January Birthdays

Wauchope Country Music Festival Bigger Than 2009

The Wauchope Country Music festival committee are overwhelmed at the response to the 2010 festival to be held 8th 9th & 10th January at the Wauchope Showground.

With only days before the big event the phones are ringing off the wall said coordinator Pauline Fisher. We have only a few camping sites

available, and the weather forecast for the festival is sunny skies, so bring your chairs, rugs and sit stage side or sit in the grandstands to watch all the entertainment.

All the excitement is building in the community, it’s full steam ahead with no time to spare. We will have buskers in the street, jumping castle & ponies for the children, along with a music & magic show at 12 & 2 on Saturday in the hall.

Mr Andrew Stoner MP and Mr Guy Jones from the Bunyah Aboriginal Land Council will officially opening the festival at 7.30 pm
Hastings Country Music Association will kick off the festival at 4.00 pm Friday on centre stage and Jade Hurley OAM will conclude the Friday nights entertainment with his two hour show from 8.15 pm.

Ken (Chainsaw) Lindsay presents the Bush Poets & Balladeers breakfast in the hall from 7.30 am until 9.30 am Saturday, followed by Frank Ifield OAM & Barry Williams on centre stage presenting 12 hours of non-stop country music.

The Ute’s will arrive at the showground on Saturday with the classic cars at 10.30 am.   Where Judging will take place and the winners announced.

We have been blessed with so many volunteers helping us in all areas from the gate to camping to canteen and beyond. This festival is truly a community event said Pauline, and it’s great to see something like this in Wauchope which will only grow in future years.

The Gospel Breakfast show with Brooks & McGee & their friends is on Sunday from 8.00 am and is followed by a full day of great entertainment on centre stage which concludes at 4.30 pm.

For further enquiries please phone committee members:  Debbie Jones (02) 65860344, 0411208867, Joy Lewis 0428851499 or Pauline Fisher (02) 65621656 0429662672
Visit the Festival on the Web: www.wauchopecmfestival.com   or email:  enquiries@wauchopecmfestival.com or go online at www.portmacquarie.com.au

Support Of Eric Scott’s Letter And Views

Hi Joy....Hope you had a great Xmas...I just can't help myself and had to put pen to paper in support of Eric.  So here goes.

My name is "Fibber" founder of the legendary "Fibbers Ave a Go Show"  I lay claim to being Tamworth's longest serving Pub entertainer, over 35 years in all.  Along with my lifelong mate Doc (John) Riley I am happy to say we are still going strong, back again in 2010 playing at the Family Hotel, 11am daily. 

I think I can speak with some authority to what I believe can be described as a slow decimation of Country Music in Tamworth especially over the past decade.  My experiences and memories stem back to the days when I first started working for Joe Maguire and Fred Thompson a couple of well known old style publicans who offered free Country Music entertainment in their Pubs making all welcome from all walks of life.  If you didn't perform Country back in those days you didn't play in their venues. 

We all used love the buzz of travelling sometimes thousands of kilometres to meet up with old mates and perform in Tamworth. Sadly, the past few years have seen these old mates, performers, musos, characters and songsters dwindle in numbers and when contacted the most common statement for not attending the festival is.."It's just not the same anymore, Rock and Alternative music is being promoted and has infiltrated the true fair dinkum drawcard of Country Music". 

Fibber

Doc

I must admit Doc and I have had the same thoughts the past few years and it has been an effort to come back, but we do with the hope someone will wake up and things will change for the better.  Please remember Pub Country Music is the backbone of the festival. 

Big venue acts brought the likes of Slim, Tex Morton, Buddy Williams, Reg Poole, Jimmy Little, Ray Kernigan, John Williamson, Rick and Thel, Smokey Dawson and the list goes on....even the backing bands were true blue country... Rex Dallas, Lindsay Butler etc etc.  

Local Radio Stations fully supported the festival and even the great John Laws pitched in playing country music from Sydney.  It’s a joke that alternative music artists are headlining the main stage and promoted by the CMAA.  I say to the CMAA...Wake up before it’s too late.

Even one of the Festival’s most prestigious honours "The Hands of Fame" awards have recently been graced by 1 or 2 year wonders that many of us are at a loss to recognise who they are or their contribution to Country Music.

Finally I wonder what Slim, Buddy Williams, Stan Coster and Smokey would think of the present day festival if they were still here???...They say there is going to be a Country Revival - well here's hoping.

Cheers and Beers
Fibber

More Support For Doc … and Eric

Hi Joy, great page you have,

I would like to add my comment to Doc Riley, my old mate.

I agree that it is time that country music artists everywhere, and that means, country balladeers,  country rock, swing, traditional, poets and country music lovers all band together and keep Tamworth 'country only'.

I ran the Red Cross Hall and Southgate Shopping Centre at Tamworth for years and it was a great place for country music artists of all levels and styles to step up and perform for an appreciative audience. Sadly these venues are disappearing.

Doc was always there for my daughter and I, as was Fibber, Noel and Craig. These guys are also being faded out. It is wrong and we must keep it country not commercial music noise.

Marilyn Morgan BA
Morentertainment4u

Have Your Say On The Future Of The Tamworth Country Music Festival

Click Here For ‘A Blueprint For The Future’

Tamworth Mayor James Treloar

30 December 2009:

A comprehensive survey into making Tamworth’s annual Country Music Festival even more successful will be undertaken early next year to with local residents, visitors, entertainers and commercial interests among the groups being asked for an opinion.

