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This website dedicated to bringing you the latest Australian country music news |
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NEWS ARCHIVES MAY 2007 WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2007 Lonnie Lee has released a new "country rockabilly" CD titled North West Mail.
"To sum up the album, it would be fair to say it was inspired as a retrospective which encapsulates the long and varied life of this music icon," said the release announcing the new CD. "The songs were written in an amazingly short time, perhaps giving some indication as to how much it came from the heart... all have a very personal reason for their being and they individually relate to many facets of his early years, the inspirations, the sadness, the isolation in the country as well as the incredible excitement of being one of the very first to bring this brand new and innovative music to Aussie teenagers." Meanwhile, Lonnie has also announced he will appear in Country Music Capital this July as part of the Hats Off To Country festival. Whilst his first shows in Tamworth go back nearly 50 years when he introduced rock 'n' roll to the city at the Tamworth Town Hall, this year will be the first time he has attended the Hats Off festival. Lonnie has an extensive run of tour dates available on his website. The Tamworth performance will be "intimate casual shows" Lonnie says at the North Tamworth Bowling Club and will feature many songs from his two latest self written albums, Light Of Love and the new release North West Mail. Weblink – www.lonnielee.com. A special tribute to the late Slim Dusty weekend has been set for Wooroolin in the South Burnett region of Kingaroy in South East Queensland on Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30.
Live music will also be staged at the Boggy Creek Pub with artists including Col Allen, The BobKatz, Wayne Holly and Sheree, Les Lawson, Bobby Rickets and Jason Ryan. Camping will be available on site together with bar and food stalls. Busking will also be a feature. All funds raised during the weekend go to help the Wooroolin and Tinny schools and the Wooroolin Lions Club and local Scout group. Further information can be obtained from Steve Daly on 07 4164 2311 or email wsdaly@bigpond.com.au. The event is being organised by Fig Jam Music who are expecting a large influx of tourists to the region to support the event. "We are endeavoring to make this an annual fundraising festival type of event for the whole region," Steve said. Artists wanting to donate their time by performing during the weekend should contact Steve.
Performing with her band, Casey will perform on Saturday June 9 for the major event which continues on the 10th and 11th. The Saturday will feature aircraft activity all day with Casey performing from about 6:30pm. "It will be a great night out for all ages," Casey said, "with children’s amusements, food stalls, market stalls, war birds, light aircraft, liquor booth and much more." Proceeds from the event will aid the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service. Weblink – www.caseywatt.com. Christie Eliezer reports in his weekly column at themusic.com.au that Festivals Australia provides funding assistance to Australian regional and community festivals for the presentation of quality projects. Funding is available to add a new or special sort of cultural activity that has never been included in the festival before and could not otherwise be afforded. The funding round closes on July 16 for projects beginning after January 1, 2008. Festivals Australia Regional Residencies provides assistance to regional and remote communities that wish to "tell a local story or express a local theme", at a local festival or major community celebration. Funding is available to engage an artist in residence to work with community participants to help them develop an arts project on a local or regional theme and present it publicly at the festival or celebration. Further information from Lois Wishart Lindsay on 02 6271 1922, program officers Jane Fleming or Juliet Sera on 02 6271 1661 or 02 6271 1931, or email festivals.australia@dcita.gov.au. TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2007 A big time for country music in NZ New Zealand's Gold Guitar festivities continue this week in Gore following a big launch at the weekend. Adam Harvey and Pixie Jenkins starred in the Australian Country Road Show on Friday night while the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards Walk-up Concert was set for last night at the Longford Function Centre.
