January Birthdays

Clelia Opened The 2010 Tamworth Festival In Fine Country Style

Former Tamworth-based singer-songwriter and entertainer Clelia Adams let everyone know what a great festival they were in for on Friday night at Bicentennial Park, Tamworth. Clelia and her band, The River Valley Express helped launch the festival in fine country style from 6.30pm at the Official Opening Concert.

Thousands of people of all ages flocked to the concert in Tamworth’s leafy heart – the park on Kable Ave. It sets the tone for the great fun to come before the last note is played the following Sunday.

Hot on the heels of her appearance at the Wauchope Country Music Festival the previous weekend, Clelia was primed and ready to take on the Tamworth heat with her hot little combo from the Northern Rivers district of NSW. The band also presented two further shows in Tamworth, also free admission:
4pm on Saturday 16th January the Family Hotel
4pm on Sunday, January 17th in the Gate Bar of Southgate Inn.

Clelia, now based in Mullumbimby, NSW, has had a hugely successful year in the charts in Australia – and internationally. Songs from her Wildflowers album have been lapped up by the European market. In December 2009, Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboy was the #1 most played song around Europe and was #1 in Germany and Norway and #2 in The Netherlands. After just four weeks in the ECMA chart the song is now sitting at #3 and heading upwards at a rate of knots.

Clelia was the only Australian artist to be nominated in the prestigious ECMA Awards. She was a finalist in 2008-2009 Song of the Year with the title track of her Wildflowers album, and also a finalist in Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Newcomer Artist of the Year.

Her fans around Australia are also lapping up the rootsy country sound generated by this effervescent performer who obviously loves what she’s doing for a living – making great country music.

“This amazing journey would not be possible without the love and support of my partner, Rowley, the great people who come along to my shows, and my tremendous friends and supporters in radio scattered all over Australia and throughout Europe who believe in me and my music,” Clelia said.

Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboy: available to radio on Hillcrest 49, track 6,
NFS 137, track 11

Clelia Adams To Be Honoured In Tamworth

Mullumbimby-based singer, songwriter and entertainer Clelia Adams will be immortalised in Australian country music history on Saturday when she places her hands in wet concrete.

It was announced in Tamworth on Saturday that Clelia is one the seven people chosen to have their handprints in Tamworth’s most central landmark, the Hands of Fame.

Located in CWA Park, on the corner of Brisbane St and Kable Ave, there are hundreds of names and handprints that are an integral part of Australia’s country music story.

Clelia’s name and handprints will go alongside luminaries such as Tex Morton, Buddy Williams, Slim Dusty and Smoky Dawson, among others.

The ceremony takes place on Saturday, January 23, immediately following the Country Music Cavalcade – a huge procession through the streets of Tamworth celebrating the annual country music gathering.

Also being imprinted on that day will be leading musician, musical director and producer Rod Coe (also of Mullumbimby), nationally renowned country music broadcaster Nick Erby, country music writer Susan Jarvis, star bush balladeer Tom Maxwell, country music pioneer "Slim" Jim Pike and Tamworth musician and iconic Tamworth Cavalcade "one man band" Rodney Walker.

Photo: Athol Latham

www.cleliaadams.com
To arrange an interview with Clelia,
email clelia.adams@bigpond.com
or phone 0429 668 059

Anna Rose

Good News For Connie Kis

Hello friends in music ...

Just a quick personal update  .... We have finally made it to Tamworth for the 2010 Country Music Festival.  My first official festival performance was Saturday evening at the RUM Showcase held at 'The PUB'.  A special thanks to Bec from RUM for including me in the fantastic line-up.

The trip driving across via the Nullarbor was pretty uneventful (just the way I like it) ... with a gig at Southern Cross and an average of 800kms a day ... it gave a new slant to the old song: 'Six Days on the Road'.

While the trip was uneventful, the scenery was spectacular in its very unique, desolate way and each time I do the trip (I have crossed the Australia many times ... by bus, train, planes, cars, vans and on motorcycle), it broadens my appreciation for this beautiful country of ours.

