February Birthdays

Hello From Barry K & Lin

Well Hello!!!
What a wonderful Tamworth we had. Our show at The Capitol Theatre was a wonderful success & we nearly filled it. The sound was wonderful & what a great audience..

Our Album launch of The Highways Of Life, was great & all our new songs were well received. Our guest artist Laura Downing was great, as she always is, & the crowd loved her.

Thank You to all who came to say “Hello” and have photos taken & signing. It was a sea of happy faces.

It was lovely to catch up with Country Friends, that we don't get to see a lot throughout the year. Also lovely to meet new friends & we had a great time at the APRA Cocktail party. To all who came to see us at any of our shows, THANK YOU.

Take Care,
Regards,
Lin & Barry K Chandler

An Exciting Start To 2010 For Jay

G'day Everyone,

Well, it's been an exciting year already, to say the least. To start it off, I was very honoured to be featured on the cover of the Port Macquarie "Focus" magazine this month. They wrote a very nice article and interview leading up to The Wauchope Country Music Festival, which took place on January 8-10th.

Now that was a great weekend; a fantastic gathering of Artists and audience alike. Congratulations to Pauline, Joy and the whole team who worked so hard to pull it all together. It was everything you could ask for in a Country Music Festival. After performing a solo set 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, the 11th, just in time to have a chat with Jon Wolfe on 2YOU FM. Then it was straight off to Diggers, a local night club, for another preview concert.

From there it was a bit of a blur counting down to the big opening day on Friday the 15th. As producer, I had to set the stage & lights, do sound checks, interviews, coordinate acts, etc. It all came together by Friday morning with Bec Hance, Lana Kress, Andrew Clermont, Minnie Marks and yours truly taking turns on the Atrium Stage.

Bec Hance, as many of you know, is one of Australia's finest, up-and-coming, singer/songwriters. She was a pleasure to work with, a true professional with a great mix of tunes. One of her original songs took top prize in the TSA awards. Andrew Clermont is a multi-instrumentalist, who excels on the violin, mandolin and guitar. Each day, he brought in a different group of highly talented musicians from his "Supper Club" evening shows. Minnie Marks is another astonishing talent from Crescent Head, NSW. At just 15 years of age, she takes the stage with confidence and stage presence, coupled with the vocal prowess and guitar skills of a seasoned pro.

On the 2nd day, 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 following day saw larger audiences and very enthusiastic response. Brian Amos, from Radio Eastern 98.1 in Croydon, Victoria was in to see the show a number of times. He called it "Absolutely Fantastic!" The response was similar from laypeople as well; Neville and Betty from Coffs Harbour caught me after one of my shows saying "Fantastic, the best show on the Festival!" Ruth and Charles Matthews, from Bendemeer, said "Absolutely superb! You should be playing at the London Palladium." It was great to see all these people, time and again, bringing in friends to enjoy the shows.

Throughout the Festival, it was a true pleasure to meet and showcase such astounding Artists like Paul Robert Burton and Andrew Toner. Together they created an other-worldly folk sound that mesmerised young and old alike. Susanna Carman and Sara Tindlay were equally surprising. Their heartfelt and sincere songs, coupled with exquisite guitar and harmonies reminded me of Simon and Garfunkel, simply wonderful!.

Add to that, we were very pleased to showcase one of Australia's finest, Sally-Anne Whitten, who gave two impeccable acoustic performances. Local Artist, Kristy Ansen sang a glowing mix of her original songs and classic tunes. All the way from Canada, Gary Boyle teamed up with Australian, Johnny Doyle to present a number of shows. Taking turns, they each sang a solid set of well loved country favourites..

In one of her shows, Bec Hance brought up a lovely 11 year old girl named Karrie Hayward. Never have I seen such poise and sheer talent in someone so young. The next day, I brought her in again for a longer set to see how she would fare. She took the stage, solo and was just amazing. Finally, 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 performance, I told the audience that anyone who has worries about the future of Australian Country Music, should have been there. 

As the ten day Festival wound to a close, I was honoured to be selected to perform on the main closing concert, held at the Tamworth Entertainment Centre. For over 4000 people, I joined some of the top Artists of the day to give a final performance. As a highlight, I created an illusion to produce the emcee, Jon Wolfe, at the beginning of the show, which surprised young and old alike.

So, all good news to report from here in Tamworth. We're already planning how we can do it again, better, next year. I'll be posting more info, pictures and videos on the website in the coming week.

Cheers,
Jay Scott Berry
www.JSBmusic.com

Community Called to 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival Debrief

Wednesday, 3rd February 2010: Local individuals, business houses, stakeholders and community members are invited to share their thoughts or concerns as well as hear more about the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival at the annual event-debrief scheduled for 6pm, Thursday 11th February at the Tamworth Community Centre.

Held post-event each year, the debrief is an opportunity for the public to raise concerns, offer suggestions or simply be informed by organisers on any findings and reports.

“The Tamworth Country Music Festival is reliant on its local community supporting, building it and promoting it. The local community own and make the event what it is, which is why it is so important to hold the debrief each year and work through any items as well as educate on findings and plans”, said Councillor James Treloar, Mayor of Tamworth.