Tomorrow's activities include a songwriting seminar with writers Don McGlashan and Mike Moroney and music industry representatives Ant Healey, Director of NZ Operations APRA, Petrina George, Manager – Member Services, APRA, and Cath Andersen – General Manager, NZ Music Industry Commission. The night time feature is a concert at the Longford Function Centre. A busking competition gets underway on Thursday in Gore's main shopping area from 12 noon while the MLT (Mataura Licensing Trust) sponsored Songwriting Awards will be held in the evening. Busking is a feature again from 12noon Friday as things "hot up" for another big weekend. Awards will be presented on Friday night for the RIANZ (Recording Industry Association of NZ) Best NZ Country Music Album (or Tui Award) and APRA Best NZ Country Music Song. Special guests will include Michael King and Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French from Australia. Saturday afternoon sees the conducting of the Transport Repairs & MLT Longford Tavern Truck Parade while the busking competition finals get underway at 12noon with a "Dusk Busk Off" set down for 4.30pm. Senior sections in the Awards run Sunday with the 40 Plus Finals on Sunday night featuring 2007 finalists and last year's winner Sharon Williams and the Santa Rosa Showcase to follow. The Southland Times New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards Newslink Senior Finals follow with guest Artist 2006 Senior Gold Guitar Awards winners North v South (Kylie Austin, Leanne Cryer) and backing by Tightazz. Weblink – www.goldguitars.co.nz. First ever Cessnock Festival a huge success By Anna Rose Following a hugely successful weekend, the inaugural O’Neills Tyres Cessnock City Country Music Festival is now firmly established on the Australian country calendar. "The event that was the dream of Hunter Valley music enthusiast Rhonda Astill became a sparkling reality over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 25-27, with hundreds turning out to enjoy the quality music on offer. From Friday’s official opening by Cessnock Mayor John Clarence, featuring the award-winning Wolverines, through to the first major concert that night – it was quality all the way.
They were back bright and early Saturday morning for the free concerts, beginning at 10.30am with Hunter-based singer-songwriter Rob Wilson backed by a fine band of musicians – Brad Bergen (lead guitar), Peter Figures (drums), Simon Johnson (bass) and Chad Plane on keyboards. Paxton entertainer Kellie Cain proved her worth on the agenda, stepping up to the microphone, with her guitar and stompbox, completing a six-song set, joined for her final two numbers by the band.
Last year's Golden Saddle Award winner Amber Lawrence made lots of friends during her action-packed performance and traditional bluegrass with Karen Lynne and Acoustic Shock was a fitting finale to that day’s free entertainment enjoyed by some 400 to 500 people. John Wilson set up in the bar to entertain patrons from around 5.30 before that evening’s big show with the Wolverines, which started at 8pm. Four hundred paying customers streamed through the auditorium doors and didn’t stop rocking til the last note was played by country’s favourite party band composed of Chris Doyle, Darcy LeYear and John Clinton. Sunday’s agenda of Lisa White, Makaylie Foodey, Sharnee Fenwick, Slim Newton, Bruce McCumstie, Karen Lynne and Acoustic Shock and Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French gave patrons a great dose of country. Event organiser Rhonda Astill was absolutely delighted with the outcome of her first festival, and said plans were already well underway for next year’s event. "So many people there were talking about 'next year' – I don’t think there’s any way I will get out of putting another festival together," she said. "I’m just so thrilled with the support of the local business houses and, in particular, our wonderful host venue for their unstinting support. They all had faith in the project and what it could do for Cessnock and I believe that faith was well founded, with the results we achieved this first time round. Marlene Hartog from the East Cessnock Bowling Club was also delighted with the weekend of music and is very keen to continue that association in the years to come. "The club was buzzing with people all weekend and they were a very happy crowd to have around," she said. "We would be more than pleased to see them all back again next year – and they’re more than welcome to bring plenty of their friends too." Photos by Anna Rose (top): The McClymonts – Brooke, Mollie and Samantha; below: Rhonda with Karl Broadie and Rhonda Astill. Country music fans put on their cowboy boots and mustered up support for local community radio station 2REM in Albury at the weekend according to Sarah Dean at "The Border Mail". Boot-scootin’ and line-dancing were the order of the day for the eight-hour fundraising concert at Thurgoona’s Kinross Wool Shed.