For those of you travelling to Tamworth, I have re-printed my festival gig guide below and attached an invitation to a personal meet and greet for this Thursday at the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame ... just in case the original invitation sent before Christmas got lost in the shuffle.

I have also received some fantastic news from The Awards Committee of the Western Australian Country Music Awards ... I have been judged and awarded the winner of the 2010 Western Australian Country Music Best Female Artist Award.  It will be officially announced and awarded on the awards night at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival held on Friday February 19, but I have been permitted to let you all know in advance! 

And so ... I hope those of you travelling to Tamworth will be able to catch up with me some time ... and for those of you who can't, please keep on making, playing or requesting great music!

Warmest wishes from
Connie Kis

Eliza Parker - A Busy Girl During Tamworth

It was good to catch up with Eliza during my stroll down Peel Street. Eliza is a young girl with a lot of talent to unfold. Apart from busking Eliza had some other gigs as well.

Eliza and her Dad travelled from South Australia to join the many buskers that we see in Tamworth over the 10 day festival. I'm sure we'll see a lot more of her in country music circles.

Hope you enjoy your first festival Eliza.

Joy

Howdie's Gears Up For The 2010 Festival

Your's truely happened in on Howdie's Bar over the weekend just to check things out. Yep ... just as I suspected ... the early arrivals were getting in readiness for the week to come.

For me it was like coming home all over again. Thanks Guys for the warm welcome, it meant a lot to me ... you all know why.

Joy

Charmaine Pout

Charmaine Pout made a recent appearance on the Early Morning Sunrise TV Show on Friday 16th, and demonstrated how to yodel to Australia.

She has been in Tamworth promoting her new album "I Don’t Work For A Living...I Wish" which is currently receiving a lot of attention around the Country and has a lot of appeal to the country music fans in who have come to the festival

Jodee

How‘s About We All Take A Deep Breath
About The Tamworth Country Music Festival

Published in The Northern Daily Leader, page 9, Tamworth Tuesday 19th January 2010.

You know, I‘ve been coming to Tamworth in January since The Bushwackers won a Gold Guitar in 1981. I‘ve done the lot. Had awesome shows, taught hundreds of kids at The College and the Camerata, put on major shows with twenty guest artists at a time, played at The Awards, done pubs, clubs, front bars, auditoriums, played to thousands, hundreds, tens and single figures played in backup bands and been out front of my own band. I‘ve served on the CMAA board and produced over 60 albums in my Valley Studio. I feel like I‘m qualified to speak.

I‘ve got one thing to say to you all.......GET A GRIP!!!!!

The one thing that has set Country apart from Rock and other related genres is that we all genuinely enjoy the camaraderie and companionship of our fellow travellers on this road. That‘s exactly why these diverse artists want to participate in our Festival. Any of you with a memory left will remember lots of different and varied artists coming along for the fun of it all. This public bickering you are engaging in serves no-one, least of all the cause of country music.

Here‘s the main thing. The festival model that is ’Tamworth‘, is the ’free enterprise‘ model. Anyone can set up in business and try to make a buck in Tamworth from a motel operator to a busker. The song ’Don‘t let them Murder Tamworth‘ is ridiculous (sorry fellas) because there is no ’they‘.

Tamworth is US, YOU and ME and hundreds like us. It doesn‘t belong to The Council, The CMAA, Tourism Tamworth, big business or the major artists. The Tamworth Festival belongs to us all. We get to play whatever the hell kind of music we like and if we are lucky enough to gain an audience who‘ll pay to see us or buy a CD, then great, if not, then..stiff!!

There‘s nobody in charge!! That‘s both the advantage and the disadvantage of Tamworth. It‘s unique as a Festival. The other Festival model is an ’over-arching body‘ controlling a Festival. That‘s like Gympie or any of the hundreds of other Festivals. You get booked, given a time to perform, a fee to play and that‘s it! You also have to apply to a selection committee and if they want you then they will book you when and as they decide. This model is by definition ’exclusive‘.

