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This website brings you the latest Australian country music news. News releases can be sent to news@countrymusicbulletin.com.au |
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THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018 Winton to celebrate Waltzing Matilda Centre re-opening The Queensland outback town of Winton – renowned as the birthplace of Banjo Paterson's Waltzing Matilda – will stage its inaugural Way Out West Fest next month to celebrate the grand re-opening of The Waltzing Matilda Centre which was destroyed by fire in 2015.
Entertainment will commence at various in-town venues from midday on Thursday and continue through until 1am.
The official opening of the new Waltzing Matilda Centre is scheduled for 11am on Friday in Elderslie Street – the street will be closed for the four days of the Festival.
The official Waltzing Matilda Centre luncheon will be held at the Winton Shire Hall from 1pm until 3pm for invited guests. "An allocation of tickets will also be made available for the public and patrons of the Festival who may wish to attend the luncheon," the spokesman said. Gates will open at 4pm at the Eric Lenton Recreational Reserve for the Friday night main stage concert which kicks off at 5pm and runs through till 2am. Friday’s artist line-up includes The Black Sorrows, Lee Brice, Kip Moore, the Pierce Brothers and Sheppard. On Saturday, in-town entertainment at various venues will commence at 10am and run through through until 4.30pm. Gates will open at 4pm at the Eric Lenton Recreational Reserve for the Saturday night main stage concert which kicks off at 5pm and runs through untill 2am. Saturday’s artist line-up includes The Living End, Busby Marou (pictured above), Jessica Mauboy (pictured), Russell Morris and John Williamson (pictured). On Sunday, entertainment will run again at various venues in town from 10am. An adjunct to the festival will be a Busby Marou conert at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Recovery attraction – 26 minutes drive from Winton – from 11am till 2pm. The festival is supported by the Queensland government via Tourism & Events Queensland. State Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said the Way Out West Fest was the ideal way to mark the official reopening of the new $22 million Waltzing Matilda Centre. "Over the four days, you will experience a star-studded music festival line-up including Jessica Mauboy, John Williamson, The Living End, Kip Moore, Lee Brice, Sheppard and many more. "Festivalgoers will also be treated to bush poetry and outback races with a side of friendly country hospitality, historic venues, incredible landscapes and unique wildlife." Weblink – wintonswayoutwestfest.com.au. Lee and Kip down under
The pair will play Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Tamworth between April 21 and April 29 at shows that have sold out or almost sold out. This will be the third year both artists have played Australia. Weblinks – leebrice.com • kipmoore.net. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Music community descends on Parliament House As various media have reported, including noise11.com, a number of high profile Australian music industry representatives hit Canberra today to "spread the word and the word was 'copyright'." Included were Kasey Chambers, Ian Moss and John Paul Young who performed a concert on the steps of Parliament House for two hundred Ministers, Members, Senators and Parliament House staff.
Pictured (from left): Warren Morgan, John Paul Young, Paul Kirtley, Elana Stone, Katie Wighton, Hannah Crofts, Kasey Chambers, Ian Moss, Georgia Mooney, Brandon Dodd. Photo Industry Observer "Please just protect our copyright," said John Paul Young. "That’s all I’ve got to say." Ian Moss said: "(as a songwriter) royalties are your living. You work hard to write a song. If we could all do that we’d all be writing hits everyday…people love their live music, but people have got to write that music in the first place and they need to make a living." "Touring for me, particularly here in Australia, is everything," Kasey said. "It feeds my kids… I make my living from touring music, and it’s important for me to get out to all the regional places as well. I tour most of the year and visit some of the littlest towns throughout Australia, but we have to have these venues to play in." Key issues addressed during the visit to Parliament House were... protecting creators’ rights, the value of copyright, the importance of local content, supporting Australia’s music micro-businesses and Australia’s global music export potential. Some figures, detailing how the Australian music industry impacts on the economy, were central to discussions... • It is estimated the music sector contributes $4 to $6 billion to the Australian economy (Music Australia) [footnote 1] Contemporary music generates jobs and growth... • Expenditure associated with live music making in Australia is estimated to generate in the order of 64,747 jobs, 37,652 of which are full-time [6]
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018 Easter is country music festival time
We have a comprensive listing of festivals here, but let's take a closer look at a couple of the more significant events coming up this weekend.
