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This website dedicated to bringing you the latest Australian country music news |
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NEWS ARCHIVES APRIL 2007 MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2007 Strong ticket sales for Urban Country this weekend Strong ticket sales for the QUT Urban Country Music Festival’s main concert have organisers at the Caboolture Shire Council anticipating the largest crowd yet for the fourth running of the event. The Festival kicks off this Friday (May 4) concluding four days later on the Queensland Labor Day holiday Monday. "More than 1,000 early bird tickets were sold by the end of January alone showing there is a high level of public enthusiasm and support for one the of the Shire’s trademark events," Caboolture Mayor Joy Leishman said.
Time is quickly running out for those wanting tickets to the main concert which features headliners Jimmy Barnes, Adam Brand (pictured), Troy Cassar-Daley, Beccy Cole (pictured), The McClymonts, The Pigs and John Williamson. About 8,000 people are expected at this year’s main concert which is the major attraction of the festival (supported by the Caboolture Shire Herald). Entry to the event at the Caboolture Showgrounds on Saturday costs $59.90 for adults and $29.90 for children aged 8 to 15. Tickets are available at Caboolture Shire Council, Caboolture RSL, Caboolture Sports Club, which is an agency for Ticketek, and directly from Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or on 13 28 49. Tickets will be available on site when gates open at 1.30pm but a surcharge applies. Urban country website ticket sales have closed.
"While the festival boasts about 500 artists across 10 different stages there is also a large number of creative workshops, competitions and free activities making it a real family affair, and it’s all only 40 minutes north of Brisbane." The Urban Country weekend kicks off with a free party, music and fireworks and food to suit all tastebuds at the Burbs ‘n Bush Party in Caboolture’s Town Square on Friday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Ringer turned singer and songwriter Tom Curtain headlines and is joined by one of country music’s hottest new groups, Jetty Road, and popular local talent Adam Kilpatrick. "This year’s Urban Blaze Concert and Fireworks on Sunday evening will still have crackling campfires, food stalls and entertainment but will also include a new event – The Tuff As Nails competition that melds muscle and mind as teams work to hammer nails into logs in the fastest time. "While Festival goers are warmed by bonfires and illuminated by pyrotechnics, some of Australia’s finest country artists will perform, including Paul Costa, Sam Hawksley, The Pigs and Aleyce Simmonds." The new bush balladeers concerts will feature an impressive roster of award-winning artists including Greg Bain, Julie Perandes, Anita Ree, Graham Rodger and The Young Balladeers (Amos Morris, Matt Manning, Nathan Charlton and Dan Manning). The Voice of Urban Country Talent Search will see professional artists competing for a first prize valued at $13,500. And Monday’s farewell concert is a final chance to hear headliners multi-award winning duo Carter & Carter who will also appear at Sunday’s Grass Roots and Gospel stage. Joining them at the farewell concert will be Laura Downing plus winners of the Talent Quest and busking competitions and 2006 Queensland Champion of Champions winners. Weblink – www.urbancountry.com.au. Troy to feature in "It Takes Two" 2007 Country star Troy Cassar-Daley has been lined up to feature again in the 7 and Prime Network series "It Takes Two".
Grant Denyer returns as host of the show which sees the couples competing in a duet-singing showdown backed by a live show band. The couples are judged by a combination of viewer votes and a panel of industry experts to see who will be crowned series champions. Confirmed celebrities who will step out of their comfort zone this year include Jolene Anderson ("All Saints" actress), Lochie Daddo (television presenter), Ernie Dingo ("The Great Outdoors"), comedian Russell Gilbert, Former Olympic swimmer Daniel Kowalski and Jo Stanley (breakfast radio host and television personality). In addition to Troy, professional singers who will mentor the celebrities include Rachael Beck, Anthony Callea, David Campbell, Kate Ceberano, Dave Gleeson and Wendy Matthews. Weblink – www.troycassardaley.com.au. Gina Jeffreys, still hot on the comeback trail, is releasing a new single, Stepped Right In It, as she continues a round of double act tours with Beccy Cole and Sara Storer.
In recent times, Gina has made a number of major television appearances and has featured on the covers of Country Music Capital News and Country Update. Gina won her last Golden Guitar in 2002, for Video Clip of the Year with Angel. She took time off from late 2002 in preparation for the birth of her and husband Rod McCormack's son Jackson. After that, Gina performed only at several Leukaemia Foundation charity events until 2004 when she started appearing again at some of the nation's major festivals. In 2004, she was appointed Ambassador for the 2005 Telstra Road to Tamworth, appeared at more Leukaemia Foundation and Cancer Council charity functions and started recording again in 2005. In 2006, Gina did her first major Tamworth concert in four years at Tamworth and released her new album – Walks Of Life – in October. Weblink – www.ginajeffreys.com.au. Chart update – Brad holds number one for fourth week Brad Paisley retains the number position on this week's Country Tracks National Top 30 Singles Chart for the fourth week with She's Everything.