How lucky we are to have one Festival like Tamworth where everyone from the newest to the most elite get to perform and strut their stuff. If you want to play Aussie Bush Ballads, Nashville style country, Blues, Bluegrass, Australian folk songs (like us), rock‘n‘roll, Appalachian thong music, write your own songs or play someone else‘s then go your hardest! You can come and line dance all week and never see anyone play or watch buskers or pay to see the Bushwackers or Guy Sebastian, IF YOU WANT TO!!!! Hey, last time I checked we had free will in this country.

Could you all please stop being so divisive? Let‘s return to tolerance, inclusiveness, the friendly smile and warm handshake that is the traditional hallmark of Australian country music. We need to work together and present a united, welcoming front to the world. If a guest comes to your door, be welcoming. They may not stay long.

Our competition is Cricket, Tennis, TV, home delivery food, The Internet, DVDs and the movies, not each other. Let‘s increase the size of the pie not bicker about who deserves the last slice. Try to remember the first time you arrived, with a few tapes and a big dream, when you and your music style was welcomed into Tamworth. Behave. Be kind. Be welcoming. It‘s your Festival.

By Roger Corbett

Hi Roger,

Having just read your message, I wish to comment, that I think you are missing the point.

Sure there is, and probably always has been, other styles of music available in Tamworth at "Festival Time", I'm glad that is so.

BUT like Eric and a lot of others, I believe that a Festival of any Genre, SHOULD NOT have stars of other genres as headline acts.

You say nobody runs Tamworth, I agree.

BUT the Tamworth Country Music Festival, is a very closed shop, run by a small group, with help from a lot of other groups. As one of the original organisers Eric knows that, as I am sure you do too.

All around the Festival proper there are lots of people running extra bits to make a quid from the side of the main table. Good luck to all of them whatever genres they put up.

I reckon having a Music Festival somewhere at the same time as the Country Music Festival may be the way to go.

BUT I am totally opposed to putting on Non Country Acts as Stars at a Country
Music Venue, be it Tamworth or your local pub.

The whole point is that over the years, Tamworth has grown, on the Genre that it chose COUNTRY MUSIC, and as Eric says, unless we collectively, act now it will die as a Country Music Capital, and become just a Music Festival, and Tamworth will go back a long way, from Country Music Capital, to the place with a music festival.

Cheers
Derek S.M Cusick

Hi Joy,
Been reading so much about the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2010, That is why I need to have some say about the style that is creeping in and called Country.

I grew up on the True Australian Country (Buddy Williams, Tex Morton, Smoky Dawson, Shorty Ranger,t he real good ones).
Tamworth is too much like Nashville try to control the music and the money in the industry, I know Commercial Radio who will not play Country Music.
I will not go to Tamworth for that reason, You call yourself The Country Music Capital of Australia (What a Joke).
Give the Title to Bungendore or Mildura not Tamworth.

Please keep it True Country, have a listen to Keith Jamieson's  new song and work it out for yourself.

John Goode

Hi Joy
Thanks very much I have listened to this track and was impressed.  I will include it in my play list for Tuesday afternoon which is my next time on air. It has been added to my data base for lots more air play

Much appreciated
Kind regards
Daphne

News From Cedar Creek

Hi Joy,

Great to see your festival went well in Wauchope.

We also had a very successful day on the Sunday at the Bago Winery.

Heaps of people including the American Consul General to Australia Judith Fergin and her husband who caught up with Cedar Creek again at Bago.

It was also the debut performance with replacement drummer Keith Longman, former drummer with Old 55,The Cadalics, and Grand Junction back in the seventies.

Cedar Creek have been asked to return to Bago Winery on Sunday the 4th, Mothers Day for a repeat performance

Regards
Dave Tyne

Don Costa - Hooked On Country

“Hooked On Country” is a very apt title for a new cd recently released by my Mate Don Costa.

