoan World Idol

Contest .

Tiana and her big brother Sonny , older sister Justina and now little sister Bridgette are well known in the North Island for their amazing musical talent. They have won many many country awards between all of them and not only can they sing but they are also beautiful dancers as well .

Tiana started learning country music when their father Sonny senior asked me to coach them about five years ago, and then Sonny jnr joined in too for some coaching and soon they were on their journey to what is now becoming a very exciting journey in their music career as they have expanded their musical talents into many fields, not only just singing Country Music, but appearing in School productions as well.Sonny jnr who happens to be the Head Boy of Viard College also performs with a Barber Quartet and last January went with a group of students to Texas to compete over there.

This quartet are also performing at this fundraising concert and are pictured on the poster as well .

Sonny is the third person on the right

Tiana is an outstanding performer and my own personal opinion is that she is a world class performer who is going to reach enormous heights in time with her singing .

I know that Tiana’s extended Samoan Family are very proud of these children and it is through the very hard work and dedication and discipline from their parents that they have achieved so much in the short time of their lives.

They are very strong church goers and their upbringing in the The Holy Family Church in Porirua has also played a very big part in their lives.

I will let you know more when I come back from Samoa as to how Tiana goes.

Yours in country
Gail Russell

Titahi Bay
Wellington
New Zealand

Kel-Anne Brandt Wastes No Time.

Country music singers come in all shapes and sizes and at just 4ft11”independent artist Kel-Anne Brandt may be smaller than your average singer but makes up for it with plenty of gusto and ambition.
Hotly promoting her first single to radio,  ‘Sometimes You Win When You Lose’ from her new album ‘I’m A Big Girl Now’, Kel-Anne has wasted no time launching the album, a new website,  a  film clip for CMC, and promotions for her single to Australian country music radio.

When it comes to her music there is no job too big for Kel-Anne, who takes it all in her stride.  Having been in the business for many years, Kel-Anne accepts  it’s the nature of being ‘independent’ and that you have to take the opportunities when they present; no matter what the outcome.
“That’s why I love my new single so much. ‘Sometimes You Win When You Lose’ put’s  a  positive spin on the life’s challenges, and it’s exactly how I look at life, and it’s so upbeat and great fun to sing’  says Kel-Anne.
With Gympie and Mildura just around the corner, there is no stopping Kel-Anne Brandt.

Check out the new website www.kel-annebrandt.com or download the single for airplay at www.door2door.net.au

Amanda O'Bryan
02 4751 7099
info@dooor2door.net.au
www.dppr2door.net.au

Korey Livy Is A Man on A Mission.

Touchdown! Korey Livy is a man on a mission. Freshly back on the tarmac in home town Albury, Korey is gearing up for his performance at World Youth Day 2008 after a whirlwind tour flying around Australia in a single engine plane. Korey was part of a team of passionate fund-

raisers, making a difference and raising money for the ‘Fly-Away-To-Heaven’ initiative.

Korey joined the crew to sing the inspiring theme song he co-wrote called, ‘Earth Angels Care’. In over thirty towns and cities around Australia, Korey performed ‘Earth Angels Care’ and songs from his new album, ‘That’s The Way We Do It Round Here’, fostering a whole new bunch of Korey Livy fans.

“The whole trip was beyond amazing. I met so many great Aussies, played my songs and ‘Earth Angels Care’ in schools, church halls, RSL clubs, shopping centres and sometimes right there on the airstrip. It was an awesome opportunity to perform and make so many new friends” says Korey.
Just as soon as Korey had touched down, he was back on another plane, this time flying to country music festivals to perform alongside the McClymonts and pop artist Abi Tucker, then overseas to Fiji to sing a for Derek Boyer (Thunder, from the Channel 7 Hit TV show Gladiators) to personally sing at his wedding.

Now back in Australia, Korey is gearing up for his once in a lifetime opportunity to perform with his band at World Youth Day 2008.

“Singing at World Youth Day will definitely be an amazing experience, singing my songs to a crowd of over 200,000 people; it’s an opportunity that does not come along very often. I feel it’s a great way to spread the message of Australian country music, and I can’t wait” says Korey.

Korey’s first single from the album, ‘Give It Up And Put It Down’ has been playing on country music radio over the past weeks and the film clip is on CMC. 'Earth Angels Care' is also on being played nationally on country music radio.

In late July, Korey will start his album tour, performing in South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

Amanda O'Bryan
02 4751 7099
info@dooor2door.net.au
www.dppr2door.net.au

Drew McAlister Is Just ‘Part Of The Family’

‘Part of the Family’, the second single from Drew’s debut album There To Here, reminds us of the power of human connections.

“The song to me is about finding a home and a place to belong. When I perform it live I get asked if it is a true story or who it was written about. It wasn't actually written about anyone in particular, but people seem to relate to it.” Say’s McAlister.

Co-written with Alan Caswell, ‘Part of the Family’, cements Drew as an accomplished and experienced songwriter.

‘Part of The Family’ has been received well at radio and is currently sitting at #11 on The Music Network’s Country Hot 30 National Country Airplay chart.

McAlister has been gaining momentum in the Industry since winning a Golden Guitar in 2007 for Vocal Collaboration of the Year with Caswell (A Little Bit of Country In Us All).

The first single, ‘Somewhere Somehow’, from Drew’s album There To Here is a country radio hit. It reached #4 on the Country Charts Top 30 and remained in the chart for 14 weeks. The video has recently been added to CMC.

‘Part Of The Family’ Is At Radio Now.
There To Here is in stores now through Compass Bros.