Undoubtedly there are other smaller events, but plenty of option for fans wanting to get out and enjoy their favourite music. Weblink – our Festivals & Events Page. MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2018 Vale – Peter Caulton
Dubbed an "outlaw country singer" Peter's career extended to 26 countries, including Australia where he had his own radio show and the United States where he recorded an album in 1996 for Austin, Texas-based BSW Records. He has played on live shows, on tlevision and in concert with many well-known performers. At the 40th Grammy Awards, Peter had a CD nominated in six categories of country music. A big fan of Johnny Cash, Peter put together a tribute show to "The Man In Black" after he died in 2003. Born in New Zealand, Peter grew up in small country towns and spent time in Europe as well as Australia. FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 Crossroads in the Vines A new country music event launches n the NSW Hunter Valley tomorrow, Crossroads In The Vines. To be held at the Roche Estate on the Broke Road at Pokolbin, gates open ay 10:30am, the first performance from 10:55am.
The line-up includes Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Bob Corbett, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tori Darke, the Adam Eckersley Band, Buddy Goode, Adam Harvey, Lee Kernaghan, Christie Lamb, Amber Lawrence, The McClymonts, Shane Nicholson, O'Shea, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Sara Storer, the Viper Creek Band, John Williamson and The Wolfe Brothers. Pictured (from left): Kasey, Billy, Lee, Sara, John. Weblink – www.rocheestate.com.au/crossroads-in-the-vines. Wayne rules the MOs Country's own Wayne Horsburgh dominated the 2018 MO Awards in Sydney earlier this week taking out the Country award and finally the "gold" MO for overall Entertainer of the Year.
Melinda Schneider won the Tribute Show award with her Doris Day Show. Darren Carr – another country aligned artist – was named Comedy Act of the Year. The Flanagans were inducted into the MO Awards Hall of Fame. Burwood RSL was named Venue of the Year. All girl group Platinum Harmony were presented with the MO Encouragement Award. A full listing of winners can be found at www.moawards.com. THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 Dianne – back where it all began Dianne Lindsay will present her annual Family Heritage Country Music Show at Nabiac (NSW) Showground this Saturday, March 24 at 7pm. The Manning River Times reported that the venue is a special place for Dianne.
Their first show on the tour was in the hall at the Nabiac Showground. These entertainers were Reg Lindsay and Heather McKean and the baby at that time was daughter Dianne. In honour of her parents and Australian country music pioneers, Saturday night's concert is held back where it all began for her family so many years ago. Artists to perform include The Bush Picker, Johnny Greenwood, Marcus Greene, Sandra Lindsay, Lorraine Pfitzner and Dianne and husband Peter Simpson, "of course". The show will be conducted in "fine old country style entertainment" with a light supper provided at interval and time for the audience to meet and speak with the entertainers. An open mic fundraising concert will be held the following morning (Sunday March 25) at 9.30am. Donation $5 and proceeds will be in support of the Australian Country Music Foundation/Museum in Tamworth. "This will be an informal concert/get-together and a chance for any singers or musicians to take to the stage and perform. All are welcome." For further details and bookings, phone Peter Simpson on 0401 095 306. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 Record Store Day Federal Labor MP Anthony Albanese MP, who is also last year's Ambassador for Record Store Day Australia, has officially passed the baton to 2018 ambassadors Michael Chugg, Amber Lawrence and Dan Sultan.
A former deputy Prime Minister of Australia and current member for Grayndler in Sydney, Anthony Albanese was a huge supporter of the Australian music industry and fan of Australian music. "MUSIC is a part of us," he said in 2017. "Like literature, it speaks to us about who we are, where we have been and how we understand our journey through life. It’s one of our key forms of expression. "That is why independent record stores have a very special place in our culture, a place that will be celebrated on International Record Store Day," he said. "Australian independent record stores also play a critical role in local communities. The musical development of just about all professional musicians in this country would have been very much influenced by their patronage of independent stores." Pictured (from left): Amber, Anthony and Michael. Weblink – www.recordstoreday.com.au. TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018 CMA announces industry awards The American Country Music Association (CMA) this week announced its 2018 winners of industry awards.