I have been watching this bloke for quite a few years now, and I never get tired of listening to him. I always look forward to catching up with him any time but it mostly happens while he’s busking in Tamworth.

He must be very popular with a lot of other CM fans as well because he always attracts a big crowd to gather around him. I guess it’s the friendly face, the happy smile, plus the good traditional country music.

This new album has 17 tracks and in my opinion it is his best yet, with a good choice of songs, so make sure you get your copy sometime soon.

The track listing is as follows

Cheers Mate

Joy

Jay Scott Berry & Incantations

Hi Everyone,

Well, it's been an exciting few weeks, to say the least. The Wauchope Festival was great! Congratulations to Pauline, Joy and the whole team who worked so hard to stage the event. It was everything you could ask for. After performing the solo spot on Friday night's show, I previewed the "Incantations" show on Saturday, which was very well received. With only a day to rest and regroup, it was Tamworth or bust. I arrived on Monday, just in time to have a chat with Jon Wolfe on 2YOU FM. Then it was straight off to Diggers for another preview show.

From there it was a bit of a blur counting down to the big opening day. I had to set the stage, do sound checks, interviews, etc. The big surprise was that Matt Zarb changed his mind at the last minute, as to what he wanted to do in the show. We had a full day on Wednesday just attempting to re-negotiate the situation. However, it was not to be. As producer, I had to put the show and the other Artists first and, unfortunately, was left with no other alternative than to dismiss him.

No worries, though, it's been full speed ahead and all good ever since. Friday's premiere went off a treat with Minnie Marks, Lana Kress, Andrew Clermont, Bec Hance and yours truly taking turns on the Atrium Stage. Saturday we added in a group of 4 teenagers from Brisbane called "Local Residents". They were great! A very nice mix of tunes, beautiful harmonies and skilful bass and guitar.

Each day since has seen more surprises. On Sunday, we added Paul Robert Burton and Andrew Toner. Together they created an other-worldly folk sound that mesmerised young and old alike. Yesterday, we were very pleased to showcase Sally-Anne Whitten, who gave an impeccable acoustic performance. Add to that Gary Boyle from Canada and Australian, Johnny Doyle.

Now, a few days back, Bec Hance brought up a lovely 11 year old girl named Karrie Hayward. Rarely have I seen such poise and sheer talent in someone so young. Yesterday afternoon, I brought her in again for a longer set to see how she would fare. She took the stage, solo and was just amazing. So today, I gave her the headline spot at 12 noon. To a full house, she played and sang a 45 minute set which was absolutely wonderful. At the end of her spot, I told the audience that anyone who has worries about the future of Australian Country Music should have been there.

So, all good news from here in Tamworth. I've just come off stage to write this. Still to come today are Kristy Ansen, Susanna Carmen and Sara Tindlay. I'll send a full report next week.

Cheers,
Jay Scott Berry

Lindsay Waddington Honoured
With Australian Country Award

Lindsay (Waddo) was unable to be at Wagga recently to receive his joint award with Lindsay Butler as premier country instrumentalists. Barraba was the ideal setting for this happy occasion. Winners are grinners! Below is TC Brown accepting his Spirit of Tamworth Award from Helen Ajani recognising his outstanding contribution to the work of the organisation over the past 20 years.

Manilla Community News

Trevor Coombes - Picture In A Frame

Trevor Coombes has released his first album called "A Picture In A Frame", recorded at Dirt Track Studios by Rob Breese. Some great musos on there and it has resulted in a good traditional country album.

Trevor released this debut album during the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The album has 13 Tracks and they include some of Trevors old favourites & I'm sure a lot of other people's favourites as well.

Great album Trev and congratulations to you from Joy's Msuic World and crew.

Joy

Yodelling Pete Smith - Western Star

Produced at LBS Studios this is number 6 for Yodelling Pete Smith. Pete launched this new album on Saturday 16th January during the 2010 Tamworth CM Festival.

