AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS — SEPTEMBER 2012 |
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
A big country weekend
The October long weekend in NSW is this weekend and there will be plenty of country music activity in various parts of the state over the next few days.
In addition to the Deni Ute Muster and Mildura Festival (which starts today) there are also activities in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
Following is some of the detail...
Texas Country
First cab off the rank is in Queensland with the Texas Country Music Roundup staging its biggest day tomorrow.
 The day kicks off with a bush poet's breakfast and then runs with music all day with a special appearance by Pixie Jenkins this evening and concerts by Jeff Brown (pictured), Lindsay Butler, Shaza Leigh and Dean Perrett.
Sunday is a wrap-up day for what has been seven days of activity in the town and at the Texas Sporting Complex with another bush breakfast, gospel singing and walk-up artists.
In addition to the artists already mentioned, the following acts were listed on the Roudup bill... Greg Bain, Ashley Cook, Marge Graham, Lynette Guest & Rodney Walker, Ged & Trudy Hintz, Keith Jamieson, Brian Letton, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, Allan Luscombe, The Sempf Family, Alisha Smith, Judy Stevens, The Stolzies, "Tappin'" Teddy Thompson and bush poets Ray Essery, Gary Fogarty and John Major.
Weblink – www.texascountrymusic.com.au.
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Parkes Spectacular
Next up is the annual 2PK Parkes Country Music Spectacular which started yesterday and runs through to and including Monday.
The Spectacular is held annually on the October Long Weekend and feature artists and groups entertainment for night time concerts and a two day talent quest with awards night held on the Sunday night.
Family functions, buskers, poets and street concerts are all part of the action.
Click here for contact detail.
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Ballina Coastal Country
The Ballina Coastal Country Music Festival will run for the second time this year after a very successful inaugural event in 2011.
 Running over three days, today until Sunday, the Festival takes place at numerous venues.
The artist roster includes headliners Carter & Carter, Pixie Jenkins and The Sunny Cowgirls (pictured) together with 8 Ball Aitken, The Bostocks, Brothers3, The Chris Cook Band, Errol Gray, Kathryn Jones, Doug McIntyre, Christian Power & Lonesome Train, The Rain, Graham Rodger, The Round Mountain Girls, Dane Sharp & Caroline Taylor-Knight with Duncan Wood & The Touchwood Band and Travis Sinclair.
Also appearing will be The Barkers Vale Brothers, The Beaut Utes, Clay Blyth, The Family Tree Band, Bo Jenkins, Glenn Massey, The Mumblers Ali Smith, Sandy Thorne, Thrillbilly Stomp and Uncle Bob's Jug Band.
Weblink – ballinacountrymusic.com.
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Semaphore Country
South Australia gets into the weekend act with the Semaphore Music Festival.
Although broader in musical style, the event features some country, including appearances by rising star Amber Joy Poulton (pictured).
It runs from today until Sunday.
Weblink – semaphoremusicfestival.com.
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A big weekend in Country Music Capital
 Also on this weekend, Tamworth, Country Music Capital has a big program of country music including two significant album launches, both from locally based traditional artists.
First up, though. is the appearance of American star Joe Nicholls (pictured) in the city's Entertainment Centre tonight supported by Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Morgan Evans.
On the album release front, John Grills will release 22 Wheels tomorrow and Patti Morgan (pictured) will release Walking On My Way tomorrow night
Patti recorded her last album, A Single Yellow Rose, in 2001. The new work was put produced under the guiding hand of Steve Newton at Enrec Studios.
 Described as "a wonderful, traditional album, it's country all the way, from the title track, an old Slim Dusty song, to Joy McKean's beautiful Old Aunt Eliza" – all songs chosen by Patti and her husband Peter Summer.
On the album, Patti also salutes another fine Australian songwriter in Stan Coster, with her covers of I Hope You're Satisfied, I'll Say No More and Won't Those Memories Let Me Be.
Musicians and back up singers on the album included Alwyn Aurisch, Steve Charles, Andrew Clermont, Jodie Crosby, Lynette Guest, Lawrie Minson, Steve Newton and Randall Wilson.
Patti came to Tamworth in the early 1970s and has been a mainstay of the city's country music scene since that time.
 More than 30 years ago she teamed up with Lynette Guest and the two of them have not only had a remarkable friendship, their musical union has seen them acknowledged as one of the city's finest country combinations.
Patti and her husband Peter stage a regular monthly concert at West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club. Now in its 10th year, the Makeshift Strictly Country Music Jam at the club will be the launching pad tomorrow night for Patti's new release.
The launch will be supported by Dally Croft, Graeme Doubleday and Linda Jones.
Local recording engineer, artist and songwriter John Grills' (pictured) new album is a trucking CD, 22 Wheels and it will be launched during a reunion for local truck drivers at the city's Jack Woolaston Oval from 1pm tomorrow.
