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This website dedicated to bringing you the latest Australian country music news |
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NEWS ARCHIVES JULY 2006 THE LATEST NEWS... DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2006
Melinda Schneider is heading out on a much-anticipated national tour next week to launch her new album Stronger (see news, July 5). After kicking off the first leg of the tour in Lismore next Thursday (August 3), Melinda travels to centres including the Gold Coast, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Ayr and Cairns. Full tour details can be found at www.melindaschneider.com. Lee releases new single Listen To The Radio is the second single to be released by Lee Kernaghan from his already highly successful album The New Bush. And it's very appropriate, according to his record company, "after all, hundreds of thousands of fans across Australia are tuning in to Lee's songs on their own radio stations, and heading out in droves to buy his album."
"Sometimes when everything else has been stripped away, a song can be the last thread to how things used to be," Lee said. "Especially when you're out on the road alone at night, that special song can come on the radio and transport you back to another time and place. "One of the great things about hearing a sad country song is the way it can move you to tears, yet make you wish they'd play it over and over again!" The first single from the album (the title track) hit the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Country Music Video Chart after just three weeks. The album is still top five on the ARIA Country Album Chart and remains firmly wedged in the Top 50 on the ARIA Pop Album Chart after debuting at number six. It was certified Gold after just three weeks of release and is now fast approaching Platinum. Meanwhile, the popular Outback to the Beaches tour – which will cover virtually all of Australia over the next 12 months – has seen Lee play to sellout crowds wherever he's performed, and there's sure to be a big reception for him at the Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie next month where he'll perform on the main stage on Saturday night – a show he freely admits is his all-time favourite gig. Over the past decade, Lee has sold more than a million albums, won 20 Golden Guitars, three ARIA Awards and has notched up an amazing 22 number hit singles. A music video of Listen To The Radio will accompany the single's national release to television and radio. Weblink – www.leekernaghan.com.au. Queensland tour for Tracy Golden Guitar winner Tracy Coster will tour Queensland during August. The daughter of legendary bush ballad writer Stan Coster, Tracy takes her own unique brand of Australian country songs on the road.
The song, written by Tracy and released as part of a three track EP which also includes two previously released vinyl tracks – Why Do I Feel Like Crying and Murrumbidgee Riversong Blues recorded at Hadley Studios "back in '85" – is a light-hearted look at the typical Aussie trait of always mentioning the weather, regardless of what the direction of the conversation takes. Tracy’s career has been soaring into new heights since the 2004 release of Coster Country. She has been accumulating milestones in the past two years including winning a Golden Guitar with Anne Kirkpatrick, a top 10 hit (Back To The Saltbush Plains), having the album named as 2005 Australian Bush Ballad Album Of The Year and scoring two top 20 hits with Won’t Those Memories Let Me Be and I Don’t Wanna Talk About Rain. Tracy has also recently turned 40, and she says she is having the best time of her life. Born in the bush and raised on the road, Tracy grew up performing as a part of her father's travelling show. She knows first hand the joys and hardships of life on the road... "Seventeen years of touring with Dad non stop – we’re talking right through the centre; all through the outback; mining towns; missions; pubs; clubs; schools, you name it we played it." Towing caravans, changing tyres, loading in and setting up equipment were just some of her job descriptions. Five nights a week, 10 months of the year. "We always have a great time and it’s a family show. I love hitting the road, it’s my home away from home." she said. Weblink (including tour dates) – www.tracycoster.com.au. Troy and Kate off ITT Troy Cassar-Daley and Kate Ritchie have been voted off the 7 Network show "It Takes Two". Pundits say the duo did extremely well up to and including Sunday night's show, "but someone had to go". The duo will still be involved with the program from time to time until it concludes in a few weeks time now with only three couples remaining. Melanoma Foundation to benefit from 2006 Muster Organisers of the 2006 Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie have announced that funds raised through the Muster's Rural Aid Appeal this year will go towards The Melanoma Foundation.
The Toyota Country Music Muster is a community-based event with more than 45 community groups and charities benefiting each year. It is co-ordinated by the Gympie Apex Club with more than 2,000 volunteers helping to stage the event. Since its inception, the Muster has raised almost $9 million that has been distributed to regional and national charities. One of the main charters of the Apex Club of Gympie is to present an event while providing an opportunity to raise funds – up to $100,000 each year – for the Rural Aid Appeal. The Appeal raises funds through selling Muster merchandise and directing all profits to the beneficiary. One of the most popular Muster souvenirs is the Mustering Country four-pack CD. Each year, every performer donates a track that is compiled on to a four-pack CD "a great way to re-live the Muster experience while helping a worthy cause". As well as the CD, there is a blues music package and CDs from all performers. About $10 from every CD sold goes straight to the Rural Aid Appeal and this year to The Melanoma Foundation. This year's Muster, the 25th to be staged, will showcase some of country's finest talents. It will be held from August 22 to 27 at the dedicated Muster site in the Amamoor State Forest just out of Gympie, Queensland. Weblink – www.muster.com.au. Tiffney and Hannah top Junior Winter Talent Quest
Conducted by the Capital Country Music Association, the quest attracted strong entries for the 2006 event, staged over two days at the city's Family Hotel as part of the this year's Hats Off to Country Festival. Many competitors in the annual talent quest come from the ranks of Tamworth Camerata graduates who come from all states of Australia and New Zealand. Other competitors travel from right around the state and further afield to attend. This quest is staged during the mid year school holidays, making it an attainable trip for many from distant parts. All major placegetters at this year's quest were 2006 Tamworth Camerata graduates. Weblink – including a full rundown of results – www.ccma.net.au. Photo: Tiffney Stroh, left, and Hannah Cosgrove. Call for Spud Poets Award entries Organisers of the Lake School of Celtic Music Song and Dance in Victoria have announced the second running of its poetry award, the Spud Poets Award.
The Award was inspired by a poem written by Mary Fiorini-Lowell (pictured) in 2002 called The Humble Spud. Mary gave a performance of her poem at the Lake School launch in Koroit, Victoria on Saturday (July 22) where the opening of entries for the 2007 competition was announced. Entries close on October 30, 2006. The panel of judges include Jim Brown (President of the Victorian Bush Poets' Society), Dennis O’Keeffe (songwriter, tutor and "Legend of the Lake") and Cynthea Wellings (from Ausmed Publications). They will select 15 finalists to read their poem at the Spud Poets Award Night on Friday January 5, 2007. The Award night will be held as part of the annual Lake School and staged at the Commercial Hotel in Koroit. While the judges are considering the award winner, Marcia Howard – local Warrnambool singer with a national and international profile – will perform some of her own songs including her setting of Blake’s The Poison Tree. A Poets Brunch will also held at 10am on the morning of the Award at Micky Bourke’s Hotel in Koroit. All poets are welcome to roll up and read their poems at this new event. Applications for the Spud Poets Award can be found on the Bushwahzee Bush band website – bushwahzee.com. Enquiries about the award can be emailed to Felix Meagher at felix@buswahzee.com or posted to PO Box 22 Mitcham 3132. The Lake School of Celtic Music Song and Dance is staged annually by the Koroit Community Association. In 2007, the School will be conducted from January 2-7. Dixie Chicks heading down under The Dixie Chicks have announced five Australian dates for their "Accidents & Accusations" tour which has just kicked off in America.
The band is heading "down under" to promote their fourth album, Taking The Long Way. The Chicks have sold more than 30 million albums since 1998, including 700,000 in Australia. The new album’s controversial first single, Not Ready To Make Nice, is the first Dixie Chicks song to address group member Natalie Maines’ comments about fellow Texan, American President George W Bush during a London appearance in March 2003. Australian tour promoter Michael Chugg said, "We’re thrilled to be bringing the Dixie Chicks to Australia again. They’re brilliant musicians and put on a great stage show which is not to be underestimated. I mean this is a band which went to number one on the US charts despite a lack of airplay on mid west/southern radio stations (in America)." The Dixie Chicks drew more than 11,000 fans to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Friday night (July 21) for the opening of their "Accidents & Accusations" tour. After strolling onstage the trio of Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Martie Maguire opened with two new songs, Lubbock Or Leave It and Truth No. 2, The Flint Journal reported. The Chicks also reprised some of their earlier hits, including Goodbye Earl and Wide Open Spaces. All tickets for the Australian tour go on sale 9am, Thursday August 3 through Ticketek. Pre-sale starts 12noon Thursday July 27 ending 12 noon Saturday July 29.
Tom Maxwell officially launched his sixth album during Hats Off To Country in Tamworth earlier this month. Titled New Wave Of The Bush, the album was launched at LBS Records in Tamworth during celebrations surrounding the release of the 100th LBS release. Weblink – www.tommaxwell.com.au. Jamie heads to "the big apple"
Jamie says, "My number one love is performing, to be on stage and have that one-to-one interaction with the audience. There's nothing more satisfying." She is working her way to New York City for next month's Country Music Association Songwriters series. The first series launched during the CMA Awards week in New York last November, while this one's on August 29. Jamie will join award-winning songwriters including Bob DiPiero, Jeffery Steele, Jo Dee Messina, Victoria Shaw, Lori McKenna and Rivers Rutherford for four nights of concerts in "the big apple". – TwangtownUSA.com 2006 ARIA Awards The 2006 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards will be held at the Sydney Superdome, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, on Sunday October 29.