Pete chose the Lindsay Butler Auditorium for the launch and was aided and abetted by Lana Ross. The launch all went off very well. Pete and Lana had an appreciative audience.  

Tracks Include

Another traditional country music album with a lot of Pete's whistling and Bird calls included. I'm sur eit will do very well for you Pete.

Joy

A Great Loss In Country Music

Today we laid to rest one of country music’s greatest legends, Carl Smith.  A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and of the Grand Ole Opry.

I arrived at the funeral home at 10:25AM for services at 11AM.  I was able to extend my condolences to Carl’s family before the services began.  I was happy to see so many of the faces in our music industry that I know were friends of Carl’s, but unhappy that there were faces that should have been there and were not.  He is such a GIANT IN COUNTRY MUSIC.  But the chapel was filled to capacity with standing room only.

Carl Smith music was playing up to the time of the beginning of the services, which were officiated by WSM’s Eddie Stubbs.  Carl Smith’s son began the services with some wonderful stories of his childhood with his Dad.  We all knew that it was difficult for him to get through this, but he was like his Dad, he did it his way.  Most of his stories were  

from his childhood days growing up with his Dad’s teaching him about life and a lot of teaching about horses.  The stories were funny and we could tell how much he was going to miss his Dad, but he was happy to share his stories with us.

Eddie Stubbs, took over the podium to begin the eulogy of Carl Smith, and as usual he did a wonderful job.  He introduced Kix Brooks to speak about Carl, and his stories and comments were as touching as anything spoken about Carl Smith.  He was especially affected by what Carl had said to him during one of his visits at Carl’s ranch.  Kix spoke about Carl and his religious beliefs and how Carl had said that he was someday going to be with Goldie.  He did not say Heaven or Hell, just that he was going to be with Goldie.  This especially touched Kix.  I was really glad to see Kix there.  Kix then asked Little Jimmy Dickens if he would like to come to the podium and possible share a couple of stories about his dearest friend, Carl Smith.  No one in the room knew that Jimmy would want to speak because of the deep loss of his friend, but he did speak, and as always, he made us laugh, and I know that Carl must have laughed also, to know his dear friend Jimmy Dickens would let us into his world of friendship with Carl Smith.  Kix Brooks said that he was sorry that he did not stop more often at Carl’s ranch to talk with him.  He related the story about when Carl was given his medallion at the Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony.  He said they asked him to do a Carl Smith song and he agreed.  He found the song he wanted, but he said that when he got to the ceremony and was introduced to sing the song, he looked at Carl, and said, he could not do the song justice, and he asked Carl to come up and help him sing the song, and to everyone’s surprise, that is exactly what Carl did.  Kix said he sang it as good at the ceremony as he did when he recorded it.  This was a great story and I am so glad that Kix shared it with all of us.

Next, Eddie began his eulogy by talking about his interviews with Carl, and gave in great detail the real history of the superstar of country music, professional and personal.   Eddie, elaborated on Carl’s love for his wife of over 40 years, Goldie Hill, who had passed away in 2005.  He told of how they met, and how strong there love was for each other.  How Goldie gave so much support for Carl while he was in the music industry and after he retired to do other things that he loved.  He spoke of Carl retiring in 1979, because he had given his life to country music for 30 years, and he wanted to do other things in his life.  Eddie said some industry people thought that Carl turned his back on country music, but Carl Smith never turned his back on the music.  He gave it more than it gave him in return.  Carl Smith was a superstar and gave so much to country music.

He spoke of when Carl left the Grand Ole Opry in 1956 to tour with the Phillip Morris Cavalcade of Stars.  Carl Smith was a TV star, a movie star, a superb business man, a publisher, songwriter, a superstar recording artists, and a man that held to his own principals and lived by his word.  If he was your friend, then you really knew what friendship meant and you knew that you could depend on him to always be your friend.   If you ever have an opportunity, ask Jimmy Dickens about his friendship with Carl. 