The Global Country Artist Award recognises outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory. Previous winners have included a number of well known Australian acts... Catherine Britt, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Slim Dusty, Tommy Emmanuel, Morgan Evans, Adam Harvey, Lee Kernaghan, The McClymonts and Jasmine Rae. In 2016, Dean won his second Canadian Juno Award for his album Gypsy Road. He has won 16 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards in total. The Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award – recognising outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States – was presented to Mark Hagen, a 40-year television and radio veteran producer, currently working for BBC Radio 2 in the United Kingdom. The International Artist Achievement Award – recognising outstanding achievement by a U S based artist who has demonstrated the most significant growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States – went to Little Big Town. The Jo Walker-Meador International Award – recognising outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States, was awarded to John Marks and Milly Olykan. John is the Global Editor for Country Music at Spotify and Milly, is Vice President of Live Music and Major Arena Events for AEG Presents. The International Country Broadcaster Award – recognising outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country – went to Chris Stevens, a well-known United Kingdom country music broadcaster. Weblink – www.cmaworld.com. FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018 CMC winners The CMC (Country Music Channel) Music Awards were staged on the Queensland Gold Coast last night.
Also recognised for their sales success, Lee Kernaghan's The 25th Anniversary Album and Shania Twain's album Now. Weblink – countrymusicchannel.com.au. THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018 APRA Award finalists announced Finalists were announced today for the 2018 APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards. For Country Work of the Year, they are... Ain't No Little Girl written and recorded by Kasey Chambers, Don't Wish It All Away by Brooke, Mollie & Samantha McClymont with Lindsey Jackson, recorded by The McClymonts, House by Brooke, Mollie & Samantha McClymont with Sarah Aarons & Michael Fatkin, recorded by The McClymonts, Kiss Somebody by Morgan Evans, Chris De Stefano & Josh Osborne, recorded by Morgan Evans and My Breakup, written by Caitlyn Shadbolt & Jared Porter, recorded by Caitlyn.
Pictured above (from left): Kasey, The McClymonts, Morgan and Caitlyn. Below: Busby Marou, Bernard and Tash.
The 2018 APRA Music Awards will be held on Tuesday April 10 at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.Weblink – apraamcos.com.au/awards. Reg Lindsay quest success The Reg Lindsay Memorial Talent Quest held at Cessnock on Saturday had been deemed another success.
In the 11-16 years section, Trinity Woodhouse (pictured), a Graduate from the 2017 Academy of Country Music with second place going to Todd Haywood from Nords Wharf. The Gospel section was won by Tracey Rowland from Parkville with Brooke Thompson from Tamworth in second place. Instrumental was won by Brayden Rowland of Parkville. Brayden's father Troy Rowland was udged runner-up. Adult Female 17 years and over was won by Sharon Salter from Port Macquarie with Susan Tull second while Louis Burt (pictured) from Newcastle took out the Adult Male 17 years and over section with Bruce Watson from Largs second. Duo/Group went to father/daughter combo Bill & Tracey Rowland from Parkville with Brooke & Sam Thompson (aged aa and eight, respectively), second. Bill Rowland took out the Comedy section with the Chad Morgan hit The Sheik Of Scrubby Creek with Todd Haywood second singing John Williamson's Crocodile Roll. Original Country Song went to Trinity Woodhouse with her song Me And Sandy. Bill Rowland was second with his song Growing Old. In the Grand Final Showdown, all section winners sang another song – different to what they performed during the day. Louis Burt was judged Overall Winner on the day. "The 24 year old was extremely well presented and was a big favourite with the crowd," the spokesman said. "Judges were equally impressed giving Louis the big prize... a two track recording fully produced by Roy Cooper from Sound Lab Studio on the Central Coast plus 500 CDs for him to use for promotions. "I am sure we will see and hear plenty from this young future star." Louis is already confirmed for a spot on the 2019 Remembering Reg Lindsay Tribute show in Tamworth during Festival time at the Family Hotel on Monday afternoon January 21. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 International songwriting finalists announced Finalists have been announced for the 2017 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and the list includes a good number of Australians.