"2005/06 has been a bumper year for Australian artists," said a spokesman for ARIA, "with the likes of Bernard Fanning, Wolfmother, Shannon Noll, The Veronicas, Rogue Traders, Pete Murray, Eskimo Joe and Human Nature all releasing platinum selling albums as well as Gold album releases from Something For Kate, Hilltop Hoods, Augie March and Lee Kernaghan during the eligibility period. More than 1,000 music executives will cast their votes between August 16 and 25 for 28 categories. Around 7,000 Industry guests and members of the public will attend with a television audience of 1.5 million expected on Network Ten. The final five nominees will be announced on Wednesday September 13 where artisan awards for Producer of the Year, Engineer of the Year, Best Cover Art and Best Video will be presented. The nine acts that will perform will also be announced. Tickets to the star-studded event will go on sale to the general public (all ages) on Thursday September 21. Weblink – www.ariaawards.com.au. Kiara at Camerata Ten-year-old Kiara Rodrigues was an avid student at this year’s Tamworth Camerata, the junior country music school for performers aged 18 years and younger.
She was part of the Tex Morton team and her team leader was Merelyn Carter of Golden Guitar winning duo Carter & Carter. "Kiara had the privilege of being coached by famous artists such as Gina Jeffreys, David Carter, Adam Harvey, Brad Bergen and renowned songwriter Roger Corbett," said Jude Rodrigues. "While at Camerata, Kiara has picked up a whole heap of performing skills which were very noticeable in her outstanding winning performances at the Sarina Country Music Festival. "Besides picking up skills, she has had the pleasure of making new friends in the country music circle and as the youngest ever Camerata student was interviewed on Prime Television and performed with the group on NBN Television also in Tamworth. "Sincere thanks go to Kiara’s sponsors Axiom Entertainment and also to Joan Douglas, Greg Williams, Jim Haynes and the two house mums Rosie Adsett and Meryl Davis who devoted their precious time in doing the hard yards required to make Camerata a success." Playing with Adam is music to Andrew's ears Skipton, Victoria, Grade 5 pupil Andrew Mahony got a taste of the spotlight when he opened for country music star Adam Brand recently.
"I was nervous before I went on, not nervous there," he said. Andrew said he first met Adam at a recent concert in Ballarat. "That was the first time I had heard him play. I couldn't wait to see him." After the concert, Andrew asked Adam to sign his guitar and then the talented pre-teen was asked to play the popular Australian singer a tune. Andrew played one of his own songs and Adam invited him to Colac. For Andrew, music has been a passion from a young age. He started playing guitar at the age of five and has been busking at the Tamworth Country Music Festival for the past two years. "I used to always listen to Slim Dusty when I was five. Now I like all kinds of country music," he said. Andrew said he liked Adam because he was "a bit upbeat", and "a lot more modern". His other favourite musicians include Adam Harvey and Johnny Cash. – The Courier, Ballarat New single from Ronni
It's the fifth to be released from her current album Notice Me, all of which have made the top 20 of the Country Tracks chart, two of which have made it to number one on CMC (Country Music Channel). Ronni will be supporting Lee Kernaghan at his Merredin (WA) concert on August 5 then appearing at Gympie later in the month. More information – weblink – www.ronniraerivers.com. Adelaide Guitar Festival Christie Eliezer reports in his weekly music business column at themusic.com.au that the Adelaide Festival Centre is to host its inaugural International Guitar Festival over two weeks in November 2007.
South Australian Premier and Arts Minister Mike Rann (pictured) said: "This new annual event will feature performances by local, national and international artists across a variety of genres. It will expand the public appreciation for the guitar as well as foster young and emerging Australian talent. "The program will also include artist forums, a visual arts component and an artist-in-residence throughout the Festival." In April, Rann met with David Spelman, co-founder and artistic director of the New York Guitar Festival. He will provide curatorial expertise for the Adelaide event. This year's NY festival featured Pepe Romero, Daniel Lanois, Jorma Kaukonen, Bill Frisell, Sonny Landreth, Cindy Cashdollar, Taj Mahal, and surprise guests Bruce Springsteen and Emmylou Harris. One of the artists to feature at the Adelaide Guitar Festival will be Australian blues guitarist Jeff Lang who has just returned from a two and a half month world tour including 24 dates with John Butler in the United States as well as headlining shows in arts centres across the UK and showcases through Belgium, France and Ireland. SxSW seminars Submissions from Australian artists to showcase at South by Southwest (SxSW) Music Festival and Conference in Austin, Texas, open on September 1. Organisers of the conference have teamed with the Music Managers Forum and various state music industry associations for a series of seminars in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide in the first two weeks of August. The free seminars are geared to give a six month "heads up" to artists, managers, labels and music business professionals who either plan to attend SxSW in March next year or bands who wish to apply to showcase at the event. The Music Managers Forum hosts the seminars as their regular monthly meeting in... Melbourne – August 1, 6pm Corner Hotel, 57 Swan Street, Richmond (in association with VicMusic) Sydney – August 7, 6pm Roxbury Hotel, 182 St Johns Road, Glebe (in association with MusicNSW) Brisbane – August 8, 6pm Souths League Club, Davies Park, Westend (in association with QMusic) Adelaide – August 16, 6pm at the FAD Bar-30 Waymouth Street in the City (in association with AWESAM).
Working with the Australian Music Office in Los Angeles, SxSW attendees can gain valuable traction from programs initiated by it aimed at the event. And the Australian Music Collective (Mary Mihelakos and Glenn Dickie) will outline their plans for Austin based promotions as well as shows before and after SxSW in other cities. Plans are to have a seminar in Perth later as well, but to make the information universally accessible, SxSW organisers are recording the Melbourne seminar to podcast it immediately after on the Australian/New Zealand SxSW website www.themusic.com.au/sxsw. MMF will also record the Melbourne session and make it available on video on its website for members – www.immf.net. Phil Tripp, who represents SxSW in Australia and NZ, says it's important for bands to know their background as they will be competing with 1,700 acts who are showcasing. "Teaming the MMF with music industry associations in each state for these events will bring together the music communities in a critical mass for SxSW which has increased attendance from Australia and New Zealand almost tenfold in just four years," Phil said. "With the support of Austrade over that period, the barbecue concert in Austin and side shows in Los Angeles and New York organised by the Australian Music Collective, government support from WA, NSW and NZ, as well as industry investment by APRA, Sony/BMG, EMI, WAM and MusicNSW, we had over 400 participants from AustralAsia with 200 registrants plus 33 bands of 54 invited which accounted for another 200 people." Chart update – Lee still at the top Lee Kernaghan retains his hold on the number one spot on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week with The New Bush.
Beccy Cole jumps another three places to number four with Poster Girl, Felicity Urquhart rises to number five with My Life, Martina McBride drops one place to number six with I Still Miss Someone and the Wolverines former number one Angel Eyes slips to seven. Jeanette Wormald's Boundary Rider's Daughter rises two places to number eight, Arthur Blanch's With Every Breath enters the top 10 at number nine as does Trisha Yearwood & Garth Brooks with Love Will Always Win at number 10. Bullet performers this week include Troy Cassar-Daley's Getaway Car (16 to 13), Anne Kirkpatrick's Driveaway (19 to 15), Lee Forster with A Fire In The Bar (21 to 18), Carter & Carter's Ride (26 to 22), Adam Brand's Open Ended Heartache (27 to 23) and The McClymonts' Something That My Heart Does (29 to 26). New entries to the chart this week include Nothing At All by Kasey Chambers (pictured), the first single from her upcoming new album (in at 29). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.
Jon Bon Jovi considers making country music Rocker Jon Bon Jovi is planning a move into country music by recording an album in Nashville.
Bon Jovi told the New York Post: "The change is in the music – it's time for change. Keep The Faith (the album) was why we stayed relevant in the '90s. In 2000, we changed again when we did It's My Life. That's when a new generation discovered us. "We didn't plan any of that, it just happened. I can smell change coming again. I'm thinking of a Nashville sessions record. I'd like to knock out a quick record with a few country writers and artists and me and Richie. I'd like to get two or three artists to do duets with. I'd like to give a couple of Nashville songwriters a chance to shine, and Richie and I would write a few songs to prove we could hold our own with these guys." Bon Jovi made history by becoming the first rock band to top the US country chart earlier this year when their collaboration with Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles, Who Says You Can't Go Home, went to number one. – StarPulse.com Universal bids almost $2 billion for BMG Publishing According to America's "Financial Times", Universal Music has made a bid of almost $2 billion to buy BMG's Music Publishing unit. Warner Music and BC Partners are still in the running with bids coming in between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, according to the paper. The article also says that EMI Group is working with private equity group KRR on a plan to provide services to BMG Music Publishing. – AllAboutCountry.com DATELINE : THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006 Queensland Gold Medallion Finalists
They are... For Queensland Male Vocalist of the Year – Arthur Blanch (pictured) with I’d Better Write It Down, Troy Cassar-Daley with Lonesome But Free, Lee Kernaghan with The New Bush, Michael O’Rourke with The Hat and Noel Parlane with If Heartaches Meant Gold. For Female Vocalist of the Year – Evelyn Bury with Let Me Take You There With A Song, Natalie Howard with You Never Knew Me, Tania Kernaghan with Yee Haa, Shaza Leigh with Old Calare and Anita Ree (centre) with Dust And Diesel. For New Talent of the Year – Nellie Donovan (below right) with Cruising, Fiona Hayward with Sunburnt Land, Daisy May with Say It To My Face, Julie Perandes with Me And Moonlight and Luella Widt with Tonight. For Musician of the Year – Michael Fix with Something’s Cookin’, John & Avon Kilcullen with Walk Away, Ricky Shipp with Buck's Polka, Alisha Smith with Guitar Pickin’ Chicken and Lindsay Waddington with Barrington Barn Dance. For Bush Balladeer of the Year – Ashley Cook with Paddy, Dean Perrett with Would Clancy Be Welcome?, Keith Jamieson with Twenty Million Bull Dog Ants, Ian Quinn with Sailing On Gypsy Time and Graham Rodger with The Bushman. For Songwriter of the Year – Keith Jamieson with Twenty Million Bull Dog Ants, Dean Perrett with Channel Country Ringer, Ian Quinn with Sailing On Gypsy Time, Graham Rodger with The Battle Of Long Tan and Ray Rose – One Lifetime’s Not Enough. For Touring Artist of the Year – Troy Cassar-Daley, Barry K Chandler, Graham Connors, Paul McCloud and Graham Rodger. An initiative of the World Alliance for Radio Presenters (WARP), the Awards presentation concert will feature performances from Ashley Cook (last year's New Talent winner), Terry Gordon, The Jillaroo Balladeers (Kate Botfield, Kimberley Cook and Julie Perandes), Shaza Leigh, Noel Parlane (NZ Gold Guitar winner), Lindsay Waddington (last year's Musician of the Year) and country pioneer Brian Young with compere Darryl Kirkup and backing provided by Lindsay Butler & The Butler Boys. Graeme's new album Graeme Connors new album – It's All Good – is set for release on Monday, August 14.