Tamworth Mayor James Treloar said the survey would be the most far-reaching analysis of the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s achievements and long term aims since it began in the 1970’s. ``We want to grow the profile of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, bring more people and increase the profile of the Tamworth region, get more investment in the area and our community,’’ Mr Treloar said.

The Mayor stressed that some dissenting voices publicly claiming the Tamworth Country Music Festival was about to abandon its traditional country music roots in favour of a pop and rock culture were sadly out of touch. ``Tamworth is the Country Music Capital of Australia and we want to keep it that way,’’ he said. ``Promoting the Tamworth Country Music Festival as a generic music festival has never ever been spoken about, and won’t be.’’

Some preliminary surveys about the future Tamworth Country Music Festival have already been done but the more strategic aspects will start early in the New Year and be completed by the end of March.

The newly formed partnership around the strategic direction of the Tamworth Country Music Festival includes; Tamworth Regional Council, Tourism Tamworth, the Country Music Association of Australia and Events NSW. The partnership will use the survey as a blueprint for fine-tuning the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s long term objectives to ensure its viability as it closes in on 40 years of successfully staging - an event officially recognised as one of the top 10 festivals in the world.

The Mayor James Treloar said the survey (to be conducted by Peer Group Media), would be all embracing. ``We are collecting everyone’s information about the Tamworth Country Music Festival, including information about the music, the management, the events, the commercial activities, marketing and promotions.

``We want to hear from people telling us what is good and what is not so good about the Tamworth Country Music Festival. We also want to have a greater understanding of the expectations of visitors and residents of Tamworth. The information gathered will help us formulate the plans and any recommendations that might be made for the future. We’re trying to make sure everyone’s interests are aligned. The Tamworth Country Music Festival belongs to everyone and the industry and all stakeholders should be involved.’’

The survey is seen as a seminal step in the further development of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. It will be a blueprint to win new audiences, evolve new visitor markets, create new events and introduce a new generation of country music fans to the area.

For information on the development of the blueprint and to book a time with the consultants email; Rebel Thomson at r.thomson@tamworth.nsw.gov.au or tamworthfeedback@peergroupmedia.com

For media information contact:

Ray Chesterton                    David Woodward
0411 132 766                      0409 985 997

Click Here For ‘A Blueprint For The Future’

Eric Scott In Touch With Tamworth CM Festival

I imagine you will agree with me that we have all been able to make some considerable influence on Tamworth City Council, and the various bodies responsible for staging our Tamworth country music festival.  I was particularly interested to see that the mayor feels that we were "out of touch."  I happened to think that you and I were very much in touch, don't you?

I am going to frame this article and hang it in my office, and should anybody in the future dare to suggest that we make our country music festival into a general music festival then they know what will happen!

A Touch Of Magic Comes To Tamworth

Over the years, the Tamworth Country Music Festival has grown in some surprising ways and 2010 is no exception. A new show is set to premiere that blends acoustic music with magic and comedy to create wondrous family entertainment. Sounds like fun, you might say. That may well be, but the show’s producer, Jay Scott Berry, is taking the idea very seriously.

Jay recently burst onto the country music scene with the new album, "Life on the Run". However, this singer/songwriter has a surprise up his sleeve. You see, Jay is also one of the world’s top magicians. After 20 years of international touring, Jay and his family settled on a rural property in the Manning Valley.

““For the Festival, I wanted to produce something very different” he says, “For a number of years, I’ve been toying with this idea of blending music and magic into a variety show format. When I saw the Atrium stage, it occurred to me that this might be the perfect place to give it a go.”

Jay Scott Berry

Matt Zarb

For this new production, Jay teamed up with Australia’s renowned guitarist, Matt Zarb. The two met last year at the Wingham Akoostik Festival and it wasn’t long before they became friends. “I was absolutely amazed when I saw him perform.” Jay says “He has that very unique blend of talent and showmanship. When the opportunity arose to produce this show, I called him right away. After explaining the situation, he jumped on the idea and agreed to come in as co-star and music director.”

And so, “Incantations” was born and the two have been rehearsing diligently ever since. “We gave the idea a test run a few weeks back at Club Forster”, says Matt, “Jay is an amazing man to step on stage with, to say the least. His incredible magic and love of music and life is inspirational. He can make a table rise off the ground and he will sing you a country song. The show is charismatic, funny and very entertaining; you won't believe your eyes or ears!”

“Incantations” also brings together many local and international talents. These include Sally-Anne Whitten, Andrew Clermont, Bec Hance, Minnie Marks, Parris Macleod and Sara Tindley, from Australia, Gary Boyle from Canada, Montz Matsumoto from Japan and Lana Kress from the US. Each Artist will present a full music set, with Jay acting as magical emcee. At 10am and 3pm daily, Jay and Matt will present a lively blend of magic, music and mayhem. At noon each day, Matt will take the stage, singing many of the songs from his new album, “Rose Matilda”.

So, if you’re looking for a place to chill out during the Festival, look no further than the Atrium Shopping Centre, venue number 63, in the heart of the CBD. Presented daily from the 15th through the 24th, this unique offering promises to be a must-see event. Plus, if you're coming to the Wauchope Festival this weekend, you'll get a sneak preview of the show on Saturday at noon and 2pm. For more information, please visit www.JSBmusic.com & www.mattzarb.com

Jay

News From Karen Lynne

To All my friends and supporters out there,...
May 2010 bring you all much love & Happiness!,..  and some much needed Peace to our world!