In country music and related categories, the following writers are listed among the finalists... In the Country category... Casey Barnes, Michael Paynter & Michael Delorenzis, finalists in the Country category with The Way We Ride... In the Americana category, Matt Ellis for Some People, Shane Nicholson (pictured) for Busted Lip and Driving Me Mad and Gretta Ziller for Slaughterhouse Blues. In Folk/Singer-Songwriter... Fletcher Gull with Light Up, Helen Croome & Steve Parkin with Songs Of Summer, Shane Nicholson with All I Know and Carus Thompson & Joel Quartermain with Beach Fires. Winners will be announced in April. Weblink – songwritingcompetition.com. MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2018 Join EveryOneBand Australian artists are being invited by the music industry benevolent fund Support Act to join EveryOneBand: "the biggest band in the world that you’ve never heard of. Yet."
"All you have to do is join EveryOneBand and you'll receive an email with a link to backing tracks, sheet music and chord charts; simply record yourself singing or playing along and send the file back," project organisers say. "Your contribution will be added to the final mix then EveryOneBand will produce the song and make it available for download and streaming on Friday, May 18." The organisers are going for a Gold single and a number one chart position with proceeds going to Support Act. The EveryOneBand project has been organised by GANGgajang’s Mark Callaghan who said "Joining the band is easy, free and there’s no auditions! You can record as much or as little as you want! Anything, from a flute to a triangle part is welcomed." All record royalties and all profit from merchandise goes to Support Act. "Being in a band with one drummer is hard enough," Mark said. "We’ve got 52 already and counting! But we want more! So join the band, record yourself, send us your recording and you’ll be in the biggest band ever!" Weblink – www.everyoneband.com. FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 Maleny Muster in September Details have been announced for the 2018 Maleny Country Music Muster which will run from Tuesday September 18 to Monday September 24. The Muster will be held at the Maleny Pioneer Village in the Blackall Range, Queensland under the auspices of the Maleny Historical Society.
A week-long celebration "of country and old-time music" includes guitar jams and blackboard sessions, production of the Family Concert of invited artists, Ukulele Friday and an Old Time Dance. The Muster brings together musicians and audience from all corners of South East Queensland (and further afield) and will give local country musicians the opportunity to perform and interact with visiting players and professional performers, according to Muster organisers. Camping will be available both at the Muster site and at the Maleny Showgrounds. More information can be obtained from Harvey Bryce on 0427 944 220, email harvey.bryce@bigpond.com. Photo: a number of the Muster's finale artists on stage at the 2017 event. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018 Taranaki Festival success New Zealand's Taranaki Country Music Festival last month was deemed so successful, it will be held again next year, according to organisers. Hundreds of people attended the three day event held at the Waitara Memorial Hall. Country music enthusiasts and performers Jocelyn and George Tuahine – who run the Riverside Country Music Group – organised the festival which featured a line up including world champion yodeller Laura Downing from Australia. Jocelyn says around 450 people attended on the Saturday night when Laura performed. More than 50 motorhomes and caravans parked up for the weekend and many singers were first time visitors to Taranaki. Jocelyn says the festival goers were mostly from Taranaki and across the North Island.
Photo (by Andrea): Performers Kay Tappin and Jocelyn Tuahine got up on stage with Australian yodeller Laura Downing during the Taranaki Country Music Festival. Festival supporter and country music fan George Worsley says the weekend was a great success and the music was of a high quality. "Many singers were first time visitors to Taranaki and were very enjoyable to listen to. Line dancers from Hawke's Bay attended and gave a display with Taranaki line dancers which was great to watch." Weblink – www.taranakifestival.co.nz. FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 CMC finalists announced Finalists have been announced for this year's CMC (Country Music Channel) Music Awards, the eighth to be staged. In making the announcement, organisers also announced the New Artist of the Year category would be renamed as the Rob Potts Tribute/CMC New Artist of Year in honour of the influential promoter and manager who passed away late last year in a motorbike accident in Tasmania. Foxtel and CMC noted: "Alongside CMC and Chugg Entertainment, Potts co-founded (the) CMC Rocks Festival and ran Rob Potts Entertainment Edge which continues to tour some of the world’s biggest country artists.