A former truckie himself (John spent more than 30 years driving interstate and knows the ins and outs
of life on the road better than most) John put his experience and knowledge into the 11 original songs for the new CD.
Local and visiting artists will join John to keep the music flowing for the truckies, including Col Behan, John Brand, Joe & Dally Croft, Graeme Doubleday, Mal and Janet Gallagher, John Goodare, Kevin Harris, Alf, Rhonda & Kirk Hatch, Brian Howard, Carolyne Morris, Cliff Stein, Truckin' Stevens, Col Taylor and Wendy Wood.
An impressive array of big rigs will also be on show.
Other country entertainment in Country Music Capital through the weekend includes Brett Larkham at the Locomotive Hotel and Peter McWhirter at Wests Diggers tonight, Matt O'Leary at The Tudor Hotel tomorrow night and an afternoon of country with the Dally Croft Band and host Rob Breese at The Oasis Hotel on Sunday evening.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
Golden Guitar nominations close Tuesday
Nominations for the 2013 Country Music Awards of Australia (Golden Guitar Awards) close this coming Tuesday (October 2) at 5pm.
 Organisers of the Awards, the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), say it's an exciting year for the Awards with the introduction of two new categories... Alternative Country Album of the Year and Top Selling International Album of the Year.
"The CMAA is pleased to introduce the Alternative Country Album of the Year category," a spokesman said. "This award recognises artists who sit stylistically outside the mainstream of country. It increases the chances of winning an award for fringe artists who operate partially or wholly within the country music community and creates opportunities for artists who may have previously considered themselves too far outside the mainstream to consider nominating."
The Top Selling International Album award will recognise the significant achievement by an international artist in Australia and encourages interaction with country music communities in other territories, the spokesman said. The category is based solely on Australian album sales.
This year's nomination process also sees the Album of the Year categories now uploaded and voted online through the BigPulse website, with all nomination forms also permitted to be submitted electronically for the first time.
"The eligibility criteria for several existing awards has also been modified," the spokesman said. "A summary of those changes is detailed in the nomination information booklet which can be downloaded from the CMAA website www.country.com.au.
The 2013 Awards will be staged on Saturday January 26 (Australia Day) at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre. Tickets will be on sale soon.
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Paul's 30th anniversary
Singer/songwriter Paul Bonner Jones will celebrate his 30th anniversary as a professional musician with a live recording at Enrec Studios on Tuesday October 16.
 Paul says from humble beginnings, he swapped his paint brush for a microphone in October 1982 with the Charged Up duo, alongside guitarist Glenn Steed.
They performed at RSLs, pubs and clubs in Sydney and seasonal gigs at the Snowys, Jindabyne and Smiggins from 1983 to 1985.
He performed as a solo act for many years and established a popular "jam night" on the Queensland Gold Coast and later Tweed Heads.
In 1995, Paul was a top 10 finalist in Toyota Star Maker, the year the quest was won by Tanya Self.
He has made a number of recordings in the past, including a five track EP.
For the past six years, Paul has performed at the Nashville Songwriters Festival and this year as a first-time speaker, was sponsored by the Regional Arts Fund Quicks.
Last year, he and Steve Newton co-produced the first country album ever to be released by a disability service in the western region. Titled One Big Family, four of the 10 tracks were co-written with clients who also performed as the Westhaven choir.
Paul has won a few international song comps, four Tamworth Songwriters' Association finalist placings but lately has been focusing his energies on songwriting with partner Patricia Cruzado and parenting with their newborn Matilda.
Anyone wanting to be in the audience for the 30th anniversary live recording session, which will run from 6.30 to 8.30pm on the 16th, can contact Enrec on 02 6762 8072. The first 10 people to book in will receive a free CD.
Photo: Paul (left) with Steve Newton at Enrec.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
Song lyric writers to be recognised in Bush Laureate Awards
In January 2013 for the first time, the Australian Bush Laureate Awards will recognise the close traditional link between Australian rhymed bush verse and Australian song lyrics.
 A spokesman for Awards organisers said they believed it was important to acknowledge that song lyrics were a legitimate and valuable component of traditional Australian rhymed verse.
And, accordingly, they have introduced an award for a recorded song lyric in the rhyming folk or country tradition, that best reflects Australia's unique spirit and heritage.
The new category, for Recorded Australian Song Lyric of the Year, will be judged on lyrics only and must have been first released or published during the current Awards period, the 12 months ending September 30, 2012.
The Australian Bush Laureate Awards, which started in 1995, have presented their famous Golden Gumleaf trophies to the cream of Australia's bush poets over the past 18 years. The link with Australian music has long been apparent with many famous Australian balladists having their poems set to music over the years.
Organisers say they hope many well known songwriters will enter their lyrics in the new category.