Rascal Flatts' What Hurts The Most drops to five, Carter & Carter's Run Away jumps to six while Tom Curtain's Chew Like Hell rises to seven. Nicki Gillis' Leaving You For Myself slips one place to number eight, as does Lee Forster's Drinkin' Bone to nine. Dianna Corcoran's Then There's Me falls to 10. Bullet performers this week include John O'Dea's Old Rusty Ute (15 to 12), James Blundell's Higher Than Heaven (16 to 13), Keith Urban's I Told You So (23 to 20), Sharnee Fenwick's See Saw Ride (27 to 24), Ronni Rae Rivers (pictured) with Timmy (30 to 26) and Tania Kernaghan with Life Don't Get Much Better Than This (debuting at 27). Other new entries to the chart this week include A Lover's Question by Paul Costa (in at 29). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.
America's "Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree" radio program will celebrate its 60th anniversary this weekend. The 60th anniversary (or 3,143rd consecutive broadcast) will take place at the Texas Troubadour Theatre on Saturday (May 5). Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely will host the program with special guests, the '60s Texas Troubadours (Buddy Charleton, Don Mills, Junior Pruneda and Leon Rhodes) and Steve Chapman. The show goes to air at 11:30pm. Weblink – www.ernesttubb.com. – twangtownusa.com Carrie, Nicole and Reese make "most beautiful" list
Actress Drew Barrymore tops the celebrity list in the magazine's May 7 issue. In addition to Carrie, other singers and musicians featured include Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez and Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Garner, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston are also on the list. – CMT.com SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2007 More than a $1 million donated from 2006 Muster More than a million dollars has been given to the community by organisers of the Toyota National Country Music Muster as a result of last year's 25th anniversary event.
On Thursday at the Broncos Leagues Club, the Apex Club followed up on their distribution night in Gympie with an informal function to thank major sponsors and supporters who contributed more than $600,000 to the event. Presentations were made to Toyota Australia, the naming rights sponsor, and the Queensland Government, together with all corporate and media sponsors. Funds distributed in the community included more than $93,000 to the Melanoma Foundation of Australia. The 2007 Muster will be staged at the event's dedicated site in the Amamoor State Forest just south of Gympie from Tuesday to Sunday August 21 to 26. Weblink – www.muster.com.au.
Billed as "a unique event on the music calendar for Southern Queensland and Australia" the event will feature a number of Australia's leading players and a number of invited international guests. The Convention/Festival is scheduled to be held at the Kedron Wavell Services Club, Chermside (Brisbane) Saturday and Sunday June 23 and 24. Steelers will be able to enjoy additional sessions and select workshops with a number of players. "If you’re a steel guitar enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this unique event," organisers say. The program will feature Australians Ray Cullen, Tomi Grasso, Ian Kerr, Kenny Kitching (pictured at a recent Convention), Mark Moulynox and Warren Neilson, and international guests Dave and Carol Kirk and Ken Simmons. Weblink – www.brissteelguitar.com. FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2007 Canterbury Country turns seven
Thursday May 10 is the date for the celebrations which take place in the Club's Starlight Auditorium. The show will feature Nicki Gillis, Drew McAlister and Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French plus "surprise guests" with hosting by Bob Howe and the Hillbilly Heaven band. Guest artists on the April – "Angels & Honky-Tonk" night – were (pictured from left) Peter Pratt, (host) Nicki Gillis, Alison Hams, Mark Tempany, Barbara Baillie, Alby Pool and Roger Corbett (photo by Terry Phillpot). Weblink – www.shownet.com.au/canterburycountry.html. Along For The Ride is the title of Drew McAlister's new single release, written to support the Tour de Cure, a charity ride for 22 riders who are riding from Brisbane to Sydney commencing from May 28.
The song can be downloaded for free with any donation at tourdecure.com.au from May 1. As a singer/songwriter, Drew has written the track as his personal contribution to support the journey to finding a cure for cancer. All donations from the single and the tour will go directly towards finding a cure. Along For The Ride will also be the first single off Drew's forthcoming album expected out in June. The Tour de Cure riders will ride nine stages over 10 days south down the coast of NSW ending in Sydney on June 8. "It will take more than 10 days to find a cure for cancer," Drew said, "but your support will shorten the journey." Weblink – www.drewmcalister.com. THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2007 Horsham award winners announced Winners of the inaugural Horsham Country Music Awards have been announced.
As much of the work had been done on the Awards, however, organisers went ahead with the recognition scheme. In the open section, Nicki Gillis (pictured) won Album of the Year with her latest release Lucy's Daughter. Merilyn Steele took out Female Vocalist of the Year while Alex Watt won Male Vocalist of the Year. Carter & Carter were named winners of the Vocal Group/Duo award, Dean Perrett won Bush Ballad of the Year and Col Thomson took out the Heritage Song award. In the independent section, Casey Watt was named winner of Album of the Year with Lead You Astray, Col Thomson won Male Vocalist of the Year and Bush Ballad of the Year while Nicki Gillis took out Female Vocalist of the Year and Carter & Carter won Independent Vocal Group/Duo of the Year. The re-scheduled Horsham Country Music Festival is set for April 2008. Weblink – www.horshamcountrymusic.com.au.