With hearsay and controversy leading into and during the 2010 event, the debrief is a forum for real issues, concerns or idea’s to be presented.

Mayor Treloar said “We want to move forward and we are not changing the music genre, it is and will always remain the Tamworth Country Music Festival.  We will take on any advice or concern presented at the 2010 debrief and feed it into the Blueprint for the Future being created. This is a great way for the Council to consult directly with the community.”

The 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival Debrief will be held on Thursday 11th February 2010 at 6pm at the Tamworth Community Centre (Cnr Peel & Darling St, Tamworth).

The event is open to all who wish to attend.

David Woodward

Ireland’s Music Man – Steve Farlow’s  Big Night Out

Easter Country Music Extravanza comes to the Causeway Coast

Dance the Night away to:
Steve Farlow, Box Car Brian, Bonnie Stewart and Brendan McGarrity, Ally Harron and Marion Curry, Kenneth Neely along with
Compere Sean Green.

Lodge Hotel Coleraine
Easter Tuesday 6th April

Admission £7.50
Doors open 7.30. Dancing 8-Late
Be there early to avoid disappointment!

Steve Farlow

Door 2 Door Radio News

2010 is shaping up to be a busy year for Australian Country Music, especially here at D2D. This month we have a stack of brand new releases for radio airplay, so we thought we would give you a heads up on what‘s coming your way over the next few weeks.

’It Ain't Me Babe' from The Lees 

It‘s all systems go for family band The Lees. With their brand new album, Welcome Road now officially released at the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The first single to radio, It Ain't Me Babe is attracting lots of attention on the country airwaves.

At theTamworth country music festival the word on the street was all good for The Lees, with fans and industry loving the new album. Now home in Parkes, the band is concentrating on catching up with those people they missed in Tamworth, and continuing the filming on their reality TV program that goes to air on national TV later this year.

In the meantime, the film clip for It Ain‘t Me Babe, is about to hit CMC.

Kings Of The Roaring Days for The Bushwackers

Golden Guitar winners The Bushwackers follow up on their success at the CMAA Country Music Awards for Bush Ballad Of The Year with a new single, Kings Of The Roaring Days from the album, Australian Songbook II.

A timely and befitting song for The Bushwackers, Kings Of The Roaring Days celebrates the unsung hero of the traditional song. 

Not Forty from Tracy Coster

Tracy Coster's last single, Old Black Quart gained her a Golden Guitar nomination at this years CMAACountry Music Awards for Bush Ballad Of The Year. This time round Tracy changes pace with her third single to radio, Not Forty, from her album, Moving On.

Not Forty is a great radio track, and has plenty of smart and humorous observation about getting a little bit older. Look out for the great new film clip on CMC.

Fiona Fields has Dirt

We are about to introduce you to Fiona Fields.

Fiona is unashamedly contemporary country rock and she is about to deliver the Dirt on her first single from her debut album, Good To Go.

New to the country scene, Fiona reckons she needs to get a little Dirt to cut it in country music.
You can hear for yourself when the single is released next week 

Quinny is Frontier Country

Multi award and gold guitar winning songwriter Ian Quinn – affectionately known as Quinny, has a brand new self titled album with twelve superb Australian songs. We have claimed him as, Australia‘s songman because he writes about what‘s at the heart of Australia - stories, issues, ideas.

The first single, Frontier Country pretty much sums up what the album is about. 

Kel-Anne Brandt's Go Away Come Back

Kel-Anne Brandt‘s latest single to radio, Go Away Come Back, her 4th single from the album,
I‘m A Big Girl Now is still getting spins on radio.

Amanda O'Brian

Bushwackers Break The Drought

Pictured LtoR is:
Dobe Newton, Adrian Cannon, Mark Oats, Clare O'Meara, Ben Corbett, Micheal Vidale and Roger Corbett

Much-loved Australian band, The Bushwackers, won their second Gold Guitar at the star-studded CMAA Australian Country Music Awards in Tamworth,breaking a long-standing record of 29 years between wins for the iconic band.

The Bushwackers won their first award in 1981 on their first trip to Tamworth. “At that time, we had no idea about Tamworth and the whole country music Festival” says long time singer Dobe Newton “There were thousands of people wearing hats and having a great time. We immediately wanted to be a part of it all”.

That year, The Bushwackers won the Gold Guitar for Instrumental of The Year under the big top on the football oval.

“I remember getting some strange looks from Slim Dusty and Buddy Williams, who I‘m sure were wondering what these scruffy lads from Melbourne were doing at their event. Thankfully we were embraced and have been coming along to Tamworth ever since.” says Dobe.
 
Since then, The Bushwackers have been running their highly successful shows at The Longyard Hotel, every Tamworth festival for hundreds of enthusiastic sell-out crowds, along with Australian and international festival performances and tours. The 29 year ’losing streak‘ has become a great source of amusement for the popular group, who‘ve had enormous success over the years, including dozens of Golden Guitar Nominations, but the big Golden Guitar win has eluded them until now.