Christmas Greetings:- to you all!,.. here’s hoping this gets to you before the complete chaos of Christmas sweeps you off your feet!  I

guess it’s this time of year when we try to make some sense of our efforts throughout the year and decide whether we got ahead,… or didn’t. Some years -  just keeping your head above water is all you can hope for! I am feeling that 2009 was a better year than the others I’ve had lately and here’s hoping we all have a good one in store for 2010. Wow!,.. While typing that I’ve just noticed that one of those middle 0’s have disappeared,.. I guess this new century is well and truly here,… and through time and years, all things must pass,.. either fleetingly or ever so slowly,.. reminding us that we must never forget to enjoy the time we have!

ABC Heartland Release Of ‘Wishing Well’ :- Yes, it’s released!,.. now to clear some confusion! without much warning “Wishing Well” was released and landed on my desk out of the blue! So, yes, I now have a new album!.. and now available in ALL ABC & other good record stores and online!,.. & of course would make an excellent gift for anyone who’s not heard my music.

I would also like to publicly thank Will Blakeley – and welcome him back on board as my ‘part-time’ Manager while he’s back in Australia,  also to Tim Holland, Kellie & all from the ABC for making this happen and taking such a chance on a bluegrass album and allowing our music to gain some much higher profile on shop shelves and radio airwaves above my radar. We are told it’s only the second Bluegrass album to be released by a major label in Australia – and the first for a female artist. I am lucky to have such an opportunity and hope it proves worthwhile to us all.  The Official ABC Media Release is attached. Thanks so much to all the DJs who have invited me for interviews so far, I really need to do more and would appreciate it if you haven’t yet, could fit me in for a chat in one of your upcoming programs ? ,... Please!!

Bluegrass Concert & Album Launch
Friday, 22nd January, 10am,             
Tamworth Community Centre, Darling Street, Tamworth, (Heritage Room)
Free Entry   or (Gold Coin Donation if you want to help cover room hire)
Please Come!!!

Radio Singles Update: - October brought forth the first single release from ‘Wishing Well’ via the ABC, while December saw the release of our previously planned Christmas single (from the album Long Journey Home), Carol Lights. It’s a beautiful Christmas song written by Pat’s brother, Geoff Drummond. The song is quintessentially Australian as it captures the essence of the hot Australian evening ‘Carols by Candlelight’ celebrations that we enjoy in our communities all over Australia, a most welcome change from the many ‘winter’ Christmas songs that get airplay during this festive season. It’s been issued thru NFS 136 .

Office Giveaways:- My stand alone scanner has been deemed ‘obselete’ by my new computer – and try as we may, we just cannot get it to talk to the new computer! This, coupled with a printer that’s seen better days,.. and the disconnection of my fax number,.. means that I’ve bought myself an early Christmas present and upgraded to a really fancy contraption that copies, prints, scans and faxes (well, I’ve been told it will when it’s all hooked up!),.. I await to be amazed. The upshot is that I have a very nice little scanner machine that is now wanting a good home,.. it works perfectly (even scans slides – so I’m told,.. although I’ve never tried that) and although it’s been set up for  a Mac puter I’m told they should work on both PC & Mac.  It suffers only from the fact that it is too old to speak to my new computer. It did talk quite happily to my Mac computer that ran on system 9,.. but I’m not sure about PCs, but if there’s anyone out there who’s interested let me know.  I also have a laser printer free to a good home, it’s old but should  work fine but has not been hooked up to a computer for a while. I have some software but I don’t know what version computer it was for (certainly an older one) and therefore might need someone who’s a bit of a ‘buff’ who likes a challenge in finding software etc. While we’re at it - free to a good home  - my currently used Epson Stylus Photo 830U injet printer. It’s a few years old and has worked hard,. but is still working – and comes with an almost new B&W ink cartridge (if you take it before I use it!!).

Fax Number Update:- As my big cost cutting contribution to the Global financial crises, I have recently disconnected my stand alone Fax number – (02) 4757 3209.  Gone are the days when ‘facsimilie’ was the fast alternative to snail mail and email is now king! (not to mention that I get more spam via my fax machine than those actually meant for me!),.. so it’s time for me to save myself some pennies,.. so if you have this number in your database, please take it out! Of course if you do want to fax me, you still can as I will have a shared fax/phone on my office number,.. (you may just have to ring first and warn me it’s coming). The upshot from this is that I have a very nice little fax/copier machine that is now also going free to a good home, contact me if you need one.

Cd Demo’s Available To All:- I’ve now got ‘sampler Cds’ containing short samples of all songs from all cds. If any of you want to preview any of the albums (or perhaps you’re a DJ who knows an interested listener?) that can be arranged. I’m hoping to eventually have them up on the web site as a ‘quick listen’ tool.