Eddie had done his homework extensively, but then again, he is our historian of our music, and he we are lucky to have him.  He was eloquent in his knowledge of this era of Carl Smith music, but he has just as much knowledge for the newer artists of our industry.  He spoke of Carl’s great band and that special sound that set Carl Smith aside in his songs and music.  I personally remember how great he and his band always dressed so good.  A lesson that should have been handed down, and was, but seems to have been lost.   

Eddie, then read a letter that was given to him by Jimmy Dickens’ wife Mona, which Jimmy had written about his friendship with Carl.  It was an emotional letter written with love, admiration, and sadness at the loss of his dear friend.  A touching moment for all of us.

Eddie Stubbs read scripture during his eulogy and chose wonderful readings for Carl’s funeral.  This was a celebration of Carl Smith’s life and I am glad that I was there to be a part of this day of sadness of his loss, but also the happiness for this great man who has given so much to us.  When the services had ended in the chapel, Carl was taken up the hill to be placed beside the love of his life, Goldie where he said he would be one day, and as we all know Carl, he always did what he said he would do.  What a reunion if must be for him and Goldie. 

And now we must go on and live with the great memories that Carl Smith has left with us to continue to enjoy.  I have stored away many of the 78RPM records of Carl’s.  I told several people I was talking to, that when I was touring back in this great era of country music, my stage show consisted of Carl Smith, Webb Pierce, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ray Price, and the list is endless.  I have those memory’s to take me through the rest of my lifetime, and as we all know, that is when the country music was real country music.

As Eddie said, “If you don’t have any Carl Smith music, you can buy it, because it is still available,” and you would be doing yourself a great favor by adding it in your collection. 

The funeral home was filled family and friends, and with beautiful arrays of flowers, wonderful pictures of Carl, and Carl and Goldie, and just so many memories of Carl Smith that will live with us for all time.

I have tried to share with you as much as I can remember.  I will tell you this, that the services were probably exactly as Carl would have wanted them to be, with his family, many of his friends, music industry people, record label people, and his fans.  I hope you feel in some way what I felt as we said goodbye to one of country music’s greatest stars-CARL SMITH.

May His Soul Rest In Peace

Marty Matell

Pint-Sized Singer Makes A Big Impact

Country Talent: Thirteen-year-old Abby Christodovlou sings "I am little and I am loud".

They came from  places as far  apart as Whangarei  and Cromwell to the biggest and best Country Music Festival that Marton has held.

Country music lovers packed  Wilson Park for the three-day festival, which left event organiser Anne George speechless.

When she did find her voice, Mrs George said the fifth festival  had been awesome. "It was brilliant and the biggest and best festival we've ever had," she said.

Created out of a love of country music and a good idea that was put into action, the festival had grown in popularity and attracted some big-name country entertainers, Mrs George said.

Hermann Lammers Meyer from Germany and Australian Allan Webster sang alongside New Zealand acts Roger Tibbs, Kylie Austin, Dusty Spittle, Joy Adams, Trevor V Stevens and steel guitarist Joe Martin. Thirteen-year-old Abby Christodovlou from Hawera took the stage and wowed the audience with her Tammy Wynette-sounding voice."She was awesome for someone so young, singing traditional country," Mrs George said.

Mrs George's protege, Marton's Rainbow Ranch Kids duo Tori Taua, 13, and Talei Lewaruarua, 11, launched their first CD at the festival."They were delighted with their sales, considering they were sitting beside top New Zealand country artists."

The girls are "exceptionally talented", Mrs George says, with brilliant futures in country music.

On Thursday night  more than 100 motorhomes  rolled into Marton and another 100 joined them on Friday. A mobile kitchen at the park fed those who did not have kitchens on wheels.

Mrs George believed the weekend numbers to be well above the expected 4000.  Intermittent light rain did not dampen the country mood.