The record breaking song that one them gold at this years award is ’The Road To Thargomindah‘, winner in the Bush Ballad category. Written by the Bushwackers good mate, Colin Buchanan and recorded by the Bushwackers on the latest album, Australian Songbook II, released in Tamworth in 2009. “Colin is an absolute genius” claims Roger Corbett, guitarist and 30 year veteran of the band. “ I produce all our albums and now and then we have a song that just flows and really suits the Bushwackers. ’Thargomindah‘ is one of those magical songs.”

The Bushwackers claim, that it‘s their long standing loyal fans and a tribe of new ones that keep‘s the enthusism and passion for the The Bushwackers alive in the hearts of Australian‘s. And there is no slowing down for the band, plans are underway for a trip to the Amerciana Festival in Nashville, USA in September, more Australian festival performances along with a new single to country radio to be released in February.

In 2011, the band celebrates their 40th Anniversary and promise to deliver something special for fans of The Bushwackers.

Amanda O‘Bryan

Girl From The Mall Is - Female Artist Of The Year

Felicity Urquhart is no doubt Australia’s country music sweetheart and the toast of Tamworth after being named Female Artist Of The Year at the 38th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, last Saturday 23rd January.

Her Golden Guitar trophy win came for current single Roller Coaster, co-written with music legend Randy Scruggs.

Felicity was also a nominee for APRA Song Of The Year for her biographical collaboration with Mark Seymour (Hunters and Collectors), Girl In The Mall.

Dressed in a classic LEIELA mini, looking more like a movie star than country chick, the hometown girl received an eruption of applause when announced as FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR. The award comes on the back of a year of critical and audience acclaim for her 2009 released album Landing Lights.

Extending beyond fans in the awards audience, Urquhart’s colleagues and peers were also thrilled with the win with friend and fellow winner Troy Cassar-Daley unable to control his emotion.

“When she started crying … I was beside myself … I felt really, really proud of her,” Cassar-Daley said.

Having been nominated in the past but never having won, Urquhart said it was wonderful to win in front of so many familiar faces and to be recognised.
“I love this industry and I appreciate everyone’s work and I try and be part of it and promote people on the radio. So it is lovely to actually have them talking about me for a minute,” she said.

Whilst the award will remain the Festival highlight for the petite songstress, she was also invited to present on the night with Australian Idol Guy Sebastian and over the 10 day event also met with the Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC and NSW Premier Kristina Keneally.

Urquhart’s album, Landing Lights, has received critical acclaim since its release. Signature tracks include Two Wheels, Roller Coaster, Ernie’s Daughter, Girl in the Mall and I Fall – all songwriting collaborations with some of most respected names in the business, Nick Barker, Randy Scruggs, Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything), Mark Seymour and Michael Spiby (The Badloves).

Felicity’s name is set to rise throughout 2010 with major events confirmed as well as touring in Australia and overseas. Her first engagement is headlining the Whittlesea Music Festival on February 12th before combining forces with Cassar-Daley to tour across Victoria mid February. Her international debut will see her tread the stages of Austria, Germany & France, the USA and Fiji.

Regarded as one of the hardest working artists in Australia, only time will tell what the prestigious award win and international exposure will bring… if rumour is right, Felicity Urquhart will continue to soar.

Rebecca McCarthy

2010 Paved With Gold For Jetty Road

Winning the award for Best Group or Duo at the 38th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia
topped off a week of success for country band, Jetty Road.

Having taken home 2 People’s Choice awards earlier in the week, and selling out their only
Tamworth show at the Capitol Theatre, the band were honoured to be presented with the
Golden Guitar on Saturday night in front of country music industry, fans and family, before
getting up to rock the audience with a exhilarating performance of their hit single, Million
Miles.

In addition to the excitement of last week, Jetty Road’s current single, World Keeps Turning
moved into #2 on Country Tracks Top 30 chart and the video jumped to #5 on the CMC
chart.

Next for the band, they will be appearing at the 2010 Whittlesea Country Music Festival,
where they have been nominated for multiple awards including Best Group, Best Independent
Release, Victorian Album and Victorian Entertainer of the Year.

Following this, Jetty Road will be performing alongside Phil Vassar, Guy Sebastian, Jack
Ingram and Doc Walker at the 2010 CMC Rocks The Snowys festival in March, where they will
find out if they have been named CMC Oz Artist of the Year.

Katania Lee

Thanks For Your Interest In  The Continuing Success Of The Jazzer 2010!

The tradition lives on....

In Tamworth The PUB’s Jazzer Quest 2010 has been won by a brilliant 17 year old singer/songwriter from Kirkham Meadows, New South Wales – Christie Lamb.
Once again The Pub was packed for the Friday night, January 22nd, Grand Final of The Jazzer, as it’s popularly known, where MC Rebecca McCarthy (RUM Entertainment), announced the winner.
Christie, a very popular winner, won the generous cash prize of $2,000 from The Pub, and a fabulous red Fender acoustic/electric guitar, provided by Fender Australia.
The Pub also provided the hotly contested Second prize of $1000, to Kiera Smith from Mildura, and Third prize of $500, to Melissa Thomson from Eaglby in Queensland.
Additionally, the encouragement award (Fender acoustic/electric guitar) winner was Dayleford, Victoria’s singer/songwriter Archer Broughton.