Titled Footy Songs 98-07, the new release has 25 "brand new songs to get your footy season off to a laugh-filled start." Tracks include The Port Boys Drive Toranas, Matty Lloyd, Henley Beach Hotel Incident, Wooden Spoon, The Fight In The Dog, Ninth Again, A Patch Upon Both Elbows, Good Old Collingwood, South Australia, We Were Geelong, Baggy Green, That's The Thing About Football, and many more. The album will be available in stores from Monday (April 30). Weblink – www.gregchampion.com.au. Jackie Bristow plays Nashville New Zealand-born and now America based singer/songwriter Jackie Bristow plays Nashville next month for the first time with cuts from her album Crazy Love released through Sydney-based independent label Craving Records.
This will be followed by appearances venues in Austin, Texas, Seattle and Los Angeles. Jackie started singing at age eight on New Zealand's South Island and, with her younger sister, gathered an armful of Gold Guitar awards. She left high school for Invercargill Polytechnic Music School and bloomed as a singer in pop bands and as a songwriter. Five years after moving to Australia, one of her demos found its way on to an industry executive's desk, leading to writing and recording deals. She's toured with some of the biggest names to criss-cross Australia and supported Art Garfunkel and Daniel Lanois in New Zealand. Weblink – www.jackiebristow.com. TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2007 Telstra Road to Tamworth 2008 kicks off in June
Telstra Road to Tamworth is a national competition which has been providing an outlet for aspiring country music stars since its inception in 2004. The competition traverses the nation with heats in various regional locations throughout the year, culminating with the grand final series at the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. The 2007 winner Morgan Evans from Newcastle heads to Nashville in June as part of his prize package to record a single with SonyBMG and perform at the CMA Country Music Festival. Twenty heats will be held for the 2008 competition in various regional locations across the nation. This year’s program will see several changes reflecting the growing importance of the competition to the Australian country music industry. Full details will be announced next month. Following are heat details
Australian country star John Williamson has released a personal statement following media news reports at the weekend. "It is with regret and great sadness that today John Williamson and his wife Mary Kay have announced their separation after 35 years of marriage," the release said. "They would ask that their privacy be respected at this most difficult time and as such no further comment will be given."
The album – titled One For The Road – contains 14 tracks, including a number of Graeme's own songs. It is his third album release following Graeme Clark Sings Your Favourites and Footprints In The Sand At Walleroo. As well as singing songs from the album, Graeme will be supported by a number of acts including a special guest artist and the CYP Bootscooters. Admission to the function is $12 or $10 concession with proceeds aiding the Fred Hollows Foundation and the local community radio station Gulf FM on 89.3. Weblink – www.graemeclarke.com. Kimber Sparks has released a new single – Somewhere Between – the third from her successful EP Go Get ‘Em Girl.
Kimber has been making waves in the Australian country music industry since she was discovered by Lee Kernaghan. It was a chance encounter while Kimber was working at Lee’s former pub in Rockhampton, The Great Western Hotel. Lee heard her singing one night and was "blown away" by her distinctive country vocals and invited her to perform during several of his Electric Rodeo shows. "I could listen to Kimber sing all night long," he said. It’s been a hectic few months for the rising country music star who is not only juggling a thriving country music career but also studying for her MBA at Central Queensland University, working as an extra on the new Debra Messing/Judy Davis film, "Starter Wife", being named The Most Supportive Entertainer of The Year by the Alabama Country & Gospel Music Association in the US and recording a duet with the legendary Vern Gosdin. The accompanying video to Somewhere Between, directed by fellow country artist Michael Bryers, has just hit CMC. Weblink – www.kimbersparks.net. MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2007
The Black Sorrows, Eric Bogle (pictured), The Bostocks and Adam Harvey will now join Lee Kernaghan and Melinda Schneider with many more to be announced. An artist registration system was introduced for this year's Muster with 392 being received before registrations closed. The third round of discount tickets for Muster 2007 are now on sale and will end on April 30. Weblink – www.muster.com.au. International Music Conference Details have been announced for the 24th annual International Country Music Conference (ICMC) by co-Chairmen Don Cusic and James Akenson. The conference, to be held at Belmont University in Nashville from May 24 to 26, aims to provide an informative and entertaining mix of educational panels and discussions of great historical interest to fans of country music. ICMC panel subjects will include "The Songs, The Stories, The Changes: Songwriting in Nashville: 1958-2001" and "Teaching the Vietnam War: Aussie Country Music and the Battle of Long Tan". Other panels over the rmaining days of the conference include "The Bill Monroe I Knew: As Told By Mac Wiseman", "50th Anniversary Analysis of Music Row, RCA Studio B and the Evolution of Music City" with panelists Eddy Arnold, Don Cusic, Charlie Lamb, Robert Oermann and John Rumble. During Friday's luncheon, award recipients will be recognised for The Best Book on Country Music, Lifetime Achievement in Linking Books with Country Music and The Charlie Lamb Execellence in Country Music Journalism Awards. A keynote speech entitled, "WSM: From Air to Page" given by noted music journalist Craig Havighurst will take place during Saturday's luncheon. The day will finish out with more notable panels and discussions. Registration for conference is US$90. Registration deadline is May 15. Enquiries can be directed to James Akenson via email, jakenson@tntech.edu. Shaz to appear at The Dreaming Festival Dubbo (NSW) artist Shaz Lane has been signed to appear at The Dreaming Festival at Woodford from June 8 to 11. Billed alongside some of the country’s leading Aboriginal artists, Shaz will appear three times at the three day/four night event.