Colin Lennox

Sara Storer Returns To ABC Music

ABC Music are thrilled to formally announce the return to ABC Music of Australia’s finest female storyteller, Sara Storer. Storer began her recording career with ABC Music, releasing the Gold selling album Chasing Buffalo (2000) followed by Platinum selling album Beautiful Circle (2002) and Gold selling album Firefly (2004). She has gone on to become one of the most respected singer/songwriters in Australia. “Sara has a unique way of seeing and expressing her observations of love and life in the bush. So she is a songwriter who will be remembered beyond her lifetime,” says iconic bush balladeer John Williamson. Storer’s return to ABC Music will begin with the release of her first Greatest Hits collection, titled Calling Me Home – The Best of Sara Storer in April this year.

Calling Me Home - The Best Of Sara Storer, will include a collection of tracks from her three albums with ABC Music, plus her fourth album, Silver Skies, along with new tracks and some re-recordings of previous chart topping hits. The new tracks have been produced by Matt Fell and Josh Schuberth - both touring musicians with Josh Pyke. “Sara Storer has always had a unique connection with the ABC audience. We are thrilled she is coming back to what we believe to be her true home. In many ways Sara is now becoming an even more impressive and intriguing artist as she embarks on new collaborations with highly credentialed songwriters both within and outside the country genre," said Robert Patterson, Head of ABC Music.

The first single from the upcoming release, ‘Calling Me Home’ will be serviced to media on January 25, 2009. Co-written with Mick Thomas (Weddings Parties, Anything front man) and highly credentialed Nashville songwriter Trey Bruce, ‘Calling Me Home’ was inspired by Sara’s old farm house and thoughts of compassion for her old home. “There is also a strong sense of belonging and needing that place to fall back on even though we unfortunately have to move on to new places. If I sit and listen, I can hear my place (the old farm house) calling me back... to all those things I remember and love so much”, says Storer.

Gary Turner

Jason Lee Ends Year On High Note In CMC Top 30

Jason Lee ends year on high note in CMC Top 30 and starts the new year working on new album

Album produced & engineered by Simon Johnson at the Sound Hole, mixed and mastered by Ted Howard at Rancom Studios in Sydney
Track players 

Trent Simonson - Drums/Percussion |  Simon Johnson - Bass Guitar  |  Glen Hannah - Acoustic/Electric Guitars  |  Kym Warner – Mandolin  |  Lynda Barnes - BV's  |  Mike Carr - BV's
Music video produced & directed by Ross Wood 171 Entertainment

Jason Lee’s year ended on a high note, with his third radio single ‘Meeting like this’ charting over consecutive weeks in October and November, at 29 in mid December on Foxtel and Austar’s Country Music Channel’s Top 30.

The news broke just as studio work on his new album commenced with producer Simon Johnson.

With plans scheduled for a 2010 release of a full album after the success of his debut EP, Jason’s been hard at work sourcing and writing material, playing gigs around Sydney and the Central Coast, and appearing on stage with fellow artist Gemma Luxton at one of Sydney’s premier venues Rooty Hill RSL.

A pre-album release single is set for distribution with NfS in February, the album launch likely to be at Gympie during the Muster.  Video director Ross Wood is currently working on possible locations for the forthcoming clip.

Rhonda Sinclair

Murray Williams

Dear: Fair/Festival Organizers

The 2010 fair and festival season is underway and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many fairs, festivals and events across the country for hiring the Murray Williams Band over the past four years.   This letter is to let you know we are now booking shows for our 2010 tour and would like the opportunity to perform at your event. The tour bus is filled up and ready to hit the road.

The past few years have been a joy ride to say the least. In 2006 I had my first #1 hit on the ECMA charts with a song that represents rural life entitled "Thank a Farmer".  The success of this song opened up many doors for me in the music industry and at rural events around the globe.
 
The new CD is to be released next month and already radio is buzzing from the news. The new single will hit the air within the next month.
 