Of great interest to eligible contestants aged 18 and younger, The Pub also provided a $2000 scholarship to Tamworth Camerata (annual youth Country Music school) and this was won by 13 year-old Andre Drysdale, from The Gold Coast.  Camerata, now part of CMAA Academy of Country Music, runs for 6 days in July, and in 8 years has graduated 144 top performers and players from all over Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Many of these graduates are now becoming stars on the Country Music scene.

There were 12 Jazzer Grand Finalists who performed a 2 song set each, selected from four hotly contested heats and a Semi-Final, enjoyed by large audiences every day, as more than 100 competitors, approx 1/3 first-time Jazzer entrants, vied for a Grand Final berth.  A wonderful backing band of great musicians was available to all competitors, namely Brett Dallas on guitar, Terry Phillpot on drums and Glenn Skarratt on bass. During the heats and Grand Final, judges included Sam Burgess, Penelope Somerville, Simon Johnson, Roxanne Kiely, Paul Wilson, Aleyce Simmonds, Grant Card well, Nicki Gillis, Clay Algie, Sally-Anne Whitten &  Liam Brew.

At the completion of the Grand Final, while points were being tallied, the large audience was treated to some very special entertainment, in the form of 2009 Jazzer/Camerata scholarship winner Ashleigh Dallas, and 2006 Jazzer winner Ryan Sampson, who both had the crowd enthralled.

The Jazzer Quest, brainchild of the much loved Jazzer Smith, who died in 1987, has been discovering new talent at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival since 1981, originally in the Kmart complex. It’s been continued in Jazzer’s  honour till the present day, with several organisers, the latest of which is Greg Williams, who has carried out this valuable task for the past 18 years, the last 6 years at The Pub, who show great industry support by staging this major event at a cost in excess of $12,500.

THE PUB Jazzer Quest Grand Finalists 2010
The Rumour Mill  band
Andre Drysdale – Camerata scholarship winner
Katie Giddings
Nathan Lamont
Jordan Watene
Georgia White
Kiera Smith – 2nd
Jacynta’lee Glaspy
Archer Broughton – encouragement award

Christie Lamb - 1st
Melissa Thomson – 3rd
Daniel Cosgrove

For information on The PUB Jazzer Quest contact Greg Williams – 02 67662616, or 0408255908

Wallis And Matilda

Hi folks, well it's that time of the year again

Friday February 17th it will be the 146th anniversary of the birth of Australia's most beloved poet A.B.(Banjo) Paterson.

What better way to celebrate the month than to play some of Wallis and Matilda's many musical tributes, or perhaps a Banjo Paterson special.

We would be more than happy to discuss the story of Wallis and Matilda and that of the great man himself.

2010 also celebrates the 30th anniversary of our No1 Album Pioneers and No 1 single Clancy of the Overflow,

Tribute CDs available by Wallis and Matilda are listed below along with some of Paterson's dates of importance and a link to our I-Tunes page.

Happy Banjo Paterson month

Regards

John Wallis
Access Music
(03) 5941 2246
www.wallisandmatilda.com.au

"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection"
First Edition 3Box Set
(Available on CD on The Planet Company label) Cat No (TPCWMB1)
"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection"Vol 1. PIONEERS. Pioneers. The Man from Snowy River.
Clancy of the Overflow. The Reverend Mulleneux. The Man from Ironbark. Been there Before. Pioneers.

"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection" Vol 2. The Old Australian Ways. The Old Australian Ways.
Father Riley’s Horse. Those Names. A Bush Christening. Johnson’s Antidote. Lost. Any Other Time. How Gilbert Died. Riders in the Stand. Last Week.

"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection" Vol 3. A Singer Of The Bush. A Singer of the Bush.
Old Pardon the Son of Reprieve. Waltzing Matilda. Mulga Bill’s Bicycle. Bottle-Oh. As Long as your Eyes are Blue. The Geebung Polo Club. Sunrise on the Coast.

"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection"Second Edition 3 Box Set
(Available on CD from The Planet Company) Cat No (TPCWMB2)
"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection"Vol 4. Song Of The Federation. Song of the Federation
(Song of the Australians in action). Boots. The Old Tin Hat. We're All Australians Now. Tom Collins. Black Swans. Morgan’s Dog
At the Melting of the Snow. Unforgotten. Our Own Flag. *Jimmy Dooley’s Army. The Uplift. * Federation Reprise.

"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection" Vol 5. Over The Range. Over the Range Clancy of the Overflow. In the Droving Days .To George Lambert. The Man from Snowy River. The Flying Gang. The Road to Old Man’s Town, With the Cattle. A Walgett Episode.
"The Great Wallis And Matilda Collection" Vol 6. Song Of The Pen. Song of the Pen,The Man Who Was Away. A Triolet. A Bunch of Roses. Lay of the Motor Car. The Weather Prophet. Australian Scenery. Benjamin Bandicoot. Flying Squirrels. High Explosive. Old Man Platypus. Weary Will. Shearing with a Hoe. The Last Parade. Moving On. Queensland Mounted Infantry. Song of Murray’s Brigade.