Meanwhile, Graeme is travelling solo with his new show titled "Simply Graeme Connors” throughout August. "A gifted songwriter, Graeme captures our hearts, a moment and a lifetime through his music and brings with hours of familiar songs from his immense catalogue to the stage," said a spokesman for Graeme's record label. "Graeme is an insightful and compelling storyteller and the informal atmosphere allows this multi awarded artist and his audience to interact through conversation and song in a relaxed environment." Graeme has released 12 albums which have achieved three Gold and one Platinum status, 12 Golden Guitars, "MO", APRA, ARIA and PPCA awards among his many local and international accolades. Weblink (for more info and tour dates) – www.graemeconnors.com. Nicki and Stacey in Iraq
Nicki and Stacey are following in the footsteps of performers such as John Farnham and Kylie Minogue by entertaining Aussie diggers overseas. Other members of this troup are former Australian Idol contestant Lee Harding and his band Bedrock and comedian Clint Paddison. The performers were due to be in Iraq for a total of two weeks entertaining troops involved in Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Entertaining troops stationed overseas has been a long-time war tradition dating back to the days of legendary stars Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe. Dwight to tour down under American country superstar Dwight Yoakam will tour Australia through late October/early November.
The tour is a rare visit to Australia by a major US country artist and is sure to be well received by country fans. Dwight’s 10-city tour runs along the Eastern seaboard starting in Melbourne on October 27. With numerous hits under his belt, he has also garnered 21 Grammy nominations. Dwight also has an acting career with major roles in current movies "The Three Burials" (written and directed by Tommy Lee Jones) and "Bandidas" (starring Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz), plus a cameo in the Vince Vaughan/Owen Wilson movie "The Wedding Crashers". Dwight is currently touring the US in support of Blame The Vain, his first album of new music since 2003 and one that has been lauded as among his best. He will play venues in Cairns, Mackay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Rockhampton, Sydney, Tamworth, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wollongong.
Country star Craig Giles will perform his song Tribute To The Vietnam Vets for the Anniversary of the Battle Of Long Tan at the Shepparton (Victoria) Cenotaph on Saturday, August 19. The service is scheduled to start at 10.30am after a march which will leave the RSL at 10.15am. Country's own "real beauty" This week saw the launch of a new national glossy magazine for women called "Real Beauty" and Merelyn Carter from Carter & Carter was one of the five women chosen to represent "real women" in Australia.
"You know, you need to be skinny, have no flaws, be the right body shape – not too big hips or breasts, and certainly no wrinkles! This is such an unrealistic expectation and even those of us who are pretty self assured can find this type of pressure hard to live up to. "Having the opportunity to be involved in a real women's magazine created by real women gives me the challenge to really walk the talk," Merelyn said. "I see the magazine as an inspiration to women everywhere to celebrate their own unique beauty, their inner and outer strengths that make them who they are. I believe all women everywhere can be beautiful, it is all about attitude. The aim is that this magazine will contribute in a positive way to the lives of women all around Australia." Readers of the magazine are encouraged to give their opinion in an on-line survey and contribute to the future content of the magazine. "Real Beauty" is billed as a magazine that "listens to what the average woman on the street wants to hear, not what Hollywood is dishing out to them". Merelyn will be appearing on the Nine Network's "A Current Affair" soon in conjunction with the launch of the magazine. The magazine is published by Unilever, makers of Dove shampoos, conditioners, soaps and deodorants (among others). Weblink – www.realbeauty.com.au. Hat trick for Dean Johnston Talented Hunter Valley (NSW) teenager Dean Johnston won the Telstra Road to Tamworth 2007 heat in Casino last month which started a sequence of events over four weeks that notched up considerable recognition for his music career.
On July 9, Dean made the semi finals of the ScoopFX 2006 Search For A Star quest at Castle Hill RSL in Sydney where organisers said: "The room was transformed into a country pub atmosphere at the beginning of the second half by Dean who accompanied himself on guitar as he sang a song of his own, the foot-tapping and amusing What's An Aussie Bloke Supposed To Do." Singing country music and travelling to Tamworth has been a part of Dean’s life and his family’s for the last seven years. "We stay the whole time, make new friends, catch up with old ones and perform and enjoy other acts," he said "It’s great." New album for Slim Newton
Released through through Dingo Track Records, the album contains 12 tracks and was produced by his son Steve.The CD features two Stan Coster songs and an original penned by his partner, Mary Holdom called My Best Mate (a song about her father ). Slim also wrote seven of the tracks including one about his first Ford (a 1940 model). On the bulldust side are the songs Small World After All & Rugged Not Buggered. The 10th track on the album – Footprints On The Ceiling – was a precursor to Redback On The Toilet Seat. Sittin’ On The Front Step is dedicated to all the mates Slim has known over the years and have sadly passed away. The album is available ($25 plus postage) through Dingo Track Records, RMB
New single from Travis
This song, co-written by Travis and Garth Porter, had its beginnings at a truck stop near Dubbo when Travis met a long-time trucker from Hay keen to share his story. It is the true story of a young boy who died in a truck wreck along with his Dad on the homeward leg of their long run. The rig was rebuilt and from that time on, whenever the rig was in danger, the ghost of the little boy would appear, as if to warn the driver. Over the years many drivers have had visits from the ghostly boy. Pundits forecast similar success for the new single, following on from the amazing success of the first three chart topping singles from the Rush album. More information – weblink – www.travissinclair.com. Chart update – Lee, Kenny and the Wolves steady at one, two and three Lee Kernaghan, Kenny Chesney and the Wolverines hold the top three spots, respectively, on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week with The New Bush (1), Living In Fast Forward (2) and Angel Eyes (3).
Beccy Cole (pictured) rises another two places to number seven with Poster Girl, Karen Lynne's The Circle Is Small falls to number eight, Tania Kernaghan's Harley McTaggart drops to nine while Jeanette Wormald's Boundary Rider's Daughter enters the top 10 at number 10. Bullet performers this week included Arthur Blanch's With Every Breath (14 to 11), Trisha Yearwood & Garth Brooks with Love Will Always Win (16 to 12), Troy Cassar-Daley's Getaway Car (19 to 16), Carter & Carter's Ride (29 to 26) and Adam Brand's Open Ended Heartache (30 to 27). New entries to the chart this week included The McClymonts' Something That My Heart Does (in at 29) and Sara Storer's Ballad Of Tommy Foster (at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. CMC Top 50... Sam takes over at the top Sam Hawkesly (pictured) took over the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 video clip playlist this week with Come Back Baby pushing Adam Brand's Open Ended Heartache down to number two.
Catherine Britt's Swingin' Door bulleted into the top 10 at number seven, The Dixie Chicks fell three places to eight with Not Ready To Make Nice, Shooter Jennings' Gone To Carolina edged up one spot to number nine while Lee Kernaghan's The New Bush dropped back to number 10. Among bullet performers this week were Graeme Connors' On A Roll (33 to 29), Gemma Doyle's Permission To Breathe (47 to 41), Cat Southern's Last First Kiss (48 to 42) and Jetty Road with Run To You (debuting at 45).
ECMA Awards
Faith Hill won Song of the Year with Mississippi Girl, Troy Cook Jr was named Artist of the Year, Todd Fristch Male Vocalist of the Year, Lucie Diamond (pictured) Female Vocalist of the Year, Slow Horses Group/Band of the Year. Brooks and Dunn won Duo of the Year, Roy Rivers & Dolly Parton Vocal Collaboration of the Year with a re-make of John Denver's Thank God I'm A Country Boy, Ross Allen Country Promoter of the Year, Etienne Bertels & Pete Smith Country Radio DJs of the Year. Lucie Diamond was named European Country Artist of the Year and also won the ECMA Future Star Award while Todd Fristch won Album of the Year for his self-titled release and Christian Ulrich Schulz & Tom Dyba took out Composition of the Year for I Can't Look At That. Court denies approval of SonyBMG merger A European court has overturned the European Commission's merger approval of Sony’s music business and Bertelsmann’s BMG which created the world’s second largest music company in 2004.