In addition to the new award, the Australian Bush laureate Awards recognises a number of categories: Book of the Year, Collected Verse Book of the Year, Album of the Year, Single Recorded Performance of the Year, Published Poem of the Year, Children’s Poem or Track of the Year and the Judith Hosier Heritage Award presented to an individual or organisation for outstanding achievement in nurturing Australia’s unique heritage of rhymed verse.
A highlight of the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, the 2013 Australian Bush Laureate Awards will be held in the Tamworth Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon January 22.
More details on the Australian Bush Laureate Awards, including a downloadable entry form, can be obtained at the Awards website www.bushlaureate.com.au.
The date for final receipt of nominations is Monday October 15.
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Chart Update – Paul takes over at the top
Paul Costa's hit Tractors & Bikes has hit the top of the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week.
 Catherine Britt's Always Never Enough slips to number two while Adam Brand's There Will Be Love edges up one more place to number three as does Harmony James' Emmylou's Guitar to number four.
Roo Arcus, Kristy Cox and Natalie Howard all jump two places to be at five, six and seven, respectively, with This Here Cowboy, Miles & Timezones and You Oughta Marry Me.
America's Kenny Chesney is at eight with Come Over, Chris E Thomas enters the top 10 at nine with Stone Cold and America's George Strait is at 10 with Drinkin' Man.
Bullet performers for the week Tamara Stewart's Sisterhood (Of Feeling Good) (15 to 11), Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson's Adam & Eve (18 to 14), Luke O'Shea & Dianna Corcoran's New England Sky (24 to 19), The Harmonators' Save Her Soul (23 to 20), Benn Gunn's I Like Girls That Drink Beer (25 to 22), John Williamson's The Big Red (26 to 23), Adi Burgess' That's What Love Will Getcha (19 to 16), Troy Cassar-Daley's Home (28 to 24), McAlister Kemp's Home (29 to 25) and Aly Cook's Country Storm (30 to 27).
New entries to the chart this week are Bob Corbett with Blown Away (in at 29) and Kaylen Rains' Outta Here (at 30).
The full chart can be viewed at – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
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Baylou tops CMC Top 50
New duo Baylou (Victoria and Barbara Baillie, pictured) have hit the top of the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist this week with their clip of the single Target On My Heart.
 Other Australian acts featuring in this week's top 10 are Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson with Adam And Eve (up one from to three), Chelsea Basham's Laugh It Off (at five, also up one), McAlister Kemp's Home (at seven, another one up one place) and Troy Cassar-Daley's Home (11 to eight).
Bullet performers in the top 20 to 50 include Tamara Stewart's Sisterhood (Of Feeling Good) (22 to 19), Adam Brand's There Will Be Love (20 to 16), Luke Austen's Drive (new at 22) and Luke O'Shea & Dianna Corcoran's New England Sky (26 to 23).
Other new entries to the chart include Adam Toms with Rowdy Together (in at 50).
Weblink – www.countrymusicchannel.com.au.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2012
Deni Ute Muster update
The 2012 Deni Ute Muster and Play on the Plains Festival runs this Friday and Saturday at the NSW town of Deniliquin.
 The Muster line-up includes headliners Lee Kernaghan, The McClymonts (pictured) and John Williamson with Daryl Braithwaite, American star Joe Nichols and Canadian star Kelly Clarkson.
Also on the bill are Doug Bruce and the Tailgaters, Travis Collins, 2012 Toyota Star Maker Bob Corbett, Jayne Denham, Morgan Evans, Harry Hookey, Amber Lawrence, The Living End, McAlister Kemp and Jasmine Rae.
The Muster will also feature the world record blue singlet count, the Australian National Circle Work Championships, Tractor Pull, Ute Show and Shine competition, the AWPA (Australian Whipcrackers and Plaiters Association) NSW Whipcracking Championships, ute driving competitions, a bull ride spectacular and the RAAF Roulettes.
Weblink – www.deniutemuster.com.au.
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And Mildura kicks off 10 days on Friday
Meanwhile, the giant Mildura Country Music Festival also kicks off on Friday running for 10 days through to and including the following Sunday (October 7) and featuring the annual Southern Stars (Australian Independent Country Music Awards).
 A festival and Awards featuring only independent Australian country artists, Mildura this year boasts a line-up of more than a hundred artists and groups.