A.B.(Banjo) Paterson - Dates Of Importance

17th February, 1864
A.B. (Banjo) Paterson born at Narrambla - near Orange, N.S.W.

28th February, 1885
First poem published El Mahdi to the Australian Troops

28th August, 1886
Admitted as a Solicitor and formed the legal partnership, Street and Paterson.

21st December, 1889
Clancy of the Overflow - published in the Bulletin

26th April, 1890
The Man from Snowy River - published.
Composed his now famous "Waltzing Matilda".

9th July, 1892
Participated in the celebrated "Bush Battle" with his friend Henry Lawson.

Paterson described the "Bulletin battle" in these words:
Henry Lawson was a man of remarkable insight in some things and of extraordinary simplicity in others. We were both looking for the same reef, if you get what I mean; but I had done my prospecting on horseback with my meals cooked for me, while Lawson has done his prospecting on foot and had had to cook for himself. Nobody realized this better than Lawson; and one day he suggested that we should write against each other, he putting the bush from his point of view, and I putting it from mine. "We ought to do pretty well out of it," he said, "we ought to be able to get in three or four sets of verses before they stop us." This suited me all right, for we were working on space, and the pay was very small . . . so we slam-banged away at each other for weeks and weeks; not until they stopped us, but until we ran out of material . . .

17th October, 1895
Paterson notified that he had broken all publishing records with The Man from Snowy River and other Verses.

1899- 1901
Travelled to South Africa as a special war correspondent during the Boer war'

8th April, 1903
Paterson married Alice Emily Walker in Tenterfield.
The daughter of a grazier their first home was in queen Street Woollahra
Daughter Grace born 1904, Son Hugh born 1906.

November, 1914
Paterson sailed for England as a war correspondent.
Instead, during the course of the war he was attached as an ambulance driver to the Australian Voluntary Hospitalin France and was commissioned to the 2nd Remount Unit of the AIF. He was eventually promoted to Major.

1939
Received the Order of Commander of the British Empire.

5th February, 1941
Paterson died at the age of 76.
At the time of his death his reputation as the principal folk poet of Australia was secure.
His body of work included seven volumes of poetry and prose in many editions

Paterson's works include:

• 1889 Australia for the Australians (political pamphlet)
• 1895 The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses
• 1902 Rio Grande's Last Race and Other Verses
• 1905 Waltzing Matilda (music)
• 1905 Old Bush Songs (collection)
• 1906 An Outback Marriage (fiction )
• 1917 Saltbush Bill J.P. and Other Verses
• 1917 Three Elephant Power and Other Stories
• 1923 The Collected Verse of A.B. Paterson
• 1933The Animals Noah Forgot (children)
• 1934 Happy Dispatches (semi-autobiographical of his travels)
• 1936 The Shearer's Colt (fiction)

John Wallis

Something For Everyone – Come To The Real Country

Planning is well under way for the 33rd McDonald’s Charters Towers Country Music Festival to be held May Day Weekend 30th April to 2nd May.

Exciting times will be the order of the weekend with Jim Haynes popping in for the Bush Poets Breakfast as well as compering and appearing on Saturday Night and the very popular Chad Morgan will host a Celebrity Luncheon on Saturday and Sunday at the Dining Hall.  Michael Fix will host a workshop for the guitar enthusiasts as well as appear on Saturday Night.  Other artists to appear on the weekend will be The Elvis Tribute Show, Travis Sinclair, The Australian Brooks & Dunn Show, The Slim Dusty Tribute Show, Haywire and the Australian Shania Twain Show. 

While Friday and Saturday Nights are about the stars, Saturday, Sunday and Sunday Night is about the future stars of country music with contestants competing in various sections for the important Overall Grand Prize Winners in the Senior, Juvenile and Junior Sections.

With over $25,000 in prize money up for grabs Charters Towers is definitely the place to be May Day Weekend for your chance to become the next big country music star.
Entries close 1st April – check out the website www.charterstowerscountrymusic.com for all the information you require or phone (07)47874500 or email ctcm@bigpond.com.

Lyn Verra

Official Album Launch!

Hi,

I am Launching my brand new album "Starting Over" with my single currently in the top 30, on Friday the 5th February at the Bald Face Stag "Live At The Wall" 345 Parramatta Rd Leichhardt.

Doors open at 8pm show starts at 8.30pm
tickets are $10 each and all ages are welcome, tickets will be available at the door if not sold out!

My special guest artists are :
2005 winner of the Telstra Rd to Tamworth Aleyce Simmonds and Jason Lee.

I am very excited I hope to see you there to join in on the celebrations!!!

Thanks
Johanna Hemara

2009 Toyota Star Maker Liam Brew Joins KrisKat Publicity & Management

With his Toyota Star Maker reign over, Liam Brew has announced a management deal with KrisKat Publicity & Management. Following a year of touring with some of his musical heroes including Adam Brand, James Blundell & The Sunny Cowgirls, Liam sets his sights on a bigger and better 2010.