After the unprecedented move, the European Commission will now have to reconsider the merger for a second time. The body has the power to unwind the Sony BMG joint venture if it finds it hurts consumers by limiting competition. Lawyers gave warning that the decision to annul the merger approval creates a dangerous precedent for future mergers and acquisitions. Johan Ysewyn, competition partner at Linklaters in Brussels, said: "The decision throws the Sony BMG merger into major uncertainty. The businesses can continue operating as a merged entity but now face the prospect of being forced to de-merge at the end of the European Commission’s new investigation." The ruling by Europe’s second-highest court also casts into doubt a possible $4.6 billion tie-up of Britain’s EMI Group and Warner Music. EMI said in a statement that today’s judgement would "require detailed study before any wider conclusions can be reached." In a damning criticism of the original 2004 competition enquiry, the CFI said in today's ruling that the Commission "did not demonstrate to the requisite legal standard ... the non-existence of a collective dominant position". In particular, it singled out the Commission's reasoning that promotional offers to consumers would prevent power being concentrated in the hands of record labels as a "manifest error of assessment". It noted that in May 2004, the Commission said it had reached the provisional ruling against the deal that created Sony BMG as "it would reinforce a collective dominant position on the market for recorded music." The Commission later reversed that decision. Jonathan Todd, spokesman for EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, said: "The Commission’s new analysis will be based on today’s market conditions and take full account of the CFI’s ruling today." The Commission will have to decide within one month from the notification date whether to hold an in-depth investigation, extendable to six weeks if the companies suggest remedies. An in-depth investigation would last four months and the Commission has just over two months to decide whether to appeal the ruling, Mr Todd added. Bertelsmann said in a statement: "Today’s judgment does not affect the validity of the Sony BMG joint venture, which has been up and running since August 2004 - after having been notified and investigated by the European Commission under the Merger Regulation." The independent producers’ association Impala had protested that the Sony-BMG tie-up would hit consumers and artists by handing the music majors more power and asked the court to review the 2004 decision to allow the joint venture. The creation of Sony BMG left only four major record labels: Vivendi’s Universal Music is the largest; Warner and EMI are in third and fourth places. Together, the four companies account for around 75 per cent of global CD sales, but are coming under increasing pressure as more consumers download music over the net. The impact of today's ruling could be felt far beyond the media industry, Mr Ysewyn said. "What will happen if large and complicated deals on the scale of Vodafone/Mannessman and GlaxoWellcome/Smithkline Beecham get blocked on a second investigation several years after having been approved by the EC? A u-turn like that would be disastrous for the merged company," he said. DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2006 Eric Watson named first Literary Award recipient Eric Watson, Australia's best known country music historian, has been named recipient of the first Australian Country Music Literary Award.
Eric published the first volume of his "History Of Country Music In Australia" in 1975, following in 1983 with the second volume. Since then, the work has been the only comprehensive, definitive historical work covering country music in Australia, and, specifically, the careers of country music artists since "the beginning" up to the early 1980s. Last year, Eric combined and republished the two books into one volume and the work is still in high demand. Eric is also well known as the creator and owner of Selection Records, arguably the most successful and significant independent country music label in Australia. Also a songwriter of note, Eric was involved for many years with the Tamworth Songwriters' Association helping it to establish as the nation's leading Australian country music songwriting organisation through the late 1970s and '80s. The Australian Country Music Literary Award has been introduced by the Australian Country Music Foundation (ACMF) to recognise excellence in the recording and writing of Australian country music history and to encourage much more of the same. Photo: Eric Watson with his award, presented by ACMF Vice President Eric Scott. Hats Off a success Organisers of Tamworth's Hats Off To Country festival have declared the 2006 event a great success and are already planning for 2007 to be "even bigger and better".
Troy’s "Up Close and Personal" show at The Pub sold out four weeks prior to the festival and surprised everyone on the night by introducing television personality Kate Ritchie to sing a couple of songs with (Troy is currently performing with Kate as part of the "It Takes Two" program). On the Saturday night, Lee Kernaghan played to an almost capacity audience in the famous Tamworth Town Hall, supported by his sister Tania and The McClymonts (Brook, Molly and Samantha). The Australian Country Music Foundation (ACMF) Cavalcade of Stars concert on the Friday night, a new show designed to raise money for the Hall of Fame project, achieved higher then expected sales for its first year and is sure to be a permanent fixture on the ACMF calendar. As co-ordinators of the festival, "Tourism Tamworth sold tickets for three of the shows listed on the Hats Off program this year, all of which received good support from the local community," said Media & Promotions Co-ordinator Kim Donaldson. "On average, 42 percent of all tickets sold by Tourism Tamworth were from the 2340 (or local) postcode highlighting a significant growth in popularity of this event throughout the region," she said. "Tourism Tamworth had a much stronger presence in the organisation and planning for this year’s Hats Off to Country Festival and worked very closely with the new steering committee," Kim said. "A new look and direction was implemented for this year’s campaign and will be followed through into the coming Festivals in 2007 and 2008." In conjunction with the Hats Off steering committee and the Tamworth Regional Council, Tourism Tamworth are currently finalising the concept for the Grand National Champion of Champions, a new event which will be introduced to the 2007 Festival as the next level of competition for country music amateur performers following on from the State based champion of champions competitions. This "Champs" competition has a regular following of supporters and is sure to bring a number of people into town, predominately family and friends, for the mid-year festival in addition to the 4,000 people that already attend, Tourism Tamworth said. It would also add to current strengths of the festival provided by the Tamworth Camerata which operates in the lead-up to Hats Off and the annual Capital Country Music Association Winter Junior Talent Quest. "There were more than 3,400 visitors to the Visitor Information Centre alone during the Hats Off to Country Festival this year and, anecdotally, I believe many of the hotels and motels in the town also received a very good occupancy rate over the four-days," Kim said. Graduates "bring the house down" Country Music Capital's Northern Daily Leader reported the Tamworth Camerata class of 2006 did themselves proud last Thursday night with their Graduation Concert.
The six days were an amazing experience for tutors and students alike, according to Anna Rose speaking on behalf of the organisers. "The tutors are always amazed and excited by the kids' eagerness to learn," she said. Camerata organisers thanked the sponsors for each of the 22 students and the suppliers who helped with food and other necessities during the school. "They are to be congratulated as they are putting a future investment in Australian country music so it's a win-win situation," Anna said. "We are indebted and grateful to sponsors, scholarship providers, suppliers and tutors who come along and are so free with their time. "Camerata is such a huge win for the Australian country music industry." The brainchild of co-ordinators Joan Douglas and Greg Williams, the Camerata is conducted at this time each year in Country Music Capital. Bondi goes country This Saturday (July 15) Bondi Junction in Sydney will stage its first "singin', shoppin', boot-scootin'" festival ever, also billed as "the first country music extravaganza in the eastern suburbs of Sydney". Stars appearing will include James Blundell, Peta Caswell, Bob Howe and the Go West Band, Amber Lawrence, Luke O'Shea, Merilyn Steele, the Tall Timbre acoustic duo and Bryen Willems plus the Mill Hill Bootscooters on the truckin' stage at the corner of Oxford Street West and Denison Street.
The music and dancing gets underway from 11am with the official opening of Oxford Street West to be performed at 12.30 by Waverley Mayor Mora Main. Photos: Peta Caswell and James Blundell. Warren wins On Saturday night (July 8), Alice Springs based country troubadour Warren H Williams was awarded the National NAIDOC Award for Artist Of The Year 2006 in Cairns.
He has five albums to his credit... Be Like Home (released in 2005), Country Friends And Me (1998, with special guests including John Williamson, Greg Champion, Jimmy Little, Johnny Chester and Ted Egan), Places In Between (2002), Where My Heart Is (2000) and Western Wind (1995). Warren received a standing ovation when performing at Tamworth in January 1998 with John Williamson. He has since toured all over Australia with John, including regular appearances at Tamworth and other country music festivals. It was also announced on Saturday night that Darwin would host next year's NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Awards. Entries open for Star Quest 2007 The Australian Bush Balladeers Association (ABBA) has opened entries for its annual Bush Balladeer Star Quest to be held in Tamworth as part of the 2007 January country music festival.
"The Quest itself is a prestigious achievement on which the winner can build their bush ballad career," said a spokesman for ABBA. Included in the Star Quest prize is recording time and appearances at major festivals like Tamworth, Bungendore, Gympie and Mildura, along with publicity support throughout the 12 months. Previous Star Quest winners are Dave McCallum, Nathan Charlton, Anita Ree, Matt Manning, Jeff Gibson and Julie Perandes (last year, pictured). Entries close on October 31. Weblink – www.bushballadeers.com.au/starquest.htm. Website nears half a million hits In the first six months of operation, this website – www.countrymusicbulletin.com.au – has almost hit a cumulative total of half a million hits. The site is recording a monthly average of 80,000 with a steady increase every month. January was the biggest month with almost 90,000 hits, but June surpassed that figure with more than 93,000. The average of hits equates to about 1,000 visitors a week and monthly page views of almost 6,000. European success for Sharon Sharon Benjamin reports her single High As Heaven has reached number nine on the United Kingdom most played charts last week.
The song is currently ranked at 41 in the top 100 most played songs by the European Country Music Association – www.europeancma.com. "This is the oldest country music radio chart in Europe," Sharon said, having been active since 1994. Meanwhile, Sharon's new album Perfect Little World is selling well according to her distributor One Stop Entertainment. The music page on Sharon's website now features streaming demos of all 13 tracks from the album. Weblink – www.sharonbenjamin.com.au. 38th Music Directory out July 20 It's nearly 20 years since now Sydney-based publisher Phil Tripp made the move from America and, with support from the Federal Government's Austrade, launched the first Australian Music Industry Directory.
"What started out as a humble 92 page print edition of Australian record labels, managers, agents and venues is now over 200 pages with 70 categories, also online for over a decade on the Net," said a spokesman for Phil's publicity and promotions company IMMEDIA! Phil created the initial book from his music contacts gleaned IMMEDIA! while recovering from a near-fatal cardiac arrest at age 36. He did most of the initial work in bed with a small portable computer that in those days, only had 64 K of memory and a floppy disk drive. By compiling the first free edition, Phil and his staff created the template of what has become a multi-million dollar print and online publication with no competition and is a hit every six months. And it now sells for $50 a copy for those who have to buy them, or $40 for a six month online subscription. Phil's secret to success was simple and he has outlasted overseas music directories by actually giving free copies to thousands of listed companies and individuals. It is often called the "bible of the music business. It is paid for by advertising and copies purchased here and overseas. Phil calls it, "The Most Stolen Book In The Music Industry", but he has fought copycat publishers all the way. "Before mobiles, email or even fax machines, in the days of telexes and five-digit phone numbers, we came up with a concept of giving free listings in all categories and sending them a free copy of the book," he said. "A success like this spurs imitators, but none have emerged since we created our own market and then cornered it." All levels of businesses are detailed with staff lists, contact numbers and emails and website addresses. The online version is updated every fortnight with email alerts sent to subscribers. The new edition will be released on July 20 and available for purchase online at www.immedia.com.au/amid or can be ordered by phoning (02) 9557 7766 or emailing directories@immedia.com.au. 2006 Toyota Star Maker Cat Southern releases new single Toyota Star Maker winner 2006 Cat Southern has released the first track from her eagerly awaited Star Maker EP, Last First Kiss.