Under the artistic direction of Rhoda Roberts, The Dreaming Festival program features film and literature components, performing arts, new media and digital technologies, food and wine fare, comedy, ceremony, exhibitions, performance artists, physical theatre, visual arts, workshops, the music program, street performers, musicals and a youth program. Shaz (or Sharon) recovered from extensive surgery last year after being diagonised with a life threatening tumour. She was diagnosed in April last year with a Meningioma tumour in her right eye which was also having a detrimental effect on her eyesight and underwent major brain surgery to remove it. The 9 Network’s RPA (Royal Prince Alfred) picked up on the story which aired on November 23 and 30. "I agreed to appear on the... series in an endeavour to inform others not to dismiss common symptoms such as headaches and blurred vision associated with migraines as the cause could very well be something more serious," Sharon said. Now, just over a year later, Shaz has been booked to appear at The Dreaming Festival and will also play support to the Wolverines when they appear in Dubbo on May 13. Shaz's latest single is Left It All Behind. "2007 is going to be a great year," she said. "I am currently writing songs and working on my first album to be produced later this year." Weblinks – www.shazlane.com, www.thedreamingfestival.com. Keith Urban’s "Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour" has kicked off with the concerts in Germany – Munich on Thursday night, Cologne on Saturday and Hamburg last night.
"Guten tag Munich, it’s good to be back," he said as he took to the stage for the first time in nearly six months, before an ear-splitting, frantic crowd. The more than two hour, blistering performance that has come to define Keith’s career featured songs from his latest album as well as many of the hits that have defined his career to date. In Munich, the crowd sang along, cheered and even got a rare performance of one of Keith’s earliest hits, You Won, which was requested just prior to the performance by a young Austrian woman who met the country star via The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Keith even made his way into the audience where he interviewed shocked fans. One had been waiting for four months just to make the drive to Munich from Northern Italy. Next up? The British leg of the tour (London, Birmingham, Manchester) and then home to Australia on May 11 before continuing the tour in America from June 8. Weblink – www.keithurban.net. CMC Top 50 – Luke O'Shea hits the top Luke O'Shea & Medicine Wheel (pictured) have taken over the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist this week with their clip of Ragged Bloody Heroes.
Adam Brand is new at 18 with Can't Live Without Your Love while James Blundell is at 19James Blundell's with Higher Than Heaven. Mistin Renee Summers is at 22 with Down That Road, Tania Kernaghan at 23 with Life Don't Get Much Better Than This, Nicki Gillis at 24 with Leavin' You For Myself, Dianna Corcoran at 25 with Then There's Me, The Sunny Cowgirls at 26 with Still Circling, Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French at 28 with Let's Make A Family and Lee Kernaghan is steady at 30 with Love Shack. Rebecca Lee Nye rises to 35 with Gotta Say Goodbye, Kylie Hogan is steady at 36 with I Met You, Nici Blue Eyes is up to 37 with Again & Again, Stephen Rowe is up to 38 with Broken Hill and Markus Meier is a Bullet Performer this week with Matilda Road (up to 47). The playlist can be viewed at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au. Chart update – Brad still at number one Brad Paisley retains the number position on this week's Country Tracks National Top 30 Singles Chart for the third week with She's Everything.
Ian Quinn's Can't Cut Gidgee edges up one place to five while John Williamson jumps four places to six with Wildlife Warrors: It's Time and Nicki Gillis rises to seven with Leaving You For Myself. Lee Forster's Drinkin' Bone is also up one to eight, Carter & Carter bound into the top 10 at nine with Run Away and Tom Curtain (pictured) enters at 10 with Chew Like Hell. Bullet performers this week include Travis Sinclair with Rockin' The Rig (15 to 12), James Blundell's Higher Than Heaven (20 to 16), Karen Lynne with Roses In The Snow (25 to 20), Keith Urban's I Told You So (26 to 23), Markus Meie's Matilda Road (27 to 24) and Sharnee Fenwick with See Saw Ride (30 to 27). New entries to the chart this week include Timmy by Ronni Rae Rivers (in at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.
Dolly Parton (pictured), Don Williams and the late Harlan Howard and Waylon Jennings have been named recipients of this year's Pioneer Awards from the Academy of Country Music (ACM). They will be honoured at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville on June 20 at a ceremony hosted by Marty Stuart. In addition, the late Buck Owens will be remembered with the Jim Reeves International Award and record promotion veteran Jack Lameier will receive the Mae Boren Axton award for his 28-year tenure on the ACM's board of directors. – CMT.com American country star Kathy Mattea said she discovered her love of singing while attending Girl Scouts camp as a kid in West Virginia.