Liam’s debut album, ‘Wild Heart’ was released in August 2009 and 2nd single, ‘Doghouse’ has just been released to radio. 

Kris Katsanis

2010 Tamworth Festival Comes To A Close

If you were one of the 50,000 loyal country music fans who made the pilgrimage to Tamworth to witness one of the 2,500 events/concerts during the festival – hope you had a great festival!!

Adam Harvey and Guy Sebastian were two of the many artists about town. Adam and Guy performed their hit single ‘Stuck In The Middle’ at the 38th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia. They also drew huge crowds to the Shoppingworld appearance with hundreds of fans lining up to grab a quick photo and say ‘hello’!!

Sony Music Entertainment would like to congratulate all winners at the Golden Guitar Awards.

Adam Harvey To Perform At ‘Hope From Ashes’ – A Toodyay Bushfire Benefit Concert

Digging deep for those affected by the recent bushfires in Toodyay; Western Australia, Australian musicians are coming together for the official fundraising event, Hope from Ashes – a Toodyay benefit concert.

Toodyay’s Town Oval will host the concert on January 30 featuring an all-star line-up. Headlining the show is multi-Golden Guitar winner and gold album-selling country music sensation Adam Harvey who will be joined by Angry Anderson & friends, Matt Taylor, Suze De Marchi (Baby Animals), The Novocaines, Rick Steele, Richard Walley, Dave Mann, Blue Shaddy and more.

Tickets are on sale and event coordinator Heather Ham says the concert will be a celebration of life and sends a message of hope to the Toodyay community after the devastating bushfires which started late last month.

“Although 38 homes were lost and 3,000 hectares of land burnt, not one life was lost,” says Heather, a Toodyay local. “This is something we want to acknowledge and celebrate. A benefit concert will not only raise much-needed money but it will also bring the community together in healing and celebration.

“As soon as people heard about the idea, we were overwhelmed by offers of support, assistance, time, energy, money and services to help this benefit concert go ahead. These offers came from far and wide – the local community and people all over the State. Everyone from the Shire Council to the local police and businesses plus people on the street have been working tirelessly to make this happen.”

Toodyay Shire president Chris Firns says he continues to be amazed at the level of support shown both by the people of Toodyay and those from outside the community.

“It can’t be over-stated, that the support we have received and continue to receive is absolutely fantastic. This is all about the survivors, their needs and about helping people rebuild their lives. It’s also not just about helping them rebuild their homes but rebuild their spirits and the community.

“We are all looking forward to having a great day at the concert.”

WA Police say they are very pleased with the community spirit shown in the wake of the fires and are delighted West Australians are showing off their caring side and rallying together for a worthy cause.

If you can’t make it to the concert and still want to contribute, buy a virtual ticket through Moshtix (details below). There is not limit to how many virtual tickets you can purchase, but they come in $35 lots, the cost of a regular ticket. Money raised goes to the Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation Toodyay Bushfire Appeal to help Toodyay locals recover and rebuild.

Hope from Ashes is event-managed by Perth’s Sunset Events, who have gotten behind the concert and along with many other companies involved in the WA music and associated industries, are giving their time and services gratis to organise and run the day.

Event details:
Venue: Toodyay Town Oval (corner Toodyay Road & Telegraph Road)
Date: January 30, 2010
Time: noon – 11pm (gates open 11am)
Bring chairs, picnic rug, hats and sunscreen

During Hope from Ashes, a bar will be open from 5pm and alongside the bands, there will also be other family-friendly entertainment like Old McDonald’s Travelling Farm, a bouncy castle and circus performers. Food, refreshments and concert merchandise will be available.

Tickets: $35 adult; $28 concession / pensioner; $10 child (4yrs – 15yrs); $85 family (2 adults & 2 children). Tickets available from Thursday, January 21 at participating branches of Bendigo Bank and www.moshtix.com.au / 1300 Get Tix (438 849). For those who can’t attend, by a virtual ticket from Moshtix and donate it.

The Truth Is "White Liar" Becomes Miranda Lambert's 1st #1 Song

Her albums all debuted at #1, have been certified Platinum and Gold, she’s won ACM Awards and been nominated for CMA and Grammys, and now, singer songwriter Miranda Lambert can add a # 1 single to her resume with “White Liar,” one of 11 songs she wrote or co-wrote on her current album, Revolution.

With songs like, “Gunpowder & Lead, “Famous In A Small Town” and “Kerosene,” Lambert’s songs have already become part of the fabric of country music. Bob Kingsley, the authoritative voice and Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Famer sums up Lambert’s talent with, “Miranda Lambert is one of the most complete artists of her generation. She has proven herself to be one of our best singers and entertainers, but it is as a songwriter that she is moving into elite territory. She is on record as being an admirer of Haggard, and there is nothing idle about the claim. Like Merle, she knows the ways of the adult human heart, and with each album she is growing in her ability to express them. With Revolution, Miranda brings the spirit of her musical idols to bear on state-of-the-art country. Both her listeners and the future of the genre are in good hands.”