The song was written by Cat with two of country’s leading songwriters – Jay Collie and Jasper Somerville-Collie (best known for their Jonah’s Road writings). Last First Kiss is described as "a breath of fresh air sweeping through country music – a fresh, funky sound that’s already appealing to a whole new generation of country fans". Speaking at the release, Cat said: "I don’t want to sound like anyone else. When I won Toyota Star Maker this year, I saw it as an opportunity to create my own sound, my own style. That’s what Last First Kiss does." "Under the guiding hand of young gun producer Matt Fell, Cat infused the song with passion, vibrancy and tenderness – creating an extremely catchy, appealing track,” said a spokesman for ABC Country, the label that releases Star Maker prize recordings. Other songs featured on the EP include Skin Deep (another track written with Jay and Jasper), Cat’s version of the Slim Dusty song Memories and Dreams (penned by Michael Fix and Jeff Burton), Irene Kelly’s Big Girl Now and That’s the Kinda Man I’m Looking For. "Last First Kiss takes a different perspective on love – it’s about discovering that you’ve fallen in love with a friend, and that it’s real," Cat said. "It’s about realising that everything will be different from this point on – that this will be your last first kiss." Before taking out the 2006 Toyota Star Maker title, Cat was a Top 64 finalist in "Australian Idol" and was also in the Top 100 of "Popstars". As well as recording her EP, Cat has spent the past couple of months performing in the huge "Australian Outback Spectacular" on the Gold Coast. The rest of this year will be spent appearing at major festivals across Australia, including the Adelaide City Muster (see following), an appearance on the main stage at the Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie in August and Mud Bulls and Music in November. Steve back in the studio After the success of Steve Graham’s debut album Blue Sky, he is now back in the studio working on his new album, The River.
The new album will be launched in October and will feature 12 new songs all penned by Steve, including a couple of songs co-written with KIK FM’s Aleta Tulk. One of the songs – The album Talking About The Weather – Steve recently performed on Channel 10 in Tim Bailey’s weather segment. "The new album has some really deep material and talks about things that are happening on the land and also to this new generation," Steve said. "I’m really proud of songs like Halfway To Nowhere – about an alcoholic – and Wake Up Australia – which talks about our recent decline in standards and where we are going in this world. "I’ve been trialling the new songs each week at gigs and the audience have been very responsive to them. We are also working very hard on the production and the songs are coming up a treat. We just finished recording the strings and it was great to have cello and violin on a couple of songs." The first single to be released from the album, the title track, will be launched through Oz Country Radio Singles at www.ozcountry.com.au in September. "I’m really looking to get out to some new venues late this year and early next year," Steve said. "I've been pretty busy just gigging around the southern highland and coastal regions for the past couple of months and we will head to Cairns in October." Steve will be giving a sneak preview of songs on the album when he plays at Blacktown RSL on Friday, July 21. He will launch the album at the same venue for Sydneysiders on October 27 with a full six piece band. Gill joins SonyBMG Christie Eleizer reports in his weekly music industry column at themusic.com.au this week that marketing veteran Gill Robert joined SonyBMG Music Entertainment Australia last week as Director of Strategic Marketing.
It's a bit of a homecoming of sorts for Gill who joined Sony Music in 1986 (formerly CBS Records) as Marketing and Sales Director. In 1990, he was promoted to General Manager, Label Division, and, in 1995, became General Manager, Strategic Marketing & New Technology. He was also Managing Director for Country Music Television (CMT) Australia/Asia Pacific from 1998 to 2002 and spent the last four years as a Director of Vital Entertainment Solutions looking after country music artists Beccy Cole and Jake Nickolai. Gill will fulfil his management duties at Vital in the short term. Denis Handlin, Chairman and CEO of SonyBMG Australian and New Zealand operations said in a statement: "I am really looking forward to working with Gill again. I know he will be a great asset to the company through his extensive catalogue knowledge, excellent contacts and ability to create new and exciting strategic marketing concepts." Adelaide City Muster 2006 T The sixth annual Adelaide City Muster features "a hot line-up of contemporary and country performers" including Lee Kernaghan, Pete Murray, Cat Southern and Sara Storer (pictured) with compere musician, comedian and broadcaster Greg Champion. Tickets (inclusive of all charges) are $67.90 adults and $37.90 children (3-15 years) through Ticketek on 132 849 or online at www.ticketek.com. The Adelaide Entertainment Centre box office opens at 4pm on the day and parking is available from 4.30pm at a cost of $8. Chart update – Lee hits the top Lee Kernaghan's title track to his latest album The New Bush hit the top spot of the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week (July 8). Kenny Chesney rose another two places to number two with Living In Fast Forward pushing last week's number one, The Wolverines' Angel Eyes, back to number three.
Tania Kernaghan fell two places to number seven with Harley McTaggart while Felicity Urquhart rose one place to eight with My Life, Beccy Cole jumped into the top 10 at number nine with Poster Girl and John Williamson dropped to number 10 with Bells In A Bushman's Ear. Bullet performers this week included Arthur Blanch's With Every Breath (17 to 14), Bobby Cash's Tumbleweed (18 to 15), Allan Caswell's Comeback Of The Year (21 to 18), Troy Cassar-Daley's Getaway Car (22 to 19), Anne Kirkpatrick's Drive Away (24 to 21) and Lee Forster's A Fire In The Bar (26 to 23). New entries to the chart this week included Carter & Carter's Ride (in at 29) and Adam Brand's Open Ended Heartache (at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. CMC Top 50... Adam at number one Adam Brand held on to number one on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist this week with his clip of Open Ended Heartache.
The Dixie Chicks fell one place to five with Not Ready To Make Nice, Billy Currington rose one place to six with Why Why Why and Kasey Chambers bulleted into the top 10 at number seven with Nothing At All. Lee Kernaghan's The New Bush fell back to number eight, Beccy Cole dropped back to number nine with Poster Girl while Shooter Jennings' Gone To Carolina slipped into the top 10 at number 10. Among bullet performers this week were Luke O'Shea & Medicine Wheel with Making Memories (20 to 15), Catherine Britt with Swingin' Door (debuting at number 20), Graeme Connors' On A Roll (45 to 33), Luella with Tonight (46 to 40), Gemma Doyle's Permission To Breathe (re-entering at 47) and Cat Southern's Last First Kiss (debuting at 48).
"Billboard" buys "Radio & Records" The parent company of America's "Billboard" magazine (VNU) has bought its competitor "Radio & Records" (R&R) with both publications maintaining operations in Nashville. "This acquisition is in line with VNU's strategy to further strengthen its services to the radio and record industries," said Michael Marchesano, President and CEO of VNU Business Media and Nielsen Entertainment.
VNU said it expected the transaction to close by August 1, though terms of the deal were not disclosed. The announcement of the deal did not address any specific changes VNU might have for R&R, though Marchesano said the company would retain R&R publisher Erica Farber. "(Farber’s) long-term affiliation with the brand will help R&R continue to deepen its pivotal role in the industry,” he said. Headquartered in Los Angeles, R&R offers research and hosts conventions in addition to its print and Internet publication. The magazine was founded in 1973 to chronicle relationship between radio and record companies. Last month, American Media Inc put Nashville-based "Country Weekly" magazine up for sale but no buyer has been reported to date. Kris and Waylon inducted into RockWalk Kris Kristofferson and his late friend country singer Waylon Jennings were inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on Thursday.
"I wish Waylon were here to enjoy it, or hate it. I guess if you hang around long enough they give you these things." Standing in for Waylon was his widow Jessi Colter. Kris's lengthy songwriting career includes the hit songs Me And Bobby McGee, Help Me Make It Through The Night and Sunday Morning Coming Down. He described Waylon as an "angry, funny, burning creative spirit." Waylon's hits included I'm A Ramblin' Man and Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, which he recorded with the song's writer Willie Nelson. Waylon died in 2002. The RockWalk was established in 1985 to honour musicians who have made a significant contribution to the history of music. – twangtownusa.com All set for Hats Off 2006
Kicking off officially with the Camerata Graduation Concert tomorrow night (Thursday) at West Tamworth League Club, Hats Off this year will feature more than 60 artists, duos and groups performing in a range of venues throughout the city. An "up close and personal" concert with Troy Cassar-Daley at The Pub on Friday night has been sold out for several weeks while tickets for the first Cavalcade Of Stars concert in the Tamworth Town Hall, also on Friday night, still has tickets available. Lee Kernaghan's Outback To The Beaches concert in the Town Hall on Saturday night is also selling well but tickets are still available. Tickets for both Town Hall concerts will be available "at the door" if available. Pre purchases can be made at Tourism Tamworth. Click here for the ticket sales page, or telephone 02 6767 5300. Further information about the Cavlcade Of Stars, and links to both Tourism Tamworth and a full Festival program can be found at the weblink – www.acmf.org.au. One event not listed on the program is a special dinner show with Pixie Jenkins also on the Friday night with limited tickets available. Visit www.tamworthservicesclub.com.au for more information and bookings or ring 02 6766 8166. As well as the entertainment, major attractions including the Australian Country Music Foundation Hall of Fame, the Big Golden Guitar Centre and Walk A Country Mile display will be open throughout the weekend, some for extended hours. Songwriters' night a pre-cursor to Hats Off Country Music Capital multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Lawrie Minson will kick off the Hats Off To Country Festival a day early with a songwriters' night at The Vault this evening from 5.