Tamworth – Celebrating 25 Years!:- Once again it’s coming up time for Australia’s biggest Country Music festival in Tamworth and I’ll be there again for this - a very special year,… my 25th Anniversary of being a part of this Festival. It’s time to remember that it’s Independent artists like me that have been the back bone of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Many major acts swan in, do their one (highly priced) concert and then leave, but it’s the Indies like me who come every year,.. stay for a week or more,.. pay for accommodation,.. support the food outlets, hire halls,.. set up their own gigs and dedicate the week to meeting friends and supporters. It has become increasingly harder every year to get gigs in major venues as you become ‘old news’ but I & others like me - still put money and effort into putting on shows for all those who come to the annual Tamworth Festival. In particular please support our Community Centre shows. The centre is a wonderful venue and we’ll be running the special 25th Anniversary Concert, a Bluegrass Show and a Pat Drummond & Karen Lynne Duo show.  I hope to have friends and guests to perform for you at the Anniversary concert and a few prizes and giveaways too,.. please come!!! Here’s hoping it’ll be every bit a success. I am organising some flyers to promote it – so if you can give some out at your office, radio station, local Country Music Assoc. etc or up at Tamworth during the festival, please let me know. As usual ‘William watchers’ are sought after & poster ‘puter–uppers’ are wanted too. We’ll use the Bluegrass Concert to launch “Wishing Well’ as well,.. so it should be fun one. I also scored a shared spot on Pat’s big Tamworth Street Banner,.. can’t imagine what it’ll look like – or even where it is,.. guess I’ll have to go on a pilgrimage to find it!

Gig News & Thanks:- As usual we’ve been having a busy few months starting with spots on Gary Brown’s Bluegrass shows held now at Marrickville Bowling Club. Thanks to those that support it and to Nigel, Jim, Gary, John, Glenn, Bryan & Suzy and all the other muso’s who have jumped up and joined us on stage always an ‘impromtu’ arrangement, but a lot of fun.  Due to a few unplanned lurgys we did have to cancel a couple of our appearances there,.. but probably better to do that than come along, sound bad,.. and infect you all, hey! August brought our first visit to Beechworth ‘Kelly Country Pick’. Thanks to Peter & Wendy for including us and for all your hospitality! It was a lovely weekend, some great gigs (especially that beautiful gospel concert on Sunday morning in the garden!) and a truly wonderful lollyshop to which I succumbed temptation on more than one occasion. Thanks especially to Peter Hiscoe for  playing Double Bass for us and Mick Tinetti who helped so much with William, who is generally is a little Angel  but whom did get a little upset at one of the gigs.  I’ve generally kept him off the stage at gigs – as much as he likes to join in on his guitar,.. but at this particular gig he did spy a very low standing microphone (meant for the double bass) on the end of the stage and naturally assumed that it must be for him,…  and since Pete’s double bass was plugged in, it did seem OK at the time. Sound check went fine until he decided that ‘his’ mic needed to be checked too. I winked to the sound guy to turn it on long enough for him to say ‘One, Two’ on it and then to turn it off,.. which again kept him happy. He’s never proved to be much of a problem even if he does get on the stage with us (not that I encourage it) so he stayed and started to play away in earnest, but it only took a couple of chords for him to realise that his guitar (ukelele) was not ‘in tune’  - and demanded that I tune it – in the middle of my song    :-0   … Awkward moment to be sure!   Deciding then to carefully extract him from the stage after the song, this was suddenly complicated 10-fold when at the end of the song (after having had problems with the double bass plug in) the sound man inadvertently decided to use the little microphone on the bass instead,.. thus taking William’s microphone away from him.  Of course the timing was terrible and not only did he find he had to leave the stage, but that his microphone was being taken away from him as well!, which started a flood of tears ,..poor little thing!  Thank you to Mick for coming to the rescue & comforting him,.. you’re a champion!!  
 
Thanks to the SCCMA for inviting me to sing at the September luncheon show,.. to all the band Keiran, Ned, Trevor, Phil, Gordon & Bill (hope I got it right). Thanks for backing me and to all those who came and supported the show. Thanks to Auntie Cheryl for watching William while the show was on - much appreciated! To Russ, Dave and all at the Illawarra Folk Club for hosting us at the Diggers Club Concert (and for our invite to the upcoming Illawarra Folk Festival in January) it was nice to perform on my (previous) home turf once again & always a pleasure. Special thanks to all those who supported the Blue Mountains Rotary Fundraiser for Camp Quality. Over $20,000 was raised on the day and will be used to help kids with Cancer. Top marks also to all those in Rotary who completely re-located the entire event – with only hours notice!, from Bullaburra to Katoomba due to gail force winds that blew up on the day. September brought another visit to Mildura Country Music Festival and what a good week it was!,.. even the contraction of the ‘throat lurgy from hell!’ by ALL three of us wasn’t going to ruin it ! Top marks to John, Peter, Judy & Ron and all involved, we had a great time sharing our Duo Bluegrass with you all and once again teaming up with Dwayne Elix (Thanx Dwayne!). From all reports, you loved it! We had an especially good ‘Bluegrass’ night at Coomealla Golf club,.. what a blast!, thanks to all who supported us.  Our biggest thanks go to Pele who looked after William for us for quite a few nights – taking on not only her two grandkids but William as well (all boys!),.. I hope you had as much fun as the 3 boys did!  Also to John & Margaret, Stui & Camille, Kylie, Olive, Clelia, Jenny & Finley who all helped with William. Thanks to Max, Steve, Dennis, Rod & Bill for the interviews and as usual any photos would be appreciated (especially any taken at the Awards – a place I never get any photos!) Thanks to all who said Hi, purchased Cds, (thanks to the lovely lady with the throat remedy!), complimented our shows etc,.. it all helps us be able to come back.