Drew McAlister si available for interviews
For Media Enquiries Contact:
Tiona Hall – The Roberts Network
T: 02 9712 8445
M: 0447 690 416
E: tiona@therobertsnetwork.com.au
For more information check out:
www.drewmcalister.com.au
www.myspace.com/drewmcalister

George Jones - Burn Your Playhouse Down

Nashville, Tenn. - June 23,2008...Bandit Records will release George Jones - Burn Your Playhouse Down: the unreleased duets, a collection of never before heard duets between Jones and his illustrious guests on

August 19, 2008. The recordings range from the mid-70s with his ex-wife, the "First Lady of Country Music," Tammy Wynette to the most recent recording from 2007 with his daughter, Georgette, the only child from the union of George and Tammy.

Seven of the recordings are extra songs, not included in The Bradley Barn Sessions that MCA Records released in 1994. Produced by Brian Ahern, the Bradley Barn recordings brought together superstar musicians and singers from both the country and rock world. Recorded during the worst ice storm in Tennessee history, the 1993 sessions, which took place over the course of several weeks, brought together Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Leon Russell and Marty Stuart - as the core of the studio band with Keith Richards, Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris trading off as instrumentalists and vocalists on many of the songs. The top players in Nashville - Eddie Bayers, Mac McAnally, Jerry Douglas, Glenn Worf, Brent Rowan, Glen D. Hardin, John Jennings, Harry Stinson, Richard Bennett and many more made the icy trek every day to Mt. Juliet, about 30 miles outside of Nashville. No one wanted to miss these historic sessions which paired Jones with an array of superstars influenced by the artist they considered the greatest living country singer. Ahern produced the classic Jones hits as an acoustic project to give the songs a different feel than the originals. The "extra" songs which are now part of Burn Your Playhouse Down are:

Burn Your Playhouse Down with Keith Richards
Window Up Above with Leon Russell
Selfishness In Man with Vince Gill
She Once Lived Here with Ricky Skaggs
I Always Get Lucky With You with Mark Knopfler
You're Still On My Mind with Marty Stuart
When The Grass Grows Over Me with Mark Chesnutt

Three duets included in Burn Your Playhouse Down are songs not used from the Friends In High Places album sessions that Epic Records released in 1991. Produced by Billy Sherrill, the album contained duets recorded in 1988 and 1991. That album suffered from lack of attention as it was Jones' final album for Epic Records, and the duets were later added to the re-release of Jones' 1979 My Very Special Guests. The three duets contained on Burn Your Playhouse Down that were never released on any project are:

I Always Get It Right With You with Shelby Lynne
Tavern Choir with Jim Lauderdale
Rockin' Years with Dolly Parton
(Dolly recorded "Rockin' Years" later in 1991 with Ricky Van Shelton and they had a #1 hit with it.)

The final two duets are a "family affair." With cooperation from Sony/BMG, the Epic vaults were combed and an unreleased duet was found between Jones and Wynette. "Lovin' You, Lovin' Me" was recorded in November 1977.

The "focus" track from Burn Your Playhouse Down is the most recent recording. You And Me And Time pairs Jones with his daughter, Georgette Jones. Georgette co-wrote the song that chronicles the alienation she often experienced from her famous Dad. The "happy ending" reveals that time can heal the hurt that a child of divorce often experiences. You And Me And Time was produced by Keith Stegall in 2007.

----
Note From IFCO: We are soooo excited that "Selfishness In Man" is included in this album! The song was a HUGE favorite of ours from one of George's early albums. Loretta told George, a few years ago, that she wished he would re-release the song -- George thought it might be "too sad" for today's fans/market. If you have not heard the song, believe it when we tell you it will surely be one of your favroites from the new Burn" album!

Ernest Tubb Record Shop

The Junk Band

Greetings Chooks,

Thank you to everyone who came, who clapped, whooped, cheered, clucked and brayed last Friday and Saturday nights. The Chook has landed!

If you were part of making the album launches at "The Bald Faced Stag" and "The Shack" spectactular nights, and you haven't had enough... (or if you were trapped under a large piece of furniture and were unable to make it to last weekend's shows) ... wing down to The Harp for just
one more drumstick.

Friday 11 July The Harp HotelL 900 Princes Hwy, Tempe Ph. 9559 6300 From 8pm

"Secular Party" Party
The Junk Band are providing the entertainment for an evening organised by Sydney's "Secular Party". Think of it as The Secular Party's party ... and you too are invited.

You can purchase the album online at http://www.nationaljunkband.com/paymateBuynow.html
"Corporte Chook" is also available in real shops. It's true! Ask for one at your favourite CD store.
(Released by Rouseabout Records. Distributed through MGM.)

Tell your friends and family!

We’re off on a short winter break and will resume our next fiddling term on July 22, 2008. We’ve got lots of new ideas for music and learning this term and are hoping more excellent participation.

On our last day of term a few weeks ago we had Marcela Taylor, the instructor of our Melbourne branch of Southern Cross Fiddlers (SCF), help to teach our class. She was amazing, not only did she have some great teaching ideas, but she also brought her newly composed SCF tune as our new theme! We couldn’t be more excited. We’re hoping to put together a website this term (any expertise out there?) and want to create a great new logo for ourselves (again, any expertise or ideas out there?). One of our other dreams is to start a small performing cadre of fiddlers that will work on advanced skills – let us know your other ideas and thoughts.

So, please come and join us for the term. We will start July 22 at 7 pm at the Eastside Arts Centre, Paddington United Church. Call me on 04 05 053 744 for more info or email me at this address. Happy fiddling!

Anita McGregor
Southern Cross Fiddlers

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