Included on the program of the 26th annual event are... Clelia Adams, Pixie Anne, Emma Barlow, Rick Bartlett, Kaylee Bell, Sharon Benjamin, Olive Bice, Owen Blundell, Lou Bradley, Jeff Brown, Kalesti Butler, the Cahoots Band, Camp Oven Country, Allan Caswell, Stephen R Cheney, Peter Coad & The Coad Sisters, Bob Corbett, Darren Colston, Don Costa, Jayne Denham, Rod Dowsett, Dale Duncan, Angela Easson, Dawyne Elix, Geoff Evans, Melody Feder, Lee Forster, Camille & Stuie, Paul Gibbs & Big Sky, Nicki Gillis, Terry Gordon, Bec Hance, Johanna Hemara, Marie Hodson, Sandra Humphries, Keith Jamieson, Stephanie Jansen, Christie Lamb, Erica Sunshine Lee, Dianna Lindsay, Cameron Mason, Tom Maxwell, Neil McArthur, Graeme McCardle, Tara Naysmith, Slim Newton, John O'Dea, Luke O'Shea, Steve Passfield, Dean Perrett, Alby Pool, Reg Poole, Amber Joy Poulton, Dave Prior, Kim Ritchie, Graham Rodger, Ryan Sampson, Mitchell Shadlow, Gary Smith, Streamline, The Heartleys, Chris E Thomas, Sally-Anne Whitten, Bryen Willems and Chooka Williams.
A large proportion of the artists performing at Mildura have highly successful recording and touring careers and big fan bases throughout Australia.
"What Mildura has steadily developed is something that draws thousands of fans on an annual pilgrimage that would make many non-music lovers scratch their heads in bewilderment," said Organiser John Arnold, fans "often driving thousands of kilometres... converging on this beautiful destination on the banks of the legendary Murray River for 10 days of virtually non-stop country music.
"The fans love the freedom of Mildura, and the value-added factor. For a start, virtually all the musical entertainment is free, and the majority of the shows are multi-artist concerts," Johns said. "If you were paying, the value is certainly there, but in this free environment, everything's a bonus."
Mildura highlights 26 venues spread from the City Mall providing all-day entertainment at central city venues in Mildura to outlying locations like Buronga, Coomealla, Gol Gol, Irymple, Merbein, Red Cliffs and Wentworth.
"Every taste is catered for," John said, "with line dancing, country rock, bluegrass, bush ballads and daily 'walk ups' for those not on the program.
"The culture of Mildura has built up on a real family factor, and that applies equally to the artists as well as the fans. There is a noticeable lack of urgency and panic during the festival, because if you miss a planned event on one day, you can usually catch up later in the week.
"The excitement factor is still there, but there's an element of control built in – and that's why the enjoyment factor is just as evident on day 10 as the start. And the reason the artists enjoy it so much is that it's 10 days of music, friendship and fun."
Weblink – www.milduracountrymusic.com.au.
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Tamworth 2013 launches online comp
A social media competition was launched to promote the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival today.
 Described as Tamworth's "largest ever social media competition" the promotion offers fans the chance to win "the festival experience of a lifetime" ... "a day" with award-winning Australian country duo O'Shea (pictured) or Amber Lawrence and Lee and Paula Bowman from the award-winning country group Jetty Road.
The prize for the "A Day With O'Shea" competition includes flights for two people with Qantas from any major Australian city to Tamworth, accommodation at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse for the duration of the 2013 Festival, courtesy car use and tickets to the Golden Guitar Awards and other Festival shows. Winners will get to spend "a whole day" with Mark & Jay O'Shea including a "VIP experience" at their show during the Festival.
The prize for "A Day With The Girls" lets the winners choose between a fully catered barbecue or a "pamper package" from Jess and James Hair & Makeup, tickets for two people to attend the Golden Guitar Awards and other Festival shows plus "a day out" with Amber, Lee and Paula, including a night out at one of their shows.
"The purpose of the online competition is to give fans the chance to have a unique experience with the artists through social media," said organisers Destination Tamworth. "Social media is one of the best new communication mediums for the Festival, but is also key to targeting a younger audience."
"Online effectiveness was recently demonstrated in a... survey that was distributed both via traditional print communications and online," said Country Music Festival Coordinator Kate Baker. "We had an astounding response to our online survey, attracting 1000 responses in a period of two weeks.
"Social media competitions such as the one we are launching today will continue to build our Facebook audience and will generate on-going connections between the fans, the Festival and the artists," Kate said.
Weblink – www.facebook.com/tamworthcountrymusicfestival.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
Aussie country acts make a mark at Americana festival
Australian country acts made an impact on the recent Americana Music Festival and Conference if reports coming out of America's Music City are anything to go by.
 "Twenty-five acts, four official showcases and [the] worldwide broadcast of [a] special Aussie night on Music City Roots radio [were] among 2012 highlights," said one report from Nashville based AristoMedia.
Australian acts participated in several official festival showcases, luncheons and numerous other Americana-related activities around the city, including Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, Caitlin Harnett, Jordie Lane and Felicity Urquhart who each landed individual showcase performances.
A Maton Aussie Luncheon featured Chris Altmann, Kasey & Shane Nicholson, Caitlin, O'Shea, Chris Pickering, Shandell and Felicity.