Locally I got to go to the Wentworth Falls Footbeat Festival,.. good to meet up with Elder ‘Uncle Greg’ again,.. a great supporter of my music! And thanks to Sue and all those at Majors Creek for having us at their festival once again – the first visit in many years due to the date finally not clashing with the Harrietville Convention dates!  We did have a lovely time and got to enjoy a lovely band line-up with Liz Frencham on vocals and bass,.. Rob Long on guitar (as young Daniel was in the USA on tour with The Davidsons) and a guest appearance from Pete Fidler – Victoria’s best Dobro player I’m told! (and I think I believe it!). One funny moment was ‘losing’ William in the grounds after he got cranky with me and walked off,.. I followed him but ‘lost’ him, which sent Marty & myself off in a panicy ‘goose chase’ around the grounds only to find him sitting front row in the main marquee, lunchbox open on his knee, sandwich in hand, listening to (and obviously enjoying!) Victorian Bluegrass band ‘Coolgrass’ doing their set. Needless to say I was furious at him for walking off,.. but the guys did point out to me that out of all the acts that were happening at the time, he had in fact gone to see a bluegrass band – which should have got him off the hook! Anyway, the festival was great and they were gifted with the best weather you could imagine too! Special thanks to Jonathon & Kate for all their lovely hospitality and opening their home to us & Steve for Bubble-gunning with William and keeping him mightily amused!.  It was a great weekend – even not withstanding a visit from a ‘friendly’ but rather large wolf spider that (I’m told) climbed out of Liz’s Double bass mid song!  I have to say it wasn’t so bad while I could see it plodding around the stage checking out the scenery,.. but it was actually losing sight of it that caused the most worry! It provided a bit of fun and chaos on stage for a few songs and has now become festival legend!. Harrietville Convention was great as usual! Except for the ‘wash-out’ weather,… ugh! Thanks to Mick, Rhonda & Greg for watching Will. Thanks also to Jenny for the invite to play at the Motor Neurone Disease Society Christmas get together once again, always a pleasure!
 
Upcoming gig alerts! For all those in VIC, we’ll be visiting in February and performing at the Bunyip Country Music Festival and are frantically trying to get a couple more gigs down there that weekend,.. keep in touch!,.. and for those Canberra-ites or folkie fans who get to the National Folk Festival,.. surprise, surprise!, we are amazed – but enthused! as we have been invited for a return performance,… yeah!!  Other upcoming include gigs at Richmond, Illawarra, Medlow Bath, Marrickville, Gulgong, Narrabeen, ACT & Wyong – see you there! …and Remember!!! Don’t forget to update me when you change your email  or snail mail address,… as it takes me months to chase you up !

Anyway,…. Lots of Love!,.. Karen Lynne

Karen Lynne - Wishing Well
Released – 2nd October 2009

Blue Mountains based singer Karen Lynne has a style of music that ranges from Country to Bluegrass to Folk and everything in between. Karen Lynne has taken great strides in her career as a singer/songwriter since starting out more than 20 years ago. She has had considerable success with her recordings and has collected many accolades and Awards along the way including Golden Guitar Awards finalist placings, her handprints in the Tamworth ‘Hands of Fame’ Park, the Frank Ifield ‘International Spur Award’ and many other Independent artist Awards.

Probably Country Music’s quietest achiever, she demonstrates not only great talent but remarkable perseverance and the staying power necessary to achieve longevity in an industry so fickle. Now, with eight  great albums, twelve major Award wins, over forty major Finalist Nominations, three international tours, over ten Australian Country Music Radio Chart hits and a number of overseas chart hits, and now a place in Country Music Capital’s Historic ‘Hands of Fame’ Park, she continues to demonstrate a dedication not often recognised in her field. Karen Lynne’s new album ‘Wishing Well’ is her first through ABC Music’s new “Heartland” label.  The tracks have been produced by Herm Kovac & Rod McCormack and include celebrated Australian musicians including Mick Albeck, Trev Warner, James Gillard, Michel Rose & Rod McCormack.

Track Listing - Wishing Well Blues

1. Sweet Heart, Darlin’ Of Mine 2. The Circle Is Small 3. When I Close My Eyes 4. It’s Over 5. Changes 6.Jealous

7. The Healing Kind 8. Blue Mountain Rain 9.Once More 10. Loving Arms 11. We Should Only Have Time For Love

Luv Karen, Martin & William 
For further information please contact:
Martha Pavlakis (02) 9207 0582
Paula Dredge 03 9207 0523

Paul Mateki Trying to Sort Out Royaltie Problems

----- Original Message -----
From: SStephen@apra.com.au
To: Paul Mateki
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 6:45 PM
Subject: Fw: WICR Broadcast Country Radio

Hi Paul,

Is there a reason you are forwarding these emails to us?

Thanks,
Sibylla
Sibylla Stephen
Writer Services Victoria
APRA|AMCOS

Hi Sibylla..
Indeed there is.  So nice to hear from someone at APRA.  

For over 15 years I have had steady airplay in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand and have yet to see ANY royalties for my airplay.  I am a member of BMI...your overseas affiliate...I'm a BMI publisher and writer and would like some satisfaction regarding this non-payment of royalties.  

I currently have a co-published song with Australian writer Brenda-Lee Heathcote.  Her publishing company is Meat Pie Music and the song is called "Come Cryin' to Me."  She can be contacted at brendaleeheathcote@hotmail.com  and  www.meatpiemusic.com
Your help would be very much appreciated.