Lee Kernaghan will present the category which has as finalists Imogen Clark, Rachael Fahim, Hayley Jensen, Missy Lancaster and Tailgate Drive. Finalists for Australian Artist of the Year are Adam Brand, Travis Collins, Morgan Evans, The McClymonts and The Wolfe Brothers. For Female Artist of the Year are Kasey Chambers, Christie Lamb, Amber Lawrence, Fanny Lumsden and Caitlyn Shadbolt. For Male Artist of the Year... Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, Travis Collins, Morgan Evans and Lee Kernaghan. For Australian Video of the Year... Adam Brand with Drunk, Travis Collins with Hometown Calling, Fanny Lumsden with Roll On, The McClymonts with Don’t Wish It All Away and O’Shea with Start Over. For Group or Duo of the Year... Travis Collins & Amber Lawrence, The McClymonts, O’Shea, The Sunny Cowgirls and The Wolfe Brothers. For International Artist of the Year... Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban. For International Video of the Year... Kelsea Ballerini with Legends, Luke Bryan with Fast, Brad Paisley with Last Time For Everything, Blake Shelton with I’ll Name The Dogs and Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood with The Fighter. Winners will be announced Thursday March 15 at 8:30pm AEDT during the live telecast on CMC hosted by The McClymonts. Performers on the night will include Kelsea Ballerini, Travis Collins, Amber Lawrence (who will join Travis on stage to perform a duet from their award winning Our Backyard) and Darius Rucker. The Awards night will also recognised Lee Kernaghan's top selling The 25th Anniversary Album and Shania Twain's Now. Weblink – countrymusicchannel.com.au. |
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Described as "a unique four-day music and cultural experience" the Festival will feature a big line-up of entertainers from Thursday April 19 through to and including Sunday April 22.
A "relaxed and open format will allow patrons to curate their own musical adventure from the wide range of options available to suit their own itinerary and taste while they enjoy the country hospitality that is unique to Winton," according to a Festival spokesman.
Entertainment will resume in various venues from 12.30pm through until 4.30pm.
Country music is definitely in the air at Easter time in Australia.
Queensland has several major events including 
NSW has 
The 
New Zealand country artist Peter Caulton died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, March 13. He was 71.
Finnian Johnson – a rising country star, as evidenced by a number of wins at Tamworth in January – was presented with the Junior MO award.
Back in the 1950s, two young country music entertainers hit the road with their first music tour, along with a five-week-old daughter.
noise11.com
Canada's Dean Brody was announced as winner of the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award and was presented with his trophy at the weekend's CMC Rocks Queensland at Ipswich.
And the winners are...
For Blues & Roots Work of the Year, the finalists are Best Part Of Me by Thomas Busby, Jeremy Marou & Jon Hume, recorded by Busby Marou, Getaway Car by Thomas Busby, Jeremy Marou & David Ryan Harris, recorded by Busby Marou, Isn't It A Pity written and recorded by Bernard Fanning, Junglewritten and recorded by Tash Sultana and Reckless written and recorded by Bernard Fanning.
Held at the East Cessnock Bowling Club, the day started with the 10 years and under section with Sam Thompson who took out the honours. "Sam is eight years old and did a great job," according to a spokesman for thr organisers. Second place went to Mieke Williscroft from Annandale.
Established in 2002, the ISC is recognised as the world's largest songwriting competition and is open to all professional and amateur songwriters. More than 16,000 entries were received for the current Awards from 130 countries.
More than 500 have already signed up including Kasey Chambers (pictured), Cold Chisel, Paul Kelly, Midnight Oil, Kate Miller-Heidke and The Wiggles and will contribute to the band's first single Stand By You.
"Foxtel and CMC recognises the contribution Rob Potts made to the country music industry and is proud to rename the CMC New Artist Award in his honour.“