Other events included the third annual "Tamworth Taste of Australia at The Bluebird Cafe" songwriters night, a Sister Cities of Nashville/Sounds Australia reception and showcase and an "Aussie BBQ" featuring performances from all 25 artists in this year's group.
Capping off the week of activities was a special, Australian-themed Music City Roots radio show featuring interviews and performances from Chris Altmann, Caitlin Harnett, Jordie Lane and Felicity Urquhart.
Mark O'Shea, of husband and wife duo O'Shea, was selected as one of fives panelists at the Americana Conference's "The Global Panel" which addressed topical issues including social media strategies, touring overseas and career development.
This was the third year the Australian Government and other Australian sponsors had under-written the visit to the Americana event of a number of established and rising Australian country acts.
In addition to those already mentioned, 8 Ball Aitken, Karl Broadie, Lachlan Bryan, Kristy Cox, John Flanagan & The Begin Agains, Lee Griffin, Damian Howard, Kelly Menhennett, Jen Mize, Lee Morgan, Chris Pickering, Melody Pool, Sue Ray, Andrew Redford, Lianna Rose, Ruby Boots, Shandell, Ben Wright Smith and Catherine Traicos appeared at this year's festival.
Photo: The "Tamworth Taste of Australia at The Bluebird Cafe" showcase included (from left): Kelly Menhennett, Lee Morgan, Sue Ray, Felicity Urquhart, Lachlan Bryan, Catherine Traicos, Jordie Lane, Jen Mize, Karl Broadie, Clare Reynolds, Andrew Redford, Sounds Australia manager and host Dobe Newton, Glen Hanna. Photo: Bev Moser.
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EMI sold to Universal
The historic sale of EMI Records to the Universal Music Group has been approved in Australia, Europe and the USA.
 In Europe and the US, the approval was granted on condition that Universal Music agreed to let go of some of its biggest acts including David Bowie, Coldplay, Kylie Minogue and Pink Floyd.
It also means that acts including The Beach Boys and The Beatles will become Universal Music acts, along with key Australian country acts including Slim Dusty and Keith Urban.
The sale had been opposed locally by AIR, the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) who said fans may face higher prices and less access to legal digital tracks in the wake of the ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) decision not to oppose the buyout.
AIR said the market share of the combined major labels would ''likely'' exceed 50 per cent and refuted the ACCC's argument that the takeover would not reduce competition here, according to a report at news.com.au.
The new super label would represent a dream team of chart-topping artists including Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. Ironically, it would also feature acts such as The Rolling Stones and Robbie Williams who left EMI for Universal before the buy-out.
Universal Music Australia disputed AIR's claims and said their ''investment'' in EMI would have the opposite effect on the market.
''Our investment in EMI will create more opportunities for new and established artists, expand music output and consumer choice, and support new digital services,'' a statement read.
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ARIA chart action
 The top four places on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Australian Country Chart this week remain unchanged with the new Kasey Chambers/Shane Nicholson album Wreck And Ruin at one, Keith Urban's The Story So Far at two, Adam Brand's There Will Be Love at three and The McClymonts' Two Worlds Collide at four.
The Very Best Of Slim Dusty rises one place to number five, Lee Kernaghan's Ultimate Hits is up four to six and Catherine Britt's Always Never Enough is at seven.
The Beaut Ute Anthems 2012 compilation is at eight, Keith Urban's Greatest Hits: 18 Kids is at nine and John Williamson's The Big Red is at 10.
Busby Marou's self-titled work is steady at 11 while John Williamson's Absolute Greatest : 40 Years True Blue is at 12.
Check the full listing here.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012
Title track release from Lee's new album
Beautiful Noise is the name of Lee Kernaghan's new album, due for release next month, and the title track, the first single to be released from the album, will be available for download from Monday.
 "Beautiful Noise is a song about a red dirt dream, a big V8 and the promise of an open road," Lee said "It's also about having your girl there with you and the beating of her heart when you hold her close – it's a 'beautiful noise'!"
Lee is clearly not prepared to rest on his laurels when it comes to offering his legion of fans something new, said a spokesman for the artist. "Beautiful Noise has a giant beating country heart and an innovative approach to the music production unlike anything we have heard from him before."
The album is set for release on Friday October 19 through ABC Music/Universal Music Australia and signed copies with a special bonus DVD featuring two performances from CMC Rocks The Hunter 2012 are available for pre-order via the Sanity, JB Hi-Fi, ABC Shop and GetMusic online retail stores.
Lee will be touring in November with Dwight Yoakam.
Weblink – leekernaghan.com.
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Amber released theme song for Special Olympics Juniors
Multi-award winning singer/songwriter Amber Lawrence has released the single Try as the theme song for the Special Olympics Junior Games being held in December 2012.