If you need more info from me regarding this situation please let me know.  I have countless documented spins in your country.

Thanks and Merry Christmas Sibylla.
PS I have tried for many years to resolve this problem with no luck.  The last person to contact me from APRA was Monica Lawler, she did nothing.
www.paulmateki.com

----- Original Message -----
From: SStephen@apra.com.au
To: Paul Mateki
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 9:06 PM
Subject: Re: PAUL MATEKI in Texas....

Dear Paul,

APRA will be happy to provide any information you require to your direct collecting society BMI.
I am absolutely unable to assist you directly with any queries as you are a member of BMI, not APRA, this is international protocol, I'm sure you understand.

For your general information: in Australia there is no guarantee of royalties if your works are broadcast on community radio, their play lists are not analysed by APRA nearly as much as commercial radio purely because the license fees they pay are significantly lower thereby making it financially unviable to analyse more than a few weeks a year.

All the best,
Sibylla Stephen
Writer Services Victoria
APRA|AMCOS

Sibylla...your response was to be expected...sadly for me.  But...you mentioned nothing about my co-pub deal with Meat Pie Music and the Commercial stations that played the song "Come Cryin' to Me."

Community Radio in Australia is the backbone of radio in Australia yet you say APRA does not analyse the playlists nearly as much.  Indeed then they should...APRA needs to do what's right and analyse completly, do the job right.  A job worth doing is a job worth doing right!!  APRA should pay for what is fare...pull it's socks up and change your so-called International Protocol.  15 years of this is absolutely absurd,,,,and I think you know that.  What's fare is fare and every spin should be counted, enter each spin in your computer data base and paid upon...after all.... it is 2010.

Sincerely
PAUL

Paul Mateki

Doug McIntyre

Gday Folks

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!
Really looking forward to Tamworth 2010 and Bungendore 2010, and performing  some of the songs for my next album, about this great country of ours.

Had a great time at the Port Pirie Country Music Festival.
Thanks to Roma and all the crew for your hospitality.
Thanks to Wally Sparrow on Adelaide radio for your support.

You can check the Tamworth ‘Festival Guide’ for details on my performances with Graham Roger, Sam Smyth, The ‘Slim, Stan & Buddy Tribute Show’, Town Hall ‘Butter Cup’ Concerts, Tudor Hotel…

Thanks to all the radio DJ’s and those who come to the shows for your continued support of my Australian Country!

Bye for now, DM

albumsales/tour/news: dougmcintyrecountrymusic.com.au

Doug McIntyre
Winner Of 2009 ‘Capital News’ Male Rising Artist In Australian Independent Country Artist Awards

Recording Contract In The Sights Of Rising Country Music Star –Tori Darke

Tori Darke continues to shine and is one step closer to reaching her dream as she finishes off 2009 with an amazing double header! Gaining not only a place in the Grand Final of the Telstra Road To Tamworth Competition, but also gaining a top 20 finalist berth in the Toyota Star Maker, to be held in Tamworth on Sunday 17th January, is an incredible achievement for this young Rising Star.
Tori secured a finalist place in the Songwriting Semi Final section of the Telstra Road to Tamworth Competition,  held at one of Sydney’s

biggest sporting events - the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars at Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush on Saturday 5th December.
 
Along with 17 other contestants, Tori attended a two Day ‘Boot Camp’ where 10 finalist, eight performers and two songwriters all received an Epiphone acoustic guitar, $1,000 cash and will progress through to the Telstra Road to Tamworth Finals held in Tamworth on 19th January 2010, where over 50,000 country music enthusiasts gather each year.

The winning performer and the winning songwriter (both of whom will be announced in Tamworth next month) will each receive a return trip to Nashville, the global home of country music and song writing.  They will also receive recording and performance opportunities as part of a full 12-month career development program, designed to help create a professional career launch pad for aspiring singers and songwriters.

Tori is excited to also be selected as one of 20 finalists to compete in the 31st Toyota Star Maker final, brought to you by the All New Prado. She will now prepare to battle it out for what is widely recognized as Australia’s oldest and most prestigious music talent search, awarded in Tamworth.

A sample of the major prizes with winning The Toyota Star Maker 2010 are An Album recording contract with award-winning Compass Brothers Records; and production of a professional video clip of one of the tracks by an award-winning director plus 12 months use of a brand new fully serviced Toyota motor vehicle with a fuel card for the 12 months after winning Toyota Star Maker.

Tori has made a significant impact on the country music industry in 2009 as a singer/songwriter - she was named as a Finalist in the Rising Star Female category at the 2009 Southern Stars - The Australian Independent Country Music Awards and more recently named as a Finalist in the Best New Talent category at The Victorian & National Country Music Awards 2010.  The release of her debut single Crawl reaching #1 on the 98.9fm All Australian Country Music Chart, #11 on The Country Tracks Top 30, while her video clip reached #20 on the CMC Top 30 and more recently her 2nd single and video clip You Better Run also making Top 30.

A 2009 CMAA College Graduate and 2009 Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist, Tori certainly has a passion and a dream to for fulfill.

For tickets to the 2010 Toyota Star Maker Finals and Grand Finals, visit www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au or phone 02 67685800.