"Because we play a lot of country music, we thought what better way to raise money than to hold a country music concert," she said. "We have invited all the local country music artists to perform to show the community the talent we have here on the Border." The money raised would be used to purchase new equipment for the station, Lyn said. Albury’s Bob Dearing was the first to purchase a ticket to the event last week. "I have come with a few friends to enjoy an afternoon and night of singing and dancing," he said yesterday. "The Kinross Woolshed is such a great venue for country music as the acoustics are great." Former Australian Idol finalist and country singer Korey Livy (pictured) was compere and also performed. "In an effort to keep the station afloat, all the local country music performers have donated their time to perform today," he said. "The station has been a great ambassador for country music for years." Korey said country music had been growing in popularity for years now. "Some people still have the perception that country music is country and western style, but country music has evolved a lot and is more of a raw sound," he said. Other performers on the bill included Katie Baldock, Kelly Hope, Richard Perso, Karen Ritchen, Texas Rose and Kristell Taylor. MONDAY, MAY 28, 2007 Lee announces Grenfell line-up Lee Kernaghan has announced artists for the second Spirit of the Bush Concert to be held at Grenfell in the NSW Central West on Saturday June 30.
"I am thrilled that Jimmy Barnes can join us in Grenfell for this concert," Lee said. "Jimmy put his hand up for the last event in Horsham but was unable to appear due to his recent surgery. I am so pleased he is back fighting fit and can help us make June 30 a day that will be remembered for many years to come by the thousands of families that will join us in Grenfell. "There is something for everyone here," Lee said, "and it is a lineup that will probably never be repeated. I want to thank the artists for their support and generous donation of their time and talent." The first Spirit of the Bush Concert that at Horsham in the Victorian Wimmera in March saw a turn-out of 20,000 people who enjoyed a day of music as a community and put aside the pressures created by drought for what was a very special day celebrating the Spirit of the Bush. The concert idea was born during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January as Lee and NSW Premier Morris Iemma led the Toyota Country Music Cavalcade. "I was telling the Premier about the Victorian concert," Lee said. "He was fast to express his interest in helping us produce an event for NSW. Within a couple of weeks his staff called us and said the Premier will fund a drought relief event for NSW. "The organisation and infrastructure for these events is huge and I want to acknowledge the other sponsors who help us deliver the services, infrastructure and security required for a safe event of this magnitude... Woolworths, Smorgon Steel Great Scrap Round Up and Rex Airlines. Our media sponsors are also a vital part of the organisation and I also want to thank them… Rural Press, WIN TV, Country Music Channel and the Caralis Radio Network." The Spirit of the Bush concert is a free event. Admission is by way of a wristband that will be available at multiple outlets around the Central West region of NSW. The distribution points will be announced in local media during the first week of June. A limit of 10 wristbands per person will be allowed. Event organisers are working closely with the Grenfell Mayor and Council on the event. Local Service clubs have been approached to supply all the catering for the event in an effort to keep the funds in the local community. Although the event is not a fund-raiser, Lee will "pass the hat around" to assist Aussie Helpers, a grass roots organisation that helps families deal with the effects of drought. A website for the event opens today at www.spiritofthebush.com. CMC Top 50 – Carrie at number one Carrie Underwood (pictured) has taken over the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) playlist this week with the clip of her hit Wasted.
The McClymonts and Tania Kernaghan jump two places each with, respectively, Baby's Gone Home and Life Don't Get Much Better Than This while Alison Krauss' Missing You drops to seven. Rounding out the top 10, Martina McBride rises to eight with Anyway, Rascal Flatts is at nine with Stand while Sugarland is at 10 with Settlin'. Bullet performers this week include The Sunny Cowgirls, debuting at 15 with Cuttin' Up B&S Style, Markus Meier's Matilda Road (23 to 20), Dianna Corcoran's Stepping Stones (31 to 28), Amber Lawrence with The Things That Bring Me Down (36 to 32), Steve Eales' Girls On Horses (39 to 35), The Audreys' Banjo & Violin (40 to 36), Peter Denahy's The Bloke Who Serves The Beer (43 to 39), Tom Curtain's Chew Like Hell (46 to 40), Angie Whiteley's Brightest Light (44 to 41), Tony Morris' Small Town (45 to 42), The Greencards (new at 44) with Waiting On The Night, Kimber Sparks' Somewhere Between (debuting at 45), Allan Caswell's A Little Bit Of Country In Us All (new at 46) and Steve Passfield's Goin' It Alone (new at 47). The full playlist can be viewed at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au. Karl Broadie has signed a new record deal with ABC Music/Warner Music Australia.