 Amber wrote the song in 2011 with Drew McAlister and Tamara Stewart and, while it was originally written about Amber's own personal triumphs and trials in life, when the song was finished Amber immediately thought of the Special Olympics.
"The lyrics 'if I fly or if I fall, if I win or lose it all, I'll always try' sum up the spirit of the Special Olympics," Amber said, "and I'm so glad the athletes will use my song as part of their motivation."
Amber has been working with the Special Olympics Dance Group since 2008 and became their ambassador last year. The Dance Group will also perform a choreographed piece to the song Try at the Games opening ceremony alongside Amber.
Try is the third single from Amber's current album 3, and was preceded by the artist's first two chart topping singles from the release Everybody's A Mess and industry favourite The Man Across the Street.
The music video for the single (directed by Duncan Toombs) features Amber as well as Special Olympics Athletes (past and present) in their training regime. The video can be viewed here.
Weblink – www.amberlawrence.com.au.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
Independent Music Awards nominations
Final nominations have been announced for the seventh annual Jagermeister Independent Music Awards to be announced in Melbourne on Tuesday October 16.
In the category for Best Independent Country Album, they are Graeme Connors (pictured) with At The Speed Of Life, Luke O'Shea's The Drover's Wife, Sue Ray's Red Roses, Jess Ribeiro & The Bone Collectors' My Little River and Warren H Williams' Urna Marra.
The Awards are presented and produced by the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR).
Weblink – www.air.org.au.
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New single from Jetty Road
Following the success of three consecutive number one hits on both radio and the Country Music Channel (CMC), Jetty Road have released their latest single, Wrong.
 The song, co-written with Canadian country star George Canyon on the tail end of the band's 2010 international tour, the single also features the singer/songwriter on vocals.
Jetty Road's Lee Bowman says the song holds a special place for band.
"We all remember the day we drove out to [George's] ranch to write the song; its beauty took our breath away. Living on a property with a panoramic view of the snow capped Rocky Mountains will do that to you," she said.
"The majestic backdrop really set the scene for what was to be a wonderful day of songwriting. "I think the song really reflects this. We all knew we had written something special.
So much so, that a few days later, George gave the band a call and said he would love to sing on the song as well.
"Hearing George's voice for the first time sent shivers up my spine," Lee said, "it still does actually.
Canyon shot to fame in North America after coming runner up on the USA Network's "Nashville Star" program. He has since gone on to win countless accolades including Canadian Country Music Awards, SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) and Juno (Canada's Music) Awards in his home country.
"Recorded in true country style, Wrong is a poignant tale of love lost, but never forgotten," Lee said. "The words Every song is a memory, every memory a song remind us just how intertwined music can be within the chapters of our lives."
Weblink – www.jettyroad.com.
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Chart Update – Catherine's second week at number one
Catherine Britt's Always Never Enough dominates the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week at number one for the third week in succession.
 Paul Costa's Tractors & Bikes is steady at number two, as is America's Kenny Chesney at three with Come Over while Adam Brand's There Will Be Love edges up one place to number four.
Harmony James' Emmylou's Guitar is also up one to five, America's Eric Church is at six with Springsteen while Roo Arcus bounds into the top 10 at number seven with This Here Cowboy.
Kristy Cox edges up one to number eight with Miles & Timezones, as does Natalie Howard's You Oughta Marry Me to nine and America's George Strait is at 10 with Drinkin' Man.
Bullet performers for the week include Chris E Thomas' Stone Cold (16 to 13), Tamara Stewart's Sisterhood (Of Feeling Good) (21 to 15), Adi Burgess' That's What Love Will Getcha (19 to 16), The Bobkatz' Underneath The Hat (22 to 17), Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson's Adam & Eve (24 to 18), Chelsea Basham's Laugh It Off (23 to 19), Colin Buchanan, Lee Kernaghan & Sara Storer's Song Of Australia (26 to 22), The Harmonators' Save Her Soul (27 to 23), Luke O'Shea & Dianna Corcoran's New England Sky (28 to 24), Benn Gunn's I Like Girls That Drink Beer (29 to 25) and John Williamson's The Big Red (30 to 26).
New entries to the chart this week are Troy Cassar-Daley with Home (in at 28), McAlister Kemp with their song Home (at 29) Aly Cook's Country Storm (at 30).
Notable with this week's chart is that 80 percent of the entries are from Australian or New Zealand artists, with only six of the 30 tracks by foreign acts.
The full chart can be viewed at – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Wayne and Jim duet
A new single has just hit the country airwaves, a "duet with a difference" by country funnyman Jim Haynes and country crooner/yodeller Wayne Horsburgh.
 The difference? Although they are singing at the same time, the pair are singing two different songs.