For tickets to the Telstra Road to Tamworth Grand Final visit Tourism Tamworth’s website www.visittamworth.com

Tori Darke

Greetings From The Crawdads

Hi Everyone,
On behalf of the boys in the band & myself I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & thank you for a year of wonderful gigs.

As you know we have just released our new CD & are all looking forward to a great 2010.

Have fun & stay safe.
Thanks & kind regards.
Mick Martin...

Billy February

This January will bring the sounds of solo act singer songwriter Billy February to the Tamworth Festival if you have not seen Billy perform well you’re in for a treat. Billy plays his mighty 12 sting and ukulele known  for his big voice and ballads and being a true entertainer from South Australia  but living based out of Yamba these days playing the east coast  Billy is doing two shows at

Kootingal Hotel beer garden Sunday 17 1pm and Wed 20 7pm  ... and will be poping up around the festival in Tamworth city special guest to some nice acts.. 

Billy is and up and coming act in Australia and has supported some of Australia big names look out for him this Jan in Tamworth 2010 ......

Thanks Joy 
Keep up the great work
Cheers
Billy ....

Bundaberg Rum Jazzer Quest

Hi there everyone
Happy New Year!

There are still a few competition spots available for the wonderful talent quest– Bundaberg Rum Jazzer Quest at The Pub, Tamworth.

By the time this email arrives, you may have entered, but if you or someone you know is coming to Tamworth Country Music Festival 2010 and wants to enter I’ve enclosed an entry form in this email, to be completed and returned ASAP. Email if time is tight!

Please feel free to spread the word, if you’re able to, and if any further information is required, please contact me.

Regards
Greg Williams

The High Country Girl Hits the Bright Lights

Carmen Fraser is one of the most talented young performers on the Australian country music scene.

The singer/songwriter has capped off the year with a brilliant debut album, Silhouette, featuring 12 original compositions including the single, 32 Days, which made a huge impact shooting into the CMC Top 30

Countdown and Wild Dog Creek.

Carmen received great Christmas cheer when nominated for Victorian Female Artist of the Year 2010, awards to be held in February 2010 and her inclusion on the very popular DVD; The Winner 2010.
One of the most anticipated musical experiences of the year, Carmen Fraser sings her songs from the heart with emotional power reflecting on her experiences and life in rural Australia.
Carmen’s voice is fresh, full of hope, but it’s also a confident and mature one.

The granddaughter of former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, Carmen will make the trek to the 38th CMAA Country Music Awards in January and already has a swag of bookings including performances at The Central Hotel, Locomotive Hotel, Tamworth Shopping World, Tamworth Services Club and Joe Maguire’s Pub. 

Gary Turner
per Di Rolle Publicity

The Beggars Wish You a Great 2010

Stuart, Renee and Quinton want to thank everybody associated with country music for their support in 2009 and wish you all a safe and happy year ahead. The past year was a productive one for The Beggars we were able write and record our second album “Desert Flower” and things seem to be happening for us in Europe, we made our second tour over there playing 14 concerts in October and arranged a January release for “Desert Flower”. But the highlight of the year for us is the way European Radio really gotten behind “The Banjo Song” the first single from Desert Flower and pushed it to the top of the European CMA chart.

There were too many gigs on the tour to mention them all but some really stood out. Like the loungeroom concert on Christof’s farm in Grasswil, Switzerland. Christof runs several businesses plus the farm and he and his wife are also on call 24/7 with the fire department, so they are very busy people. What was so great about this show was the fantastic family and community atmosphere. After the show Christof said he was really moved by our version of Auctioneer which tells the heartbreaking story of a family loosing the farm. That’s when the penny dropped for me and I realised why Christof and his wife are working so many jobs, it’s so they can stay on their farm! I guess this is a universal story.  I have put a recording of Auctioneer on our myspace http://www.myspace.com/beggarsthe

We decided to play acoustic shows when we could one was in a 17th century wine cellar in Neuchatel where both the sound and the audience were great. When you front an audience without any microphones you place you self in their hands because seventy people can talk a lot louder than three people can sing so its like they are all part of the show and its very intimate. It’s ironic but it seems sometimes the quieter we play the more the audience hear.

The final concert of the tour was a real standout. Irene the promoter has been a great supporter of The Beggars and her venue The Sheepfarm is where we made our European debut in 2008 she has decided its time to sell up and move on and we felt privileged to play The Sheepfarm’s final show. It is a full house and a fitting end for a fine venue and a fantastic tour.  

If you are interested in booking The Beggars in Australia shoot me an email at thebeggarsmail@optusnet.com.au or leave a message at www.beggars.com.au

*****

The Beggars European Tour Diary October 2009
 The Beggars toured southern Germany and Switzerland in October 2009. This was our second tour over there and both tours have been really great. The first tour was back in February 2008 and came about because our song ‘Preacher I have Sinned’ got to number 7 on the European CMA charts in August 2007.  This second tour was an opportunity to showcase our new “Desert Flower” album which we launched in Adelaide in September and we also hoped the tour would help our tune The Banjo Song to get a start in the European charts. There were 14 gigs plus some live sets on the radio.