Please stop by our sites and see what’s up www.myspace.com/murraywilliamsmusic and www.murraywilliamsmusic.com

If you are interested in our show for your event please send an email to booking@murraywilliamsmusic.com and we will send you a hard copy of our complete promotional package.  Please include your complete mailing address.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely
Murray WIlliams
aka "The Singin Farmer"

Girl In The Mall's Only Tamworth Show

Girl In The Mall Felicity Urquhart has a great deal when purchasing tickets for her ONLY Tamworth Show at this month's Tamworth CM Festival.

When you purchase 4 tickets you will receive a LIMITED EDITION cd containing two previously unreleased tracks by Felicity Urquhart, as well as her Country Music Awards of Australia APRA Song Of The Year

song GIRL IN THE MALL (co-written with Mark Seymour).  Your copy will be available to pick up on the night of the show WEDNESDAY 20TH JANUARY 8pm.

Plus the night will hold a few surprises, including special guest Mick Thomas and appearance by students from Camerata.
 
Tickets for Felicity's only 2010 Tamworth CM Festival show can be purchased online at www.tcmf.com.au, by calling 02 6767 5300  or over the counter at the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre (cnr Peel & Murray St, Tamworth).

Rum Entertainment

The Beggars make number 1 # on the European Country Music Charts

Hi everybody

The Beggars are pleased to announce some home town concerts in Adelaide and the success of their Banjo Song in Europe . 

The release and image are below and attached, the hi res image and pdf release are also at http://beggars.com.au/?page_id=324

The Beggars make number 1 # on the European Country Music Charts and announce 6 Adelaide concerts.
#### For immediate release 19/01/2010 ####

2009 ended on a high note for The Beggars with their track The Banjo Song finishing the year at number 1 on the European Country charts. The Banjo Song is the first single from the bands new “Desert Flower” CD.

Quinton Dunne [The Beggars Bassist] says

“It feels great to get some recognition for all the hard work and touring we have done in Europe over the last two years. We actually played more shows in Europe in 2009 than we did in Australia. Now we are all really looking forward to playing some concerts at home and I love the theatre venues that we will be performing in they are all fantastic. These shows will also give us the opportunity to put a larger band on the stage and make use of all the theatres facilities”

The Beggars are presenting their show Bound For Australia in a season of matinee concerts in theatres around Adelaide in February. It’s a concert production showcasing 200 years of great Australian music including songs from The Seekers, Anne Kirkpatick , Lucky Starr, Chad Morgan, Slim Dusty and of course The Beggars. The show will also feature guest musician and Adelaide legend Trevor Warner. All concerts details are at http://www.outofthesquare.net.au/ and all tickets are $14.

Some international Press:

“Super Australian band: Renee Donaghey is a genius.” Bote der urschweiz Lucerne. Feb 2008. [Switzerland]
"Her (Renee's) voice leaves no doubt, perfect." HAZ Feb 2008 [Germany]
“10/10 I have always said that there's some great music coming from down under and this is a fine example!!” Metrocountry May 2007 [UK]

The Beggars are:

Renee Donaghey has a crystal clear voice that rings out with the sound of roots and Country music
Quinton Dunne has recorded and toured with chart topping artists including The Seekers, The Drifters and many more!
Stuart Day is a highly regarded, ARIA nominated multi instrumentalist, performer, composer and producer.
Special Guest Trevor Warner: one of Australia’s foremost country musicians, his playing has won him two Golden Guitar Awards and three national banjo titles.

Thanks
Quinton Dunne

Jade Hurley In Concert
January 2010

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

Jade's TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC DATES

2.00pm DAILY 
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

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

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

John Elliott Photography

John Elliott, one of Australia’s leading photographers, is available during the Tamworth Festival.

John can produce stunning images for publicity shots, cg covers, posters & packaging and photos for websites.

Call John now to organize your photo shoot.

John Elliott Photography
0423 875 515

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