Kathy, a native of Cross Lanes, will be the keynote speaker tomorrow (Tuesday) for the Girl Scouts Black Diamond Council's annual fundraiser luncheon in Charleston. Kathy said she plans to sing and talk about how scouting and music helped her discover what she wanted to do with her life. "I can say more in three minutes of singing than in 10 minutes of speaking," she said. "The songs facilitate my message." Kathy has won two Grammy awards and has been named Female Vocalist of the Year twice by the Country Music Association. She also won a CMA Single of the Year award for Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses." – twangtownusa.com FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2007 Deni Ute Muster announces line-up Organisers of the annual Deni Ute Muster in September have announced their artist line-up for the 2007 event.
Lee Kernaghan is no stranger to Deniliquin, having performed at three previous Deni Ute Musters and cannot wait to return. "Deni Ute Muster is one of the great Australian country music events," he said. "I love playing there. I love the atmosphere and I can't wait to do it again this year." James Blundell returns to Deniliquin with his new album and says he is looking forward to the Deni Ute Muster. "I love the Deni Ute Muster. It's a great bush party with a great atmosphere. I can't wait to return. I've been missing the bush,'' he said. The Muster will be held over the September 28/29 long weekend. weblink – www.deniutemuster.com.au. My Mother, My Angel Of Love is the new single from multi-award winning band The Borderers.
Jim and Alex originally wrote My Mother, My Angel Of Love as Bulgaria’s entry into the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest – in the end, Bulgaria decided to go with an alternate song but The Borderers thought it was too good a song to have sit on the shelf and gather dust. The Borderers became a band by accident when Jim was holidaying in Australia in 1993 as part of a round world trip. "I was just visiting South Australia to visit a friend when I got invited to a recording studio to hear this band. I loved their sound so much that I eventually co-produced the album, got five of my songs on it and married the lead singer." Lead singer Alex was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and came to Australia in 1987. Jim was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and arrived in Australia on Christmas Eve 1993. The Borderers pride themselves on their independent spirit – running their own indie record label – Celtic Records – which, to date, has released eight Borderers CDs and a number of DVDs with combined sales of more than 60,000 units. This indie approach paid off recently when the band won the Independent Music Award in the US for Sinner And The Saint in the Gospel Music category. My Mother, My Angel Of Love is taken from the acclaimed new album A Time For Change. Weblink – www.theborderers.com.au. Carter & Carter on the hit trail again Carter & Carter's current single Run Away from their album Leap Before You Look has entered the top 10 of the national Country Tracks Top 30 chart.
Carter & Carter are set for a busy schedule to promote the new album with tours throughout WA, VIC, NSW, SA and Qld in the next six months including a four-week tour of WA in May/June with James Blundell and Felicity Urquhart visiting outback regional areas. Weblink – www.carter-carter.com. THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007 One Stop Entertainment has announced a new name for its country music division, One Stop Country.
One Stop Entertainment reaches an extensive network of independent retailers across Australia. With the majority of these customers in regional areas, country music plays an integral part in One Stop’s business. "With distribution centres in Brisbane and Perth, One Stop Country is 100 percent Australian owned and 100 eprcent committed to country music," said One Stop's Katania Young. Recent signings to One Stop Country include Sam Hawksley and Kelly Llewellyn. They join an extensive roster that already includes Carter & Carter, Tom Curtain, Nicki Gillis, Jetty Road, Jonah’s Road, Amos Morris, Reg Poole and many more. "One Stop Entertainment has had a long and proud history with the country music industry," Katania said, "and are looking forward to continuing that for many years to come." Weblink – www.onestopent.com.au. The artist formally known as Pete Gervasoni has relaunched himself with a new name... "it may be only a slight change," he says, "but Pete 'Thomas' is about to reinvent himself as a new force in country music".
"If changing my name means it will open new doors and create new opportunities then I am willing to make that small sacrifice. This will allow me to bring a fresh approach to my music and particularly my album I am currently working on." Pete Thomas first came to notice in 2004 when he performed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Anzac Day in front of more than 70,000 people his original song What Are They Marching For? – a tribute to the fighting spirit of the Anzacs, "the only song of its kind to represent veterans from World War’s one and two and Vietnam." Pete has continued working steadily throughout Victoria following a move to Geelong in 2006 from Ballarat and taking time out from his career to be a dad to his two new children Isabella (two years) and Jack (10 weeks). The next 12 months is shaping up to be an exciting year for Pete Thomas with the launch of his new album Rush and the recording of his first video clip. "I’m not a huge fan of video clips as I strongly believe it robs people of their imaginations," Pete said. "I want my songs to mean something different to those who listen to them. I also realise that video clips have become the best medium to promote your music so it is time that I give it a go." Pete is looking forward to the release of his upcoming album this summer and is planning a tour of regional Australia in 2008. Weblink – www.myspace.com/petethomasau. Hit songwriter Glenn Sutton dies Glenn Sutton, the Grammy-winning songwriter who also produced the Lynn Anderson classic (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden, died on Tuesday from an apparent heart attack. He was 69.