There were too many gigs on the tour to mention them all but some really stood out. Like the gig on Christof’s farm in Grasswil, Switzerland. Christof runs several businesses plus the farm and he and his wife are also on call 24/7 with the fire department, so they are very busy people. What was so great about this show was the fantastic family and community atmosphere. After the show Christof said he was really moved by our version of Auctioneer which tells the heartbreaking story of a family loosing the farm. That’s when the penny dropped and I realised why these folks have to work so hard, it’s so they can stay on their farm! I guess this is a universal story.  I have put a recording of us singing Auctioneer on our myspace http://www.myspace.com/beggarsthe

We decided to play acoustic shows when we could; one was in a 17th century wine cellar in Neuchatel where both the sound and the audience were great. When you front an audience acoustically you place you self in their hands because fifty people can talk a lot louder than three people can sing so its like they are all part of the show. It’s ironic but it seems sometimes the quieter we play the more the audience hear.

The final concert of the tour was a real standout. Irene the promoter has been a great supporter of The Beggars and her venue The Sheepfarm is where The Beggars made our European debut in 2008.  She has decided its time to move on and we felt privileged to play The Sheepfarm’s final show. It was a very full house and a fine end to a fantastic tour. 

“The Banjo Song”, did get onto the European CMA charts and I think the tour probably helped it along a little because it finished the year at number 1 for the whole of Europe.

In February when we will present a matinee season of our tribute show ‘Bound For Australia’ in 7 different theatres around Adelaide. The show features great Australian songs including the music of The Seekers, Anne Kirkpatrick, Lucky Starr, Slim Dusty and of course The Beggars. Details of the concerts are on out web page www.beggars.com.au  and the OOTS web pages www.outofthesquare.net.au/

All the best
Quinton Dunne
The Beggars

Jade Hurley In Concert
January 2010

Fri - 8th - Wauchope CM Festival - Wauchope ShowGround - 8.00pm

Jade's TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC DATES

Sat - 16th - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth - 2.00pm DAILY 
Sun - 17th  - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth - 2.00pm 
Mon - 18th  - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth - 2.00pm
Tues - 19th  - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth 2.00pm 
Wed - 20th  - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth 2.00pm 
Thurs - 21st  - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth 2.00pm
Fri - 22nd - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth 2.00pm
Sat - 23rd  - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth 2.00pm
Sun - 24th  - West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club Tamworth 2.00pm

Jade's SPECIAL GUEST STAR ... KELLY CROSBY (From the Crosby Sisters)

Patti McKinnon
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Featuring Jamie Agius – Motor Cycle Cowboy
&
Little Cowboy Triston Severs

Tamworth
Tamworth January 2010 Gig Guide

16th Barraba RSL 4PM
18th TSA Concert (Jamie) @Wests 1.45PM
TSA Concert (Patti) @ Wests 3.10PM
19th WJO Showcase @ Cattleman’s Steakhouse 10.30am
19th Patti’s Cowboy Show @ Cattleman’s Steakhouse 8pm
20th Patti’s Cowboy Show @ Cattleman’s Steakhouse 3pm
22nd Manilla RSL 7.30pm
29th Patti’s Cowboy Show @ Cattleman’s Steakhouse 3pm

Tickets @ Door $10
Located Within The Allandale Function Centre

The Second Showcase

Tuesday 19th January 2010 – Cattleman’s SteakHouse 10.30 am

Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now for $15.00 by calling 02 4982 1297
With performances by Ernie Constance, Michelle Little, Aaron Daniels Band, David Delle-Vergin, Vanessa Lea & Road Train, Merilyn Steele, Daxton, Rod Dowsett, Tracy Davis Bushfire Band, Marie Hodson, Kel-Anne Brandt, Connie Kis Andersen, Jessica Belle, Dan Murphy, LeAne King, Patti McKinnon, Bronnie Ware & Rick Cabello + more & hosted by Will Osland.

One lucky Ticket Holder will win a Legend Basswood Body Bass Valued at $699.00!

Patti Mckinnon
Presents
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Featuring
Jamie Agius, Cameron Cusack, Triston Severs, Jason Lee,
Come along for a GREAT show of
Traditional & "New Country"

In our spare time we will be busking outside the Tattoo shop in Brisbane St next to Goodies Pub and appearing at The Red Cross Hall and The Cricket Club.......

Hope to catch up.......
Take Care
Patti

Country Cruising On The Murray

Join guest hosts Noel & Marie Parlane for your ultimate Murray River cruise experience!   A deposit of $500.00 by 30 November is required to secure your seat – Tickets selling fast!
Country Cruising on the Murray departs Brisbane 4 March 2010
6 Days / 5 Nights

$1825.00 per person twin share
$390.00 single supplement

Trade Travel Sunshine Coast
Rhonda Sinclair

Selling Fast, Get In Early To Avoid Disappointment.

Oz Country Music Festival
Be part of
Fiji’s First Country Music Festival

Featuring
John Williamson, Bill Chambers, Felicity Urquhart & Glen Hannah, Jonah’s Road, Ashleigh Dallas Band and more to be announced.

August 1st – 7th 2010
Cost from $2299.00 per person

Twin Share includes:
Return Airfares from Sydney
Return transfers, 7 nights at a 4 Star Resort in Fiji
All Meals, Country Music Festival Tickets
Nightly entertainment, Firewalking Show
Welcome cocktail party
Canapes every afternoon during happy hour
Free Scuba Lesson, Free Snorkel Hire and more.

For more details call Country Music Holidays 1300 799 987

News Submission
If you have any news items that you would like to contribute to this page, please submit your information to the editor by forwarding your articles to Admin@joysmusicworld.com

The deadline is 5.00pm on Tuesdays
Content of the Music World News is at the discretion of the Editor