Released from Jim Haynes latest album Galah Occasion, the songs are the Cole Porter classic Don't Fence Me In (by Wayne) and the Bullamakanka favourite Home Among The Gum Trees (by Jim).
Best known for his variety shows at Tamworth and songs like Since Cheryl Went Feral and Don't Call Wagga Wagga Wagga, Jim says he had the idea for the arrangement of the two songs for many years.
"I arranged this duet years ago, but we could never find a 'western' singer to do it," Jim said. "I have American friends who are well-known western singers in the USA, but they are virtually unknown here and we wanted someone who was known to Aussie country music fans.
"When I heard Wayne Horsburgh was coming back to Australia for good, I realised straight away that he was the perfect bloke to sing it with me."
After establishing himself in Australia, Wayne made his mark as a western singer in the USA, sharing the stage with acts like Freddy Fender, Emmylou Harris, The Oak Ridge Boys and Ricky Van Shelton. He was a regular at county fairs, festivals and theatres throughout the US and his regular trips to perform back home saw him win five "MO" Awards.
Jim and Wayne enjoy singing the duet when they are on the same show, trying to outdo each other vocally and visually with their amazingly colourful stage clothes!
"The duet is great fun," said Wayne, "both songs are so well-known, everyone loves a good song that they can sing along with."
"Yes, there's nothing better than a great song," said Jim, "unless, of course, it's two great songs, sung at the same time!"
Weblink – www.jimhaynes.net.
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ARIA chart action
The new Kasey Chambers/Shane Nicholson album Wreck And Ruin has debuted at number one on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Australian Country Chart this week.
Keith Urban's "best of" The Story So Far slips one place to number two while Adam Brand's There Will Be Love is at three and The McClymonts' Two Worlds Collide is at four.
Catherine Britt's Always Never Enough is up to five and The Very Best Of Slim Dusty jumps to number six, bringing the amazing three times Platinum album to its incredible 700th week in the chart.
Keith Urban's Greatest Hits: 18 Kids is up number seven, the Kasey Chambers/Shane Nicholson album Rattlin' Bones is at eight and the compilation Beaut Ute Anthems 2012 is at nine.
Lee Kernaghan's Ultimate Hits is at 10, Busby Marou's self-titled work is at 11, Adam Harvey's Falling Into Place re-enters the chart at 12, John Williamson's The Big Red is at 13 while his "best of" – Absolute Greatest : 40 Years True Blue is at 14.
Check the full listing here.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
Tamworth "Official Guide" launch today
One of the most significant elements of the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, the "Official Guide" to the Festival, will have its 2013 launch today.
These days, the annual Festival hosts an amazing number of individual events – 2,500 concerts, shows, exhibitions and other activities.
 "For visitors, this wealth of riches can be overwhelming," said a spokesman for Rural Press Events (RPE), publisher of the Guide, "and the only way they can take advantage of this colourful and exciting panorama of activity is by utilising the magic key to it all – the Official Guide to the Tamworth Country Music Festival."
At the birth of the Festival in the early 1970s, the fledgling "Capital News" carried the official program. In 1975, there were 11 events listed ranging from the Golden Guitar Awards and the Capital Country Music Association Talent Quest and Jamboree to a midnight cinema screening.
As the Festival exploded, the then organisers, Radio 2TM, published the Official Festival Guide in a tabloid format as an insert in "Capital News". But it wasn't until the '90s, after Rural Press Events had taken over 2TM's country music activities, that the "Official Festival Guide" was given a life of its own.
Published in a glossy magazine format, the new "Official Guide" expanded its coverage and content, quickly earning it recognition as one of the most comprehensive and effective event programs in the world, a reputation it still holds today.
For 2013, the "Guide" is planned to have 258 pages of artist and event listings, features and other relevant information for Festival visitors and participants and is aimed at continuing to be the primary source of information about the festival, Rural Press Events said.
The "Guide" will also include events and activities in the Festival Countdown period that starts seven days prior to the main Festival event.
"Undoubtedly the most popular feature of the 'Official Guide' is the exclusive A to Z Artist Directory," the RPE spokesman said, a directory that "is a treasured index for fans to follow their favourite artists concerts during the festival. It includes where the artists are appearing, times and dates as well as numerous artist photos and biographies."
A venue guide and map will also be included together with bus routes and timetable, country music points of interest and helpful visitor guide information to Country Music Capital and the surrounding district.
"In celebrating the 41st Festival year, the 'Official Guide' will feature historical facts and inside stories about the foundation [Festival] events including the Country Music Awards of Australia (Golden Guitar Awards), Opening Concert, Toyota Star Maker talent search, Hands of Fame, Roll of Renown, Capital Country Music Association National Talent Quest and Jamboree, the Cavalcade plus new music product releases, artist CD launches [and] more about key events and new insightful stories into the famous Festival."