He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999. His Almost Persuaded, co-written with Billy, was a massive hit for David Houston in 1966. It was Glenn's first number one country single and won a Best Country Song Grammy and a Country Song of the Year prize from performing rights organisation BMI. The song was also recorded by stars including Merle Haggard, Freddy Fender, Don Gibson, George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Other key country hits written by Glenn included Tammy Wynette's I Don't Want To Play House. When he wasn't writing songs for others, Glenn spent a lot of time finding material and producing artists for Epic Records where he worked as an associate producer. In addition to his work with Anderson, his wife of nine years, he produced Tommy Cash, Bob Luman and others. Image: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2007 Undara to host country rock and blues experience "Boogie In The Bush" is a new country rock and blues "experience" running at The Undara Experience, North Queensland, in May.
All the action takes place at the Undara Experience, a Queensland "outback" location in the Gulf Savannah region, on the Savannah Way near Mt Surprise west of Innisfail. "For six years, Undara Experience has created events as a way of generating excitement in the bush and bringing world class entertainment to the region," said Undara Experience Complex General Manager Bram Collins. "In the slower times of the year it generates economic benefit to the businesses and communities of the Gulf Savannah region and increases visitors to the top end of Queensland’s 'outback'. "We are mixing it up again at Undara Experience, with an amazing line up of artists providing rockin’ music in the bush," Bram said. "Get your boots on, grab that old bush hat and head out for some great fun at one of the region’s most unique live music venues!" Dates for the event are Friday to Sunday, May 11 to 13. Weblink – www.undara.com.au/countryrock.
The University's Vice Chancellor Prof John O'Gorman said the honour was for Jimmy's "legendary" status as a performer and ambassador for indigenous issues. These have included going into rural areas to play music for indigenous kids, working with the Fred Hollows Foundation on eye disease and setting up the Jimmy Little Foundation to raise funds to combat diabetes in the communities. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Jimmy urged those in the indigenous community "who are doubtful about surviving in this great nation" to embrace life as he had. Weblink – www.jimmylittle.com.au. Singer/songwriter Mark Callaghan has been appointed General Manager of the Australian Music Publishers' Association Limited (AMPAL).
As singer/songwriter with The Riptides and then GANGgajang, he composed classics such as Sounds of Then (This is Australia), Gimmie Some Lovin' and House Of Cards and also managed both bands until he joined Sony/ATV Publishing as Professional Manager in 1997. This was followed by four years as A&R Manager for Festival Records, before being appointed to the position of General Manager, Shock Music Publishing, in 2002. "Mark brings a wealth of industry experience to AMPAL," said Chairman Norm Lurie. "As a unified voice for Australian music publishers, AMPAL has an important role to play in the continued growth of our music industry." Mark said: "As a singer, songwriter, musician and industry professional with a passion for Australian music, I am delighted to be working with AMPAL as it continues to face the challenges of today's digital marketplace on behalf of Australia's publishers." Australian country music legend John Williamson has been announced as a headline act for the 2007 Urban Country Music Concert, the premiere event of the QUT Urban Country Music Festival on Saturday May 5. "John brings an incredible career spanning 35 years to the stage when he performs alongside Jimmy Barnes, Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, Beccy Cole, The McClymonts and The Pigs in a huge concert supported by the Caboolture Shire Herald," said a spokesman for Festival organisers."
Since 1988 he has been awarded seven Golden Guitars for Best Selling Album, most reaching Platinum status with total sales of more than 2.5 million albums in Australia. John was inducted into the Australian Country Music Roll of Renown in 1997 and received an AM (Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia) for services to Australian country music and for stimulating conservation awareness in 1992. "He has followed his heroes, Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson in defining the Australian character with iconic songs for generations to come," the spokesman said. "True Blue, Cootamundra Wattle, Raining On The Rock and Mallee Boy in much the same way as Waltzing Matilda and Click Go the Shears have been embraced. "From the first song he wrote, Old Man Emu, to whatever his latest tale of life in the bush happens to be, John has been true to his roots and deliberately ignorant of fads and trends. "He has lent his time, his music and his name to more than a few dinkum causes from old growth forests, koalas, the Snowy River, a flag of our own, the right to light a campfire on the road and indigenous issues." His latest album, Wildlife Warriors: It’s Time, was inspired by the tragic death last year of his good mate Steve Irwin. The 2007 QUT Urban Country Music Festival in Caboolture will be held from Friday May 4 to Monday May 7. For more information phone 1800 810 400, email info@urbancountry.com.au or visitWeblink – www.urbancountry.com.au Nellie releases single in Europe Toyota Star Maker finalist Nellie Donovan has released her newest single – Sing Me An Angel – into the European Market.