Lambert shared the big news on Twitter with a photo of champagne and cigars writing, "Celebrating Number 1! First class all the way! She can continue her celebration while at the upcoming Grammy Awards where she will be presenting and is nominated for Best Female Country Performance for 'Dead Flowers.” In February, Lambert will perform “White Liar” on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

With Revolution, Lambert received rare perfect reviews from countless publications including 4 stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an ‘A’ from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from SPIN, NY Times, Washington Post and more. Many claimed Revolution the “Best Album of the Year” in any genre. In 2008, she won the coveted ACM Album of the Year and in 2007, ACM’s Best New Female Award. She is currently touring with Brad Paisley on his “American Saturday Night” Tour.

Lyle Lovett Adds More Dates To His First Australian Tour>

Four-time Grammy Award winner, Lyle Lovett will play two Sydney shows during his FIRST-EVER Australian tour this March. A second and final Sydney performance has been confirmed for Tuesday March 30 at the State Theatre. Tickets for this final show go on sale at 9am on Thursday February 4.

Lyle Lovett is one of America’s finest singer-songwriters, leading a remarkable 20-year career spanning 13 albums and over four million records sold. Finely wrought and full of wit, wisdom and Texas-sized storytelling, the veteran songwriter's catalogue is rife with characters and concepts that loom large on the American landscape. Fans can expect to hear classics, favourites and a selection of new songs taken from his latest album release, the critically
acclaimed Natural Forces.

Lovett, who is on the verge of embarking on a 22-city international tour, recently crossed the US with his Large Band.

“… the long, tall Texan’s entire two-and-a-half hour performance felt like the best kind of soul-stirring church service, full of joy, solemnity, reverence and contemplation.” – The Boston Globe

“His wry voice and parched-dry vocals were consistent through the night – as good at the start of the show as in the encore.” – New York Post

Lovett's music uniquely intersects an array of genres from country and folk to big-band swing and traditional pop as evidenced by such well-known songs as If I Had a Boat, Nobody Knows Me, South Texas Girl, She’s No Lady, Baby Don’t Tolerate, In My Own Mind and revered albums as Lyle Lovett, Pontiac, Joshua Judges Ruth, The Road To Ensenada and most recently, It’s Not Big It’s Large.

Another facet of Lovett’s career is acting, most recently appearing in The Open Road directed by Michael Meredith. He also appeared in four Robert Altman films: The Player, Short Cuts, Pret-a-Porter and Cookie’s Fortune, and scored the music for another: Dr. T and the Women.

In the end, though, it’s the music to which Lovett always returns and the song that is always central. Natural Forces is Lovett’s 12th album, featuring four original tunes, along with seven covers of works by Texas songwriters, including Eric Taylor’s Whooping Crane, Vince Bell's Sun and Moon and Stars and Townes Van Zandt's Loretta.

Natural Forces is available now through Sony Music Entertainment

Gretchen Wilson Releases First Greatest Hits Album

Gretchen Wilson Greatest Hits Album Available on 5 March
11-Track Collection Features Never Before Released Track

Grammy Award winning recording artist Gretchen Wilson will release her first Greatest Hits album on January 19. The Greatest Hits album on Columbia Nashville includes all of the fan-favourite songs from over the years as well as the never before commercially released live recording of “Barracuda.” The multi-platinum singer co-wrote seven and produced six of the 11 tracks in the collection. "These songs are truth. They are people's lives," Wilson says. "That's the wonderful thing about sharing your music with everybody. They get to feel the same feeling that you felt."

Gretchen Wilson exploded onto the country music scene in 2004 with her smash hit “Redneck Woman” and has since scored three #1 albums with Here For The Party, All Jacked Up, and One Of The Boys. The critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter has won virtually every award for which she’s been nominated, including Female Vocalist of the Year from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music and a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

1. Redneck Woman
2. Here For The Party
3. Homewrecker (Album Version)
4. When I Think About Cheatin'
5. California Girls
6. Politically Uncorrect (feat. Merle Haggard)
7. I Don't Feel Like Loving You
8. One Of The Boys
9. Come To Bed (feat. John Rich)
10. All Jacked Up
11. Barracuda

Montgomery Gentry Gets Ready To Hit The Airwaves With Brand-New Single

Forthcoming Seventh Studio Album Set To Release In Early 2010

Columbia Nashville’s Montgomery Gentry already holds the record for the longest uninterrupted run of Top 10 singles on the R&R and BDS Country chart by a duo this decade. Now, the duo is poised to continue their hitmaking ways with the release of their new single, “Oughta Be More Songs About That.”

The song, co-penned by Eddie Montgomery, recognizes the importance of hard work, forgiveness, and overall social responsibility. KKGO Los Angeles’ Sr.Manager/Country Programming Charlie Cook lauds, "This is exactly what we're hearing from our listeners. These topics are important to them... and Montgomery Gentry nails it!"
The brand-new single will be off of their forthcoming new CD, which marks the duo’s seventh studio album, due in early 2010. Montgomery Gentry rejoins Blake Chancey, who produced their 2008 album Back When I Knew It All, which yielded the #1 hits “Back When I Knew It All,” and “Roll With Me,” and Top 10 “One In Every Crowd,” as well as an 2008 ACM nod for Album of the Year.