He also announced the upgrading of his website at karlbroadie.com. "We’ve waved goodbye to the ol’ and flung open the door for the new," he said. "Goes without saying, I’m chuffed with these pages. Of course, the brand new website is in anticipation of (the) brand new album." Of the new album, Karl said "I really did want to make a very special record. In my humble opinion and in accordance with my personal taste at least, I sincerely feel that, together with producer Matt Fell and his abyssal talent! This has been achieved with One Million Emeralds." First single off the album will be Sleepy Head, which "will be with radio stations real soon," Karl said. "There will also be a new video clip which I’ll keep you posted about on (the) new website." SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2007 Ginny walks the line with Johnny Otorohanga, NZ, singer Ginny Peters is to join legendary country singer Johnny Cash in an American hall of musical fame, writes Kelly Gregor in "The Waikato Times".
"You can't get your head around it. I walked so many halls of fame he's in. It means something that it will be there forever," she said. Ginny will travel to the US in August to perform at the Association's old-time country music festival together with other leading New Zealand singers. "I don't feel there's any separation between the countries (in music). It's going to be a Kiwi invasion. They're going to raise the flag and even have kiwifruit to eat," Ginny said. "I love music. It makes me think, it moves me. I'm a wordsmith with a guitar, not an entertainer. They (America) have taken me for what I am." Ginny and her husband run a successful publishing company called Pegasus which distributes lyrics to artists such as Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood. Photo by Mark Taylor, Waikato Times. Wayne to feature in Kentucky Down Under County Days International Australian country star Wayne Horsburgh (pictured) will be special guest at America's Kentucky Down Under, an Australian themed animal park, when it hosts its annual County Days for locals on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10.
Wayne’s career has taken him all over the world and he has shared the stage with performers such as Emmylou Harris, The Oak Ridge Boys, Freddy Fender, Ricky Van Shelton, Sammy Kershaw, Lorrie Morgan and Toby Keith, to name a few. He has recorded 16 albums during his career to date, the latest CDs being Land Of Enchantment and Memories & Guitar Strings. His numerous awards and achievements have made him one of the busiest and most respected entertainers in Australian country music. Kentucky Down Under is described as a fun, interactive and educational Australian animal park with a beautifully decorated cave. Weblink – www.kdu.com. Chart update – Tim hits number one Tim McGraw (pictured) hits the top of the Country Tracks National Top 30 Singles Chart this week with his latest hit Last Dollar (Fly Away).
James Blundell edges up one place to five with Higher Than Heaven, John Williamson's Wildlife Warrors: It's Time drops to six while Keith Urban's latest hit – I Told You So – zooms into the top 10 at seven. John O'Dea's Old Rusty Ute is steady at eight while Karen Lynne and Nicki Gillis swap ninth and 10th places respecively with Roses In The Snow and Leaving You For Myself (Karen's at nine, Nicki at 10). Bullet performers this week include Tania Kernaghan's Life Don't Get Much Better Than This (19 to 15), Paul Costa's A Lover's Question (23 to 19), Adam Brand's Can't Live Without Your Love (28 to 23), Jeff Brown's Counting Down The Ks (27 to 24) and Melinda Schneider with Stronger (29 to 25). New entries this week include Anita Ree with the title track to her current album Bush Girl's Heart (in at 30). The Top 30 Countdown goes to air tomorrow night, Sunday, on CMR (Country Music Radio) on the Super Radio Network. The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2007 Tourism Tamworth warns of accommodation scam Tourism Tamworth – Country Music Capital's local tourism organisation – has warned visitors to the city to be aware of an Internet scam currently running in relation to the annual country music festival in January.