The up and coming country star has been invited back to the Mildura Country Music Festival which runs this year from September 28 to October 7. Remaining dates this month include the 2007 Urban Country Music Roadshow at Queen Street Mall in Brisbane on the 20th and the Variety Bash Fundraiser on the 21st with fellow country artists The Rain, Michael Bryers and The Vibe. Nellie's film clips of Cruisin' and Sing Me An Angel are still playing on CMC (Country Music Channel) in Australia. Weblink – www.nelliedonovan.com. DATELINE : TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2007 After an absence of several years, veteran country artist Gavan Arden is back on the scene with the release of a new 16 track CD album, Back To The Brumby Country. The album features newly recorded versions of some of the material Gavan released as "Jim Brumby" back in the 1970s and was launched during the Gippsland Field Days near Warragul at the end of March. Gavan now records at his son Bryan's home studio in Buderim, Queensland. This album features backing by Peter Horan on piano, Mark Moulynox on pedal steel, dobro and banjo, and some lead guitar work from Kedron Taylor.
Gavan has had a long and interesting career, starting his working life on the shearing runs in western NSW where the shearers and shed hands became his first audiences. Returning to Warragul, he worked in the building game for a year, then turned to truck driving. He spent those years honing his performing skills on local concerts which led to an offer from the local radio station (then known as 3UL) to run a few live-to-air country music shows. The "few shows" ended up being a series that ran weekly for just on eight years. Gavan started presenting stage shows around Gippsland and eventually ventured further across Australia. In the late '60s and early '70s, he worked as an actor in all the television dramas produced in Melbourne. At that time, he also performed with his country trio on television variety shows including Graham Kennedy's famous "In Melbourne Tonight". In 1971, he toured with Slim Dusty and the following year moved with his family to Queensland. Locals dubbed him with the nickname, "Brumby" because of his Aussie country songs and from that came the stage name he used for some years, "Jim Brumby". He recorded two albums and a Picture Records single under the name and toured with his own road show across Queensland and NSW. As a father of six children, Gavan's family commitments kept him from the entertainment industry for many years, but since returning to Warragul in the '90s, he has resumed recording and performing. In 1999, he won the TIARA (Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Awards) gong for Best Bush Ballad. With the release of Back To The Brumby Country, Gavan has now recorded and released seven albums plus several EP's and singles in the early years. Gavan will be on the road soon to promote his new CD, with several performances in Gippsland before heading north for a series of shows in NSW and Queensland. Lorin’s fundraiser achieves $7,000 Vision Australia was the big winner from Friday night’s Lorin Nicholson Family & Friends Show at The Pub in Tamworth with a contribution of around $7,000 on its way. It's been described as a major boost for the organisation which only stages one major fundraiser each year, Carols By Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.
Donations were given and raffle tickets were sold in both Tamworth and Port Macquarie districts as well as an on-air auction on 2TM of an autographed Cort guitar carrying the signatures of 17 Australian country music stars together with Country Music Radio broadcaster Nick Erby. The successful bidders, Debbie and Nick from a Barraba second hand shop, offered $1,850 for the guitar. Friday night’s concert was attended by hundreds of supporters and friends. The Pub Fishing Club gave Vision Australia representative Victoria Maggs $800, proceeds of the regular Friday night meat and fruit tray raffles. The Pub’s owner, Bevan Douglas, handed over a $500 cheque for Vision Australia to Lorin. Patrons bought raffle tickets for the major prize of a weekend for two at Quality Sails Resort, Port Macquarie, which was won by John Burke of Tamworth. Other prize winners came from Tamworth, Barraba and Port Macquarie. Aaron Bolton, Claudia Byrnes, The Darren Clarke Trio, Daniel Conway, John Muller, Phil Reading, Ryan Sampson and Aleyce Simmonds donated their time and talents for the cause along with members of Lorin’s family, his wife Lisa, sons Tom and Andrew, daughters Emmalyn and Harriet and father-in-law Trevor (Banjo) Donaldson. Lorin said he was "blown away" by the enthusiasm of the Australian country music industry for this project, and particularly those artists who had signed the guitar at the Golden Guitar Winners’ Concerts at Penrith Panthers. He also thanked Marius Els of Artist Network who facilitated this part of the project. "I am so grateful to all media outlets, in Tamworth and Port Macquarie, as well as nationally, who supported my efforts on behalf of Vision Australia," Lorin said. "The money raised by my family, friends, associates and the very generous general public will make the world of difference to the lives of blind children and their parents all over Australia. "To all of the artists who donated their time and talents at The Pub on Friday night, a huge thank you for their love and support. I do hope to come back again very soon to Tamworth. Next time though, I think I’ll leave the bike at home." Photo: Lorin Nicholson, with Vision Australia’s Victoria Maggs, and Trevor (Banjo) Donaldson, Lorin’s manager and father-in-law. Weblink – www.seesharp.com.au. DATELINE : MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007
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"Inquiries through both our website and the festival hotline have kept organisers extremely busy, especially as 60 percent of total ticket sales to date have been via the website, a service which was offered for the first time this year."
Clr Leishman said the 2007 QUT Urban Country Music Festival would be as fresh and as dramatic as the first thanks to several debuting artists such as Jimmy Barnes, Adam Brand and Carter & Carter, "and new and exciting events like the free bush balladeer concerts and the Voice of Urban Country Talent Search.
The show, a singing talent quest featuring duos comprising established artists and personalities who are not (until the show!) singers, kicks off on Tuesday, May 8 at 7.30pm
The single will be accompanied by "a very funny video" (with special guest Beccy Cole) soon on CMC. Gina's comeback was covered nationally by the 9 Network's "Sunday" program yesterday which revealed Gina and Beccy dressed up as Gina and Beccy "senior" for the clip.