In addition to performing their songs, the writers will be talking about the stories behind them. "It's a night of original music," Lawrie said, "but not exclusive to songwriters. The idea is to encourage songwriters in Tamworth and give them a forum to present their work." Lawrie is hoping the nights will become a regular feature on the first Wednesday of each month. "I'd also like to do nights where the best of Tamworth's songwriters do a dinner show but this is planned for down the track." Hats Off starts officially tomorrow night with the Camerata Graduation Concert at Wests, continuing Friday with the Cavalcade Of Stars concert in the Tamworth Town Hall and Lee Kernaghan on Saturday night. Pubs, clubs and other venues will showcase a wide range of country music in Tamworth over the four days of Hats Off, second only in size to the city's major country music event, the annual festival in January. Cavalcade Of Stars – the latest A number of surprise guests have been lined up to add to the already big line-up of artists in Tamworth on Friday night for the Cavalcade Of Stars concert in the Tamworth Town Hall during Hats Off To Country.
In other Cavalcade Of Stars news, organisers have also announced that a special merchandising area will be set up in the Town Hall's Passchendaele Room at the front of the Town Hall complex where artists on the show have been invited to visit to meet fans and sign autographs. Stars on the night include Clelia Adams, Kirsty-Lee Akers, Katie Brianna, Jodie & Kelly Crosby, Rex Dallas, Jason-Lee, Amber Lawrence, Brooke Leal, Keri McInerney, John Stephan, Those Gals (Caroline, Kerry and Wendy), Alex Watt, Sally-Anne Whitten, Greg Williams and The Young Balladeers – Nathan Charlton, Matt Manning and Amos Morris. As well as the entertainment, the night will be significant for its hosting of the inaugural presentation of the Australian Country Music Literary Award, an award to recognise and encourage contributions to the writing and recording (in writing) of Australian country music history. Tea and coffee will also be available during intermission and patrons will also have the opportunity to assist with further fund-raising for the proposed new Australian Country Music Hall of Fame. "The ticket price has been kept down to $15 to encourage more attendees," said a spokesman for the organisers. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au or at the door on the night (subject to availability). Nicki and Stacey head to Iraq Australian country stars Nicki Gillis and Stacey Morris are among the latest entertainers set to travel to the Middle East to entertain Australian troops.
This tour will include concerts for the Australian Al Muthanna Task Group at Camp Smitty in southern Iraq. The performers join a long list of stars who have donated their time free of charge to entertain troops in a long-established tradition that dates back to before the Vietnam War. The Entertainment Tours are organised by the Forces Advisory Council on Entertainment (FACE) whose patron "Little Pattie" first sang for Diggers overseas during the Vietnam War. Headliners in previous tours have included James Blundell, Beccy Cole, Russell Crowe, Killing Heidi, Missy Higgins, Merrick and Rosso, Kylie Minogue and Yothu Yindi. Recent tours have entertained Australian Defence Force personnel in Iraq, the Sinai peninsula in Egypt, the Solomon Islands and East Timor. "The concerts are a major morale booster for the men and women serving our nation because they provide a brief period of normality and entertainment in what can be a dangerous and difficult time," said Tour Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Greg McCauley. "We would certainly welcome entertainers and some of our great sporting stars volunteering for future tours, because it is a very worthwhile cause and many have found it a once in a lifetime experience." Stacey Morris, who is married to well-known St George and Roosters National Rugby League player Steve “Slippery” Morris, said future visits from some of Australia’s sports stars would greatly add to the concerts which feature a mix of singers, comedians, an MC and other personalities. Adam Brand – What A Life Adam Brand's new album – What A Life – was launched at the weekend. "It’s a very honest album," Adam said, "and I pour my heart out a bit. There are personal moments of reflection. While (my) first few albums were mainly about where I have been, the previous album Get Loud and this one are more about where I am and where I’m going.
"I want people to know that I go through peaks and valleys; find love and lose it like everyone else. That’s the biggest message on this album." What A Life is Adam’s sixth album in a career which has already spanned a decade. During that time, he has won eight Golden Guitars, three "MO" Awards, had innumerable number one singles plus a platinum and three gold records. "His "can-do" attitude and love of a good time has been embraced by the music loving public whether he’s playing a show, indulging a passion for racing cars or sharing the recipe for wicked pasta puttanesca," said a spokesman for Adam's record label, Compass Bros. "Written and recorded in Nashville and Sydney, What A Life is yet another fresh step along the road of self-discovery for the singer/songwriter. "Adam has a reputation for recording albums of ballads and partying songs and for his outstanding live performances. But a close listen to What A Life reveals a new maturity in his vocal style and lyrics. "Adam has always been concerned with the human heart and how people cope with the world around them. Rather than using the Australian landscape as his inspiration, he looks though the eyes and hearts of its people. "To me, an album should be like a slice of pizza and the whole pizza is your life,” he says."This piece shows what and how I feel about things at this point. Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes sad or cheeky, reflective or ready to go out and have a drink. I want an album to take me to all these places and I think What A Life does that." Weblink – www.adambrand.com.au. Melinda Schneider – Stronger Also from Compass Bros, Melinda Schneider is set to release her new album – Stronger – on August 5.
Two years on from her successful Family Tree album, Melinda is eager to present her latest offering in a show which will take the audience "on a journey from the deepest most heart-felt ballads, to the lighthearted and often infectiously joyous songs she is so well known for," according to a spokesman her record label. "After spending 12 months writing and recording, it is incredibly exciting to be taking my new songs out to a live audience and sharing them in concert," Melinda said, along with all my old faves, of course! That’s what it’s really all about for me." Since taking out Female Vocalist of the Year at the Golden Guitar Awards in 2003, Melinda has gone from strength to strength, being awarded a total of four Golden Guitar Awards – including Album of the Year for Family Tree and APRA Song of the Year for her number one hit single Real People in 2005. The new album was recorded in Nashville in May this year around the time Melinda was invited to make her debut appearance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Joining Melinda for the Stronger Tour will be 2006 Golden Guitar-winning group The Flood whose award-winning single Hello Blue Sky topped the charts earlier this year. Their third album – The Late Late Show – has also been receiving rave reviews. Weblink (including tour details) – www.melindaschneider.com. Grenville joins Compass Bros And still on Compass Bros news! Founder of One Stop Entertainment Grenville Turner has joined Compass Bros Records as a director of the company.
"Grenville has been a great supporter of Compass Bros Records since our inception in 1999," said Managing Director Graham Thompson. "He is an experienced and respected businessman who brings to the company skills needed to realise our goal of becoming the dominant force in Australian country and roots music. "With Grenville on board and the recent appointment of Roxanne Brown as General Manager, we now have the team in place to continue to build Compass Bros Records into a truly great music company," he said. Grenville assumed the role of Director of Business Affairs immediately on appointment. Telstra announces continued involvement with Tamworth Festival Telstra will continue as a sponsor of the Tamworth Country Music Festival albeit on a lower level than previous years. Tamworth Regional Council announced yesterday a deal had been signed with the telco for elements of Festival sponsorship including a tagline but not overall naming rights. Telstra has been the major corporate and naming rights sponsor of the Festival since 2003 and will continue as the "official presenting partner" for the next three years.
Council Mayor James Treloar welcomed Telstra’s continued sponsorship of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. "Telstra has been integral to the Festival’s success since 2003 and they will continue to play a key role in the future," he said. Telstra Country Wide Group Managing Director Geoff Booth said the company was excited to continue its partnership with Council. "The Festival is an iconic event on the Australian calendar and we see many synergies between the Festival and Telstra Country Wide. It is a massive event with around 2500 performances staged at more than 130 venues throughout Tamworth," he said. "As presenting rights sponsor, Telstra will continue to be heavily involved with many aspects of the Festival including the Telstra Queen of Country Music Contest, the Telstra Marquee in Peel Street and the Telstra Road to Tamworth talent quest which we developed after the first year of our sponsorship of the festival." "The sponsorship arrangements opened up opportunities for us to do other things with the Festival," Mayor Treloar said. "This will allow us to get other involvement in the Country Music Festival." Tamworth Regional Council is now seeking expressions of interest for naming or presenting rights for the Festival's official opening and closing concerts and ceremonies, busking, street theatre, Country Music Cavalcade and the Australia Day Eve Concert. Tourism Tamworth said branding was underway for the main Country Music Festival and the design work would hopefully be launched soon. Telstra Road to Tamworth winners Nick Kingswell, songwriting winner Kirsty Lee Akers, 2005 winner Aleyce Simmonds and Ambassador Adam Harvey were in attendance for yesterday's sponsorship announcement. Nick and Kirsty are in Tamworth for Camerata and the Hats Off to Country Festival this weekend. Also in attendance at the sponsorship announcemeny yesterday, the State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper congratulated Telstra and Tamworth Regional Council on their agreement. "I also congratulate (them) for reverting back to the name Tamworth Country Music Festival which returns a sense of ownership of the Festival to the local community," he said. Photo (from left): Adam Harvey, Kirsty Lee Akers, Aleyce Simmonds and Nick Kingswell with Peter Draper MP. Tamworth country music festival up for an award Meanwhile, Tamworth's January country music festival is vying for recognition at the annual CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards to be announced later this month.