“Man, we’ve been working hard to finish this CD and get new music out there and we’re real excited about ‘Songs,’” says Eddie Montgomery. “I love this one, it’s just a song about real American folks and their lives.”

Brad Paisley's 2.5d Video For "American Saturday Night"

Brad Paisley’s video for his hit single, “American Saturday Night,” has tapped cutting edge technology to present a very unique visual for his fans.

Over 20,000 still photos were used to build the 2.5D world that includes Paisley, his band (The Drama Kings), and over 100 “extras.” Several shoots were done with a green screen and the final look is as if the whole video is a “pop-up book.” The feat was completed in just four weeks with a team of less than ten people. Branded Picture Company produced the video.

“American Saturday Night” is currently No. 8 on Billboard and MediaBase country singles charts. “American Saturday Night” is airing on CMT and GAC and you can also view on bradpaisley.com.

Emma Smith

From The Netherlands

Hello Country friends

Albert is a country artist from The Netherlands. The songs he plays on his guitars are his own  Country song & Blues songs.

At the age of 15 he picks up the guitar. Later on at the age of 35 he gets full playing on the guitar.

Also he started a radio program at the local radio station on the Island Ameland called Countrytime.  Because the country music in the

Netherlands is at a low level not many Dutch artist are playing country and that is a shame he thinks.

He did the program Countrytime  for 2 years a great time it was  he said, but his guitars and music are callings him to play and that is what he still doing every day.

His favourite music is Country music & old fashion Blues. Country artist he likes are Lonestar, Dierks Bentley, Johnny Cash, Carrie Underwood. Blues artist he likes are Bessie Smit, Otis Rush, BB King, Lightning Hopkings.

A couple of years ago he started writings blues songs  & country songs on his guitar some blues song he playing that with his band Generation on Ameland

He made contact with Nashville songwriters & Composers (This is the greatest thing that is happening in his life).

His debut Single “Follow Your Heart”  is recorded at the Sins-Sing studio In the Netherlands.

This song is from Nashville songwriter / composer Lonnie Ratliff who did a excellent job.

The song Follow Your Heart is about a tip to people who want to make their own changes in their life.

Albert Huizeling

Willie Nelson's Tour Bus Cited For Moonshine, Marijuana

Just wanted to send this out even though I have had it stored for a couple of days.  Willie didn’t do the show that night and I wonder why???  Everyone is the world knows Willie Nelson, so the local police,

unless they do not keep up with the news that we all know, should have just not gone on the bus.  They wrote the citations for some unexplained reason, and the only ones that really lost on this “police protection” were the fans and the city of Wilmington.  I wonder when Willie will re-schedule the show?????  The headlines said that Willie’s Tour Bus was cited for moonshine and marijuana.

I wonder if the police in Wilmington felt that the odor was a threat to society or the country!!!!!!!! 

Associated Press
Willie Nelson was not on the tour bus where ALE agents found marijuana and “non-tax-paid alcohol, which is moonshine,” said Ted Carlton, special agent in charge of the District III ALE office out of Wilmington.

Shannan.Bowen@StarNewsOnline.com
Published: Friday, January 29, 2010 at 9:31 a.m. 
Last Modified: Friday, January 29, 2010 at 9:31 a.m.

The aroma of marijuana lingered in the parking lot, and moonshine measured three-quarters full in a quart jar on the tour bus, officials said.
But, despite citations given Thursday night to six of singer-songwriter Willie Nelson's band members for allegedly illegally possessing the substances, the concert was scheduled to go on – that was, until it was announced Nelson wasn't feeling up to playing, according to information from the N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Division agency out of Wilmington and a news release on Nelson's official Web site.

It was pain in Nelson's hand, the one on which he had carpal tunnel surgery, that caused the concert to be canceled, according to the news release on Nelson's Web site. “Doctors say to just give it a rest,” the release said.

Nelson was not on the tour bus where ALE agents found marijuana and “non-tax-paid alcohol, which is moonshine,” said Ted Carlton, special agent in charge of the District III ALE office out of Wilmington.

Carlton said it was about 6:40 p.m. Thursday when ALE agents smelled marijuana in a parking lot by the Duplin County Events Center in Kenansville. After entering the tour bus, agents also saw a jar of moonshine, he said.

Six members of Nelson's band were issued citations. They were not arrested. A mandatory court appearance is required for both charges, Carlton said.

“We did it as fast as possible so it wouldn't delay the concert,” he said. “As soon as we processed the last one, we got word the concert was canceled because Nelson was under the weather.” The concert was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Carlton said agents were routinely patrolling the concert grounds. “Because the concert was in town, we went up there to patrol the parking lot just like any licensed establishment,” he said.

And although the band members probably weren't too happy about being charged just before their concert, Carlton said they all cooperated.

“The band members were very respectful of law enforcement,” he said.

Shannan Bowen: 343-2016

Marty Matell

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

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