Catherine Britt edges up one place to second position with I'm Gone while John Williamson rises to third place with Wildlife Warrors: It's Time and Ian Quinn's Can't Cut Gidgee moves up one place to four.
Ernest Tubb's 60th radio anniversary
Carrie Underwood, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon (star of the "Walk The Line" movie) are among those included in American "People" magazine's annual "100 Most Beautiful People" list.
Profit of the 2006 Muster was almost $1.2 million, representing the total monies raised by the joint endeavours of more than 50 community groups. The Gympie Apex Club financially underwrites the multi million-dollar annual budget.
The Brisbane Steel Guitar Club has announced plans for the 2007 Brisbane Steel Guitar Convention/Music Festival in June.
Canterbury Country, the free monthly country music show at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club, turns seven in May.
Charities benefiting are Camp Quality for children with cancer, Prostate Cancer Foundation for men and the National Breast Cancer Foundation for women.
The awards were to have been presented at the Horsham Country Music Festival last week but, for various reasons, the festival has been postponed until next year.
Greg Champion is releasing a new album of football songs as featured on the ABC program "The Coodabeen Champions".
Fresh from shows in her new hometown of Los Angeles and showcases at Canadian Music Week and South By Southwest Music Fest 2007 in Austin, Jackie plays Nashville's Blue Bird Cafe on Sunday May 6 and 3rd & Lindsley on Thursday, May 10.
The 2008 Telstra Road to Tamworth country music talent competition will kick off on Saturday June 30 in the NSW Hunter Valley with a star studded concert to mark the first competition heat.
Graeme Clarke will release his new album at the Moonta Town Hall, SA, on Sunday April 29.
Written solely by Kimber and produced by Brendan Radford, the single "shows a raunchier country rock side to Sparks’ music," said the release announcing the new single. 
CMR – Country Music Radio – will be on air from Country Music Capital an extra day this week for ANZAC Day.
The Toyota National Country Music Muster has announced four more key headliners for 2007.
The Dreaming Festival is Australia’s only international indigenous festival with performing arts venues, bars, ceremony grounds, traditional healing galleries, rituals, campfire story circles and a mass of stalls, workshop and food outlets.
A long way from home for any country artist, Keith took to the stage for the first leg of the tour with standing room only crowds.
Matt Scullion's Giddy Up is at 12 while The McClymonts' Baby's Gone Home is at 16 after debuting in the playlist last week at 17.
Rascal Flatts, Catherine Britt and Dianna Corcoran are still at two, three and four respectively with What Hurts The Most, I'm Gone and Then There's Me.
ACM announces pioneer award recipients
"I loved the sheer joy of singing simple songs in harmony and in rounds," the 47-year-old told The Charleston Gazette. "I also learned to live in harmony with the land and to have a reverence for nature."
"The song is a dedication to the most important person in everyone’s life – their Mum," said The Borderes' guitarist Jim Paterson, "and highlights the feelings, love and affection we all feel toward this special person. We take them for granted sometimes, especially in our teenage years. We’re sure you’ll be able to relate to its sentiments."
Following the success of the Golden Guitar nominated Ride and Play That Song, Run Away is the third hit lifted from the new album and Carter & Carter's 13th consecutive single to enter the National Top 10 – eleven of those going on to the National Top 5.
A wholesale "one stop" distributor for all music, DVD and games companies, One Stop Entertainment has been supplying independent country artists to retailers throughout Australia for the past four years.
"Country music is my passion but I continue to hit constant hurdles due to confusion surrounding my surname," Pete said.
Glenn was responsible for writing or co-writing numerous country hits and he and frequent collaborator Billy Sherrill helped bring the smooth, piano-heavy "countrypolitan" sound into favour in the 1970s.
The multi-award winning Wolverines will headline this first event with support from leading instrumentalist Michael Fix, New Zealand band The Hipshoooters, Australian and international singer/songwriter Keri McInerney, leading contemporary singer/songwriter Michael O'Rourke, United Kingdom and Australian blues recording and touring artists Stevie T, country/funk/blues band Tease and international and Australian country/blues guitatist/performer Ross Williams.
Christie Eliezer reports in his weekly column at 
Mark was previously General Manager at Shock Music Publishing.
John has collected 23 Golden Guitars and two ARIA awards for Best Australian Country Album, released 35 albums, 10 videos, five DVDs and two books of lyrics and stories.
Nellie reports a busy April touring calendar included an appearance at the Caloundra Fireman’s Fundraiser on the 14th and a successful night performing with The Rain at the Inglewood Show in Southern Queensland before Easter.
The rest of the line-up comprises Gavan's regular session musicians... Bob Gregory's bush-ballad style lead guitar, Pam Handley on fiddle, Ken Beck, harmonica, and Bryan Arden on acoustic lead and bass guitars. Extra backing is provided by guest musicians Elizabeth Dawson on flute and Pierre Fermier on 12 string guitar.