Also nominated from the Country Music Capital are the Austin Tourist Park (for Accommodation), the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre (for Outstanding Visitor Information Centre) and Deputy Chairman of Tourism Tamworth Greg Maguire (for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual). Tourism Tamworth has a strong showing, representing four of the seven nominations. Last year, the New England North West region won two awards. The Awards "showcase inland NSW's finest tourism operators and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the area of service, product, experience and innovation". Following some feedback from last year's award entrants, the organising committee has made more improvements, including introducing on-site judging for this year. Further information on the awards can be obtained from www.inlandtourismawards.com.au. Catherine Britt launches new single Catherine Britt returns to Australia from Nashville next month to promote her new single Swingin’ Door off her current album Too Far Gone and to take part in the "Aussies Walk the Line – Tribute to Johnny Cash" show as well as doing some headline shows of her own.
"You always know how she feels, whether she’s singing about anger, passion or growing up and gaining self-respect. "When Catherine burst on to the music scene as a fresh-faced teenager from Newcastle, her heartbreaking song lyrics and emotional style demanded attention and made us wonder at her '15 going on 40' insight and soul. "After packing up at 17 and moving to Nashville, the now 21-year-old singer/songwriter has lived through her own share of heartache and loneliness. Alone, on the other side of the world, Catherine struggled with doubt and little work and often wondered if she should just pack back up and simply return home. "Those struggles and emotions have found a natural home on her sensational album, Too Far Gone, an intensely personal and revealing album that places Catherine’s heart right out there for all to hear and see." Catherine is currently preparing for the US release of the album which is slated for later this year. Weblink (including tour and performance dates) – www.catherinebritt.com. A busy time in Nashville for Nick This year's Telstra Road To Tamworth winner Nick Kingswell spent the CMA Festival week in Nashville and had a very busy time.
He also had the chance to attend the Montgomery Gentry fan club party where, much to his surprise, he was invited on stage to join the band for a few songs. Nick participated in numerous booth signings and interviews at the Nashville Convention Center over the span of the week and on the closing day of the Festival, he made his CMA Music Festival performance debut when he sang during the Wide World of Country international show on the Riverfront. While in Nashville, he also recorded his first single for Sony/BMG Australia under the production of Mark Moffatt at the Sound Emporium Studios. The song is set to be released in Australia soon. Photo (by Kenny Mims/Locomotion Graphics), from left: Nick, recording session producer Mark Moffatt, Scott Paschall and Garth Fundis (both of Sound Emporium Studios). Weblink – www.nickkingswell.com. Jean's song "steelin' time" on American radio Jean Stafford's song Steelin' The 2 Step is reportedly gaining substantial attention in America as a radio favourite.
JLCM, Jean's management group is this week releasing the track in the European market through Canadian distributor Hillcrest Music. And on Friday night, Swingin' West's Mike Gross opened the annual Midsummer Night Swing at the Josie Robertson Plaza in New York's Lincoln Centre. The Centre for Performing Arts hosted a special evening to commemorate Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys with sets of Leon Rausch, The Texas Playboys and Steel Guitar and Western Swing Hall of Fame member Bobby Kefir behind the steel. "I'd like to thank once again those broadcasters and presenters who played Steelin The 2 Step and tracks like I'm Going Crazy, Don’t Bet Your Boots and It’s Like Living With A Stranger," Jean said. Steelin’ The 2 Step has had substantial airplay across Australia and in many parts of the America. "I couldn’t believe its popularity when the US Western Swing charts picked it up. It’s one of those things where you are taken back sometimes. You think the writing and then the recording has special moments and then it gets airplay and you hear what the presenters and listeners like about the song," Jean said. "And when that happens, well it’s still a surprise. That’s especially what I want to thank radio for. It’s a huge part of what makes country music great." Further information can be obtained from www.jeanstafford.com.au. New single and clip from Horswood Horswood (Mel and Gina) will be releasing their song Ain't Seen Rain to radio stations across the country in the next couple of weeks.
The national released campaign for the new single will also aim to "increase awareness of the seemingly endless drought which is affecting all Australians in some way". Ten percent of all album sales will be donated to Aussie Helpers, a registered charity based in Charleville established in 2002 to help fight poverty and lift the spirits of those severely affected by drought in outback Queensland (www.aussiehelpers.org.au). Horswood have also announced details for the first Leg of their national tour which kicks off in Sydney later this month. From Sydney, the girls will travel state by state around the country to help raise awareness of the campaign. "As it’s our first trip to the 'big smoke', we’re both nervous and very excited," they say. "Your support at any of our gigs would be hugely appreciated and we look forward to meeting you." Weblink (including tour details) – www.horswood.com. EP released by bush balladeer Merv After taking out awards in his first four songwriting competitions in the lyrics only sections, Merv Webster has released his award winning songs on his own CD EP.
At Tamworth in 2006, he scored three out of the five nominations in the TSA National Song Writing Competition's Lyrics Only Section and won with The Maintop Balladeer (a tribute to Wave Jackson). Again this year, Merv entered the Katherine Country Music Muster’s competition again and won the Lyrics Only Section with Granddad’s Crusty Damper. In May, he was advised that he had three out of the 10 nominations in the Lyrics Only Section of the TSA (Tamworth Songwriters' Association) South-East Queensland Branch’s Song Writing Awards and picked up a second place for I Wish I Were A Crocodile and third place for Son, Play Another Coster Song. These award winning songs have been included on Merv's new seven-track CD called From Bard To Balladeer with The Bravest Of The Brave (a tribute to young Sophie Delezio], R.M. Williams – A Man Who Had Tried and I Never Cried For Elvis But I Shed A Tear For Slim. Merv thanked Buddy Thomson of Outback Studios for engineering the album and playing rhythm guitar, Lynne Bennett for backing vocals and bass guitar, Michael Pincott, lead and rhythm guitar and mandolin and John and Eleanor Briskey of Sundown Music for their encouragement. The album can be obtained direct from Merv, telephone 07 4159 1868. And Jude D'Lasselle...
The EP contains five tracks, including Find Time For Love and Don't Turn Your Back Again On The Working Man which are already local radio favourites. A recently announced finalist in the 2006 Professional Contemporary Country Top 10 TSA South East Queensland Song Comp, Jude's You're The Hub In My Life's Wheel (also on the EP) came fourth in the June awards. Jude's passion for country music, especially Merle Haggard, grew into a fascination and consequently a reality when he met Stuie French. He moved to Australia in 1992 with his wife and young family and was so inspired by Merle's music that when he met Stuie he knew it was fate. Jude's lyrics were transformed into songs and recordings at Swingin' Door Studio where Stuie produced the EP of four of his songs and a cover of an old favourite Little Ol' Wine Drinker Me. Originally from an Anglo-Indian community in South India, Jude grew up listening to legendary American country stars. Jeanette and Peter tour through SA Northern Mallee based artist Jeanette Wormald is celebrating the success of her new album Opal Blue with her biggest ever tour of South Australia starting this month. Together with special guest Peter Pratt, Jeanette and her musicians will travel almost 4,000 kilometres performing at 14 venues across the state from the Riverland to the Flinders Ranges, West Coast and Outback, beginning in Loxton on July 21.
Jeanette said the tour had been listed as an official Year of the Outback event and has attracted major sponsorship from primary industries bank, Rabobank. "Rabobank's sponsorship has been amazing and has enabled us to subsidise the cost of touring so that venues and ticket prices are not hit with the full travel costs, especially with the fuel prices so high," she said. Jeanette said she was looking forward to catching up with fans and introducing them to the new album. The first single from Opal Blue, Boundary Rider's Daughter, is currently climbing the Country Music Tracks Top 30 chart and at July 1 had hit Number 13. According to industry watchers, national radio feedback indicators suggest that the single could break through into the top 10. The album has also sold well, debuting at number six in national distributor One Stop Entertainment's Top 50 Independent Sellers chart and climbing to number three in April. Opal Blue was also listed at number 27 in the Top 50 selling country music albums in Australia in April, competing against international and national names such as Alan Jackson, Lee Kernaghan and Slim Dusty. Jeanette said she and Peter will also be touring together to NSW in September. "Peter and I met up last year after he came across to South Australia for the Port Pirie Music Festival. We wrote some songs together but when we started singing together we realised that it really clicked musically," she said. The pair have since attracted great reviews for their performances together with an on stage chemistry reminiscent of the days of the great traditional country duets. "We premiered the show at Tamworth in January and attracted a full house. People love the harmonies and the blend of our voices so we are really looking forward to the tour," Jeanette said. Weblink (including for tour details) – www.jeanettewormald.com. Chart update – Wolverines' third week at the top The Wolverines' (pictured) Angel Eyes held on to number one for a third week this week on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart with Lee Kernaghan edging up to the top spot at number two with The New Bush.
Tania Kernaghan fell one place to number five with Harley McTaggart while Greg Champion dropped two places to number six with Been There Done That. John Williamson's Bells In A Bushman's Ear was steady again at seven, Martina McBride rose another place to number eight as did Felicity Urquhart with My Life to number nine and Keith Urban's Tonight I Wanna Cry entered the top 10 at number 10. Bullet performers this week included Beccy Cole's Poster Girl (16 to 12), Troy Cassar-Daley's Getaway Car (26 to 22), Anne Kirkpatrick's Drive Away (28 to 24) and Lee Forster's A Fire In The Bar (debuting at 26). Other new entries to the chart this week included Craig Giles' Riding That White Line (in at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. CMC Top 50 Adam Brand moves to number one on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist this week with his clip of Open Ended Heartache.