A number of individuals who have left classified ads on a local website with accommodation requests for the city's busiest time of year have been targetted by a "scammer" offering accommodation at the "Pop Star Motel" which does not exist. The "scammer" requests full payment of accommodation required by credit card. "This is a huge concern for us," said Rebel Thomson, Tourism Tamworth's General Manager. "The last thing we want is for anyone anticipating a great festival experience to arrive here only to find that their accommodation does not exist. "We have contacted the website who has since put a notice on their classifieds page however we are asking all interested visitors to ensure they book their accommodation through legitimate channels." Meanwhile, Tourism Tamworth is putting the final touches on their Festival Information Guide which is the booklet sent out to all interested Festival-goers. This guide contains factual information that is compiled by Tourism Tamworth and all information including contact details are checked with the operators. The 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra Information Guide will be available from the beginning of June 2007. Visitors can request a guide by contacting Tourism Tamworth on 02 6767 5300 or by visiting www.visittamworth.com.au.
"We are trying to get 88,000 views on You-tube," Drew says, "that being the number of people diagnosed with cancer each year in Australia." All proceeds from the song and $1 from every album sale goes straight to Tourdecure. Weblink – www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV1i2SwIXak. After the success already from her acclaimed new album Luckiest Girl Alive, Donna Boyd is releasing a new single, Angels Fly Close To The Ground.
Angels Fly Close To The Ground is described as "a beautifully crafted ballad about Donna's grandmother's passing, penned by Donna with Merelyn and David Carter. The single has been released to radio this week on NfS 14. This year is shaping up as another big year for Donna as she has been asked to co-host the 11th annual Australian Independent Country Music Awards (the Southern Stars) in October. Among Donna's other major appearances this year will be the 2007 Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie and the Mildura Country Music Festival in September. Weblink – www.donnaboyd.com. Entries open for WAM Song of the Year Amateur or professional songwriters are invited to enter the WAM Song of the Year 2007.
Entrants can enter their original songs into the categories of pop, country, blues & roots, jazz, rock, heavy rock/metal, urban, world, folk, electronic/dance, mixed bag, love, gospel, professional and school aged categories. Prizes for Indigenous and Regional Song of the Year are drawn from entrants in every category. "No one misses out in 2007 because this year WAM Song of the Year introduces a professional category where published Western Australian based songwriters are given the chance to enter their works," organisers say. Entries close on August 10. Weblink – www.wam.asn.au. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007 Kel-Anne to sing for the troops Kel-Anne Brandt will be part of the next troupe to entertain members of the armed services on the Solomon Islands.
"We'll be on Guadalcanal," Kel-Anne said, "the main island of the Solomons. We won't get put up in fancy accommodation. We'll share the same food and drink and sleep in the same type of accommodation as the diggers who are on duty out there. We'll be singing at their main base near Honiara, the capital, and also putting on mini-shows at other places where they are on duty." The service personnel on the Solomons are all part of Operation Anode, the Australian Defence Forces’ part in RAMSI (the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands) which began in 2003 at the request of the Solomon Islands Government. "Our soldiers – along with soldiers from three other Pacific nations – are supporting police from a total of 16 Pacific nations," Kel-Anne said, "including Australian Federal Police as they back up the Solomon Islands Police Force in its task of restoring law and order." Weblink – www.shownet.com.au/brandt.html. The winter festival season gets into swing this weekend with the annual Norfolk Island Country Music Festival which has a big line-up of guest artists and the 2007 TransTasman Entertainer of the Year quest.
Guest stars from Australia include multi-award winner Paul Costa and 2006 Coopers Golden Saddle title holder Amber Lawrence, together with last year's TransTasman Entertainer of the Year Briana Lee. The 14th annual Festival and 13th annual TransTasman quest, organised and staged by the Norfolk Island Country Music Association (NICMA) kicks off on Sunday and runs through to the following Sunday, June 3. Over the past 13 years, Norfolk Island has seen some of the great name artists performing on the island and audiences have been thrilled with the calibre of artists who perform at the NI Country Music Festival which is staged over four main nights, leaving days free for visitors to enjoy the beauty and history of Norfolk Island. The first of the main nights is Tuesday which sees the staging of the TransTasman Entertainer of the Year Quest with finalists, from Australia, Krystal Donnelly, Tony Fracchia, Lee Kirby, Vanessa Lee Shirley, Penelope Somerville and from New Zealand, Kylie Austine and Brendon Liley. Weblink – www.norfolkisland.com.au. Also this weekend is the very first Cessnock (NSW) Country Music Festival which will feature the Wolverines in a special fund-raiser in aid of the quest for a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF).