The Dixie Chicks and Lee Kernaghan drop back one place, respectively, to four and five with Not Ready To Make Nice and The New Bush while The McClymonts climb three places to number six with Something That My Heart Does. Billy Currington bullets into the top 10 at number seven with Why Why Why, Amber Lawrence rises two places to number eight with The Lonely Road, James Blundell rises to nine with Greylands and The Road Hammers rises to 10 with East Bound And Down. Among bullet performers this week are Kasey Chambers with Nothing At All (45 to 12), Luke O'Shea & Medicine Wheel with Making Memories (23 to 20), Nik Phillips with No One Is To Blame (37 to 29), Anne Kirkpatrick with Drive Away (39 to 36), Graeme Connors with On A Roll (debuting at 45) and Luella with Tonight (debuting at 46).
Faith Hill named "most beautiful" Following Keith Urban's naming as country music's sexiest man several weeks ago, Faith Hill has now been named country music's most beautiful woman in a US magazine poll.
"No other country star projects a sexier, more stunning image," the magazine said. Rounding out the top five most beautiful women, in order, were Sara Evans, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and Shania Twain. Also in the top 10 were Terri Clark (seven) and Trisha Yearwood (nine) while Reba McEntire and Gretchen Wilson tied for 10th place. Faith starred in a remake of "The Stepford Wives" with Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler, Glenn Close and Matthew Broderick. IBMA Awards move to Opry House
The ceremony was held at the Ryman Auditorium last year and many people attending the IBMA's World of Bluegrass week were unable to get tickets to the sold-out show. The move to the Opry House, however, nearly doubles the number of available tickets which go on sale August 18 to the general public but are currently on sale to IBMA members through the organisation's website and office. The IBMA's World of Bluegrass week takes place from September 25 to October 1 at the Nashville Convention Center. Photo: multiple IBMA award winner Larry Sparks performs at last year's show in Nashville's famous Ryman Auditoriium. – cmt.com |
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Melinda kicks off her Stronger tour
Written with his multi-award-winning songwriting partners Garth Porter and Colin Buchanan, Listen To The Radio is about "the power of a song to bring back a rush of memories".
She has been dubbed "the weather girl" with her latest single I Don’t Wanna Talk About Rain from her long-awaited follow-up to her successful album Coster Country, a tribute to her father.
Tiffney Stroh from South Australia and Hannah Cosgrove from New Zealand, were named Junior and Juvenile Overall Winners, respectively, at the 14th annual Winter Junior Talent Quest staged in Country Music Capital earlier this month.
With a prize of $1,000, the second running of its poetry award - The Spud Poets Award.
The biggest selling female act in history and seven time Grammy award winners will be in Australia in October.
New album from Tom
Aussie expat Jamie O'Neal is spending the American summer doing her favorite thing: criss-crossing the country, playing for fans, on the way to New York for a series of songwriter concerts.
The ARIA Awards recognise excellence and innovation in all genres of Australian music and this year will be no exception with the 2006 Awards marking their 20th Anniversary.
When Kiara returned home to Mackay, Queensland, she was full of excitement, according to her parents, talking about her experiences, learning from some of the best tutors and musicians in the country music industry and already planning her application for Camerata 2007.
The Skipton Primary School pupil performed one of his own songs – Speedway Driver – in front of an audience of about 500 people at Colac just west of Melbourne.
Ronni Rae Rivers' new single – Janine (Care Of The Stars) – has been released to radio.
It is set up by the South Australian government and inspired and assisted by the New York Guitar Festival.
Each seminar will be addressed by music industry executives who are long time SxSW attendees. They will explain how to strategise way ahead of the rest of the world, how to work with Austrade, the realities of grants, visas, logistics, advance PR, promotion and publicity tactics.
Kenny Chesney is also in the same position as last week, number two, with Living In Fast Forward while Keith Urban edges up one more place to number three with Tonight I Wanna Cry.
The singer and his Bon Jovi bandmate Richie Sambora hope to tape the disc with veteran country musicians.
Finalists have been announced for the 2006 Queensland Gold Medallion Awards to be announced in Toowoomba on Friday, August 4.
The album is billed as "a reflection of Graeme's career since the release of North, featuring revitalised versions of some Connors classics, such as Cyclone Season, A Little Further North and Sicilian Born, as well as four brand new tracks (including the title track) and Graeme's perceptive interpretation of a couple of his favourite songs by other artists."
The multi-Grammy award-winning singer has sold more than 23 million albums since his 1986 debut Guitars, Cadillacs Etc Etc and along the way has become one of country’s true modern day icons.
Craig to perform at Long Tan service
The following weekend (June 25), he was named APRA/AMCOS 2006 MATS (Music & Arts Talent Search) Teen Songwriter of the Year first runner-up at Sydney’s Revesby Workers Club.
The Boy In The Aerodyne is the fourth single to be released to radio from Travis Sinclair’s album Rush.
Keith Urban rises to number four with Tonight I Wanna Cry, Martina McBride is steady at five with I Still Miss Someone while Felicity Urquhart jumps two places to number six with My Life.
Kasey Chambers edged up to number three with Nothing At All while The McClymonts fell one place to four with Something That My Heart Does, Amber Lawrence dropped back to number five with The Lonely Road and Billy Currington was steady at six with Why Why Why.
Winners of 2006 European Country Music Association Awards were announced in Palafrugell, Spain, earlier this month during an open air festival of music and dance.
In a surprise blow to Europe’s competition watchdog’s authority, the Court of First Instance (CFI) said the commission had carried out an "extremely cursory examination" of the deal.
In a widely anticipated result, Eric was announced the winner and presented with a special award during the Cavalcade Of Stars concert in the Tamworth Town Hall last Friday night.
Troy Cassar-Daley and Lee Kernaghan headlined the mid-year Festival with more than 50 other well-known acts including Bill Chambers, The McClymonts, Brian Young and Simply Bushed as well as local acts The Baileys, Aleyce Simmonds, Col Finley and Alex Watt on hand to entertain country music enthusiasts.
And Camerata organisers are "absolutely ecstatic" with the success of this year's school of country music for artists less than 18 years old.
The Go West - Oxford Street West promotion is an initiative of the Waverley Council to celebrate the Oxford Street upgrade works. More than 25 stores will offer special discounts on the day and the entertainment is free.
Warren first started playing guitar with his father, the legendary Gus Williams, at the age of six. He was brought up on country music.
The Bush Balladeer Star Quest encourages up and coming bush balladeers and also aims to help preserve bush ballad music for future generations.
The song also sat at number 14 on the most played chart for Austria and this week, the single is number 15 on Holland's most played chart.
In a little over a week, Phil will release the 38th issue.
The song is one of five tracks to be included on the EP which was produced partly by Matt Fell and partly by Herm Kovac.
Steve had a great start to the year with a finalist nomination in the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Professional Development Awards.
He reports to Tony Glover, General Manager of Strategic Marketing, and replaces Craig Green who last month became Director of Frontline Marketing.
he 2006 Adelaide City Muster will be staged at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday, July 22.
Sam Hawkesly edged up one place to number two with Come Back Baby while The McClymonts (pictured) climbed another three places to number three with Something That My Heart Does and Amber Lawrence rose four places to number four with The Lonely Road.
"With the added resources of VNU, especially our music services, including the 'Billboard' Information Group, Nielsen BDS, and Nielsen SoundScan, R&R will continue to grow as a vibrant brand."
"I guess it's an honour," said Kris, 70, in a telephone interview before putting his hands in wet cement at the sidewalk gallery on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.
The night will include Lawrie, Darren Clark, Diana Cormie, John Cunliffe, Chris Langston, Matt Scullion, Ted Tilbrook, Sally-Anne Whitten and Randall Wilson.
Organisers have announced that one of the additions will be Kelly Crosby, sister of Jodie Crosby and half of the Golden Guitar winning Crosby Sisters duo. This will be the first time for quite some time the girls have sung together.
Nicki and Stacey are joined by former Australian Idol finalist Lee Harding and his band Bedrock, comedian Clint Paddison and MC Aniela Hedditch from radio station 2UE. The troupe left yesterday (Tuesday) for the two week series of concerts for Australian soldiers, sailors and airforce personnel taking part in Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
"I think people will hear the words and realise that I have about as much of a clue about life’s mysteries as they do," he said. "If I’m just as lost then maybe everything we’re feeling is pretty normal.
Following the release, Melinda will launch into a much anticipated national tour.
Grenville established the successful sub-distribution company in 1992 with his wife Karen and sold the business in 2005. Prior to One Stop Entertainment, he was Managing Director of PolyGram New Zealand.
Council will now promote the event as the Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra.
Seventy-two submissions have been received from the four participating regions – Central NSW, New England North West, Outback and Riverina.
"Swingin’ Door is a perfect vehicle for Catherine’s incomparable and extraordinary voice and ability to wring every ounce and nuance of emotion from a song," said a spokesman for her record label in Australia, ABC.
Jean wrote and recorded the song as a tribute to America's "western swing king" Bob Wills and American DJs are referring to it as "THAT" tribute song to Bob Wills. 
A clip for the song has been made and the girls say "the draft copy looks awesome!!"
Following a rewarding career as a bush poet, Merv turned his hand to writing bush ballads. In 2005, he entered the Katherine Country Music Muster’s Northern Territory Country Music Song Writing Competition and won the Lyrics Only Section with Chasing Buttons.
Noted Victorian based songwriter Jude D'Lasselle has released an EP.
The tour, called "Out Here", is named after a song written by Jeanette and Peter. The duet, which celebrates love in the Australian Outback, is included on Jeanette's album and the accompanying music clip, which was filmed in the Flinders Ranges last November, hit number 40 on the Country Music Channel's Top 50 music clips.
Karen Lynne's The Circle Is Small fell one place to number three while Kenny Chesney rose another two places to number four with Living In Fast Forward.
Country Weekly said the singer and actor "embodied the ideal woman who has it all – the 39-year-old singer has classic beauty, a superstar career, a great marriage to country singer Tim McGraw and three beautiful daughters.
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) will hold its annual awards show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville for the first time on September 28.