There will be a fundraising sausage sizzle organised by LJ Hooker Cessnock in Harold Sternbeck Park (opposite the LJ Hooker Cessnock office) from noon to 3pm and all it will cost is a donation of $1. The day will be full of fun for locals with the LJ Hooker Bear handing out balloons and there will be face painting for the young ones. Locals will get a taste of what’s to come for the weekend of music with The Wolverines performing live. Cessnock Mayor Cr John Clarence will officially launch the Festival during proceedings. 65 Roses Day raises national awareness of cystic fibrosis which affects one child born every four days in Australia. “LJ Hooker has raised over $1.7 million to date for CF research. The serious genetic condition affects the ability to breathe and digest food, and seriously impairs life expectancy; and as yet there is no cure,” real estate principal Todd Fisher said. He explained that Cystic Fibrosis Australia adopted the "65 Roses Day" name from a young boy’s inability to pronounce his sister’s condition. "Ironically, he thought she had a gift of sixty-five roses." The Festival proper begins with the The McClymonts concert on Friday night at the East Cessnock Bowling Club where Karl Broadie will open the show, and on Saturday night, the big show will be presented by the Wolverines. Throughout Saturday and Sunday artists such as Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French, Alby Pool, Kirsty Lee Akers, Karen Lynne and Acoustic Shock, Bruce McCumstie and more will provide entertainment free of charge for patrons. All activities will be held at the East Cessnock Bowling Club. Ticket inquiries can be made at the club by phoning (02) 4990 1444.
Stars of the show this year include Rick Carey, Tracy Coster (pictured), Glenn Jones, Anne Kirkpatrick, Matt Manning, Ian Quinn and Brian Young. The Tenthill Turnout is an annual event held on the weekend closest to the late Stan Coster's birthday and pays tribute to Stan, one of Australia's best known bush balladeers, and his music. | |||||||||
The album is described as "an autobiographical journey into Lonnie's past" and has already spawned a single, My Rockabilly Band which is reportedly already getting great reviews and airplay.
Titled the Boggy Creek Slim Dusty Tribute Weekend, the event will include Friday and Saturday matinee shows, a Friday night campfire concert with walk-up artists and two shows on Saturday night, one in the Town Hall and another campfire concert at the sports ground.
Rising country star Casey Watt will headline entertainment at the 15th annual Old Station Fly-In and Air Show at "The Old Station" at Raglan, Queensland.
The Hands of Fame Induction Show is tonight's main event with guest Artists Bob Mason & Apache and inductees Jim Lange from Kaiapoi and Brian Ringrose (pictured) from Christchurch.
The Country Music Spectacular featured 12 country music artists from around the region. Speaking for Radio 2REM, Lyn Klippel said, as community radio, the station needed all the support it could receive with fundraising.
Jimmy Barnes, Adam Brand, Diesel, Steve Forde & The Flange, Tania Kernaghan, Leo Sayer and The McClymonts will all join Lee on the concert bill.
Keith Urban is at two with I Told You So, Adam Brand jumps two places to three with Can't Live Without Your Love while Gretchen Wilson's number one from last week – Come To Bed – drops to four.
Announcing the signing, Karl said his new album – One Million Emeralds – has been slated for release on July 7.
The US National Traditional Country Music Association has invited Ginny, who met Johnny during a New Zealand tour, to be inducted into an international category, and she says she was stunned to be remembered in the same hall of fame as the influential singer.Mrs Peters, who met the late Mr Cash during a New Zealand tour, said 
Born and raised in the Victorian countryside near Benalla, Victoria, Wayne started singing at a young age, forming his own dance band at 11.
Carter & Carter's number one from the last two weeks – Run Away – slips to number two while Travis Sinclair's Rockin' The Rig rises to three and Tom Curtain's Chew Like Hell is steady at four.