Last year for the first time, the "Official Guide" went on line with an App allowing visitors to access all the information they needed on their smartphones. "The response was excellent and the App will again be available," the RPE spokesman said.
The 2013 "Official Guide to the Tamworth Country Music Festival" will be officially launched at the city's Capitol Theatre at 11am today, Thursday September 13.
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Full Force Media secures Tamworth Festival PR contract
Destination Tamworth has announced the appointment of Full Force Media, a newly formed public relations company, to carry out PR and media liaison for the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
 A spokesman for Destination Tamworth said the company was chosen for its specific country music PR expertise and close ties with the country music industry.
"Jill Stewart is the PR brains behind Full Force Media," the spokesman said, "with partner Scott Mcilveen coming from a music industry background. Together and separately they have managed the careers and publicity for country music artists Adam Brand, Melinda Schneider, Amber Lawrence and Matt Scullion and work closely with CMC (Country Music Channel) and key country music partners."
"I have worked with Jill and Scott on many projects and am so excited that they will be overseeing the PR for the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival," said country star Adam Brand. "Jill on her own is amazing and together they are a formidable team! Jill is a country girl who gets who we are and what we stand for. Bring on Tamworth 2013!!"
"With exciting new festival initiatives, artist announcements and technology developments planned for the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival, Full Force Media are the perfect partner to drive this message to a wide audience," the Destination Tamworth spokesman said.
"I have worked with both Jill and Scott over the years and I admire their skills and dedication," said CMC Group Program Manager Tim Daley. "Jill was a huge supporter of country music during her time at Austar and I have worked with Scott on a variety of music projects. I am happy to hear that they are driving the PR for the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival."
The 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival will run from Friday January 18 to Sunday January 27, preceded by the seven day Festival Countdown.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
Aly's Country Storm signed by Chance
On the back of winning New Zealand Female Country Artist of the Year 2012 and her Australian airplay chart success with Midnight Sun, Aly Cook's latest single Country Storm, written by Aly and David Erik, has been signed to Sydney based publisher Chance Music.
 Country Storm has been released to Australian radio as a single from Aly's album Brand New Day that is distributed via WJO Distribution in Australia and ODE in New Zealand.
Aly is recognised as one of New Zealand's most successful independent artists, releasing in Australia while living in New Zealand. She has traveled to Australia eight times in recent months to perform.
Referring to herself as a FIFO artist (Fly in Fly out), Aly is self managed and released having raised well over $40,000 using crowd funding platforms to finance her music.
Nick Chance, owner and founder of Chance Music, has been involved in the music business for more than 30 years, including three at RCA Records, then BMG. During that time, he was integrally involved in the promotion of Australia's largest selling record, John Farnham's Whispering Jack album.
He began managing bands and venues in 1980 and over the years has worked with many local and international names including Rick Astley, John Denver, the Eurythmics, John Farnham, the Hoodoo Gurus, the late Davy Jones (of The Monkees), Mental As Anything, Kenny Rogers, Spy V Spy and Stevie Wonder.
Nick says: "There is always a huge demand for good country music songs. On first hearing Country Storm, it impacted as one of them.
"Aly Cook and co-writer David Erik agreed to sign the publishing rights to Chance Music to enable us to offer the song to producers, performers and labels for use by recording artists, in film or TV.
"For single song assignments like Country Storm, we look for songs with good structure, lyrics, mood and, of course music that sound like they have longevity as a good composition. Country Storm we believe is one such song."
Weblink – www.alycook.com.
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Chart Update – Catherine's second week at number one
Catherine Britt's latest hit Always Never Enough sits atop the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week for the second week.
 Paul Costa's Tractors & Bikes edges up one place to be in second position, as do America's Kenny Chesney and Eric Church with, respectively, Come Over and Springsteen at three and four.
Adam Brand's There Will Be Love bounds up another four places to number five while Harmony James' Emmylou's Guitar enters the top 10 at six and The McClymonts' former number one Piece Of Me is at seven.
America's Toby Keith is at eight with Beers Ago, Kristy Cox's Miles & Timezones jumps four places to enter the top 10 at nine and Natalie Howard's You Oughta Marry Me is also new in the top 10, at 10.
Bullet performers for the week include Roo Arcus' This Here Cowboy (16 to 11), Chris E Thomas' Stone Cold (19 to 16), Tamara Stewart's Sisterhood (Of Feeling Good) (24 to 21), The Bobkatz' Underneath The Hat (25 to 22), Chelsea Basham's Laugh It Off (26 to 23), Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson's Adam & Eve (28 to 24), Colin Buchanan, Lee Kernaghan & Sara Storer's Song Of Australia (29 to 26) and The Harmonators' Save Her Soul (30 to 27).
New entries to the chart this week are Benn Gunn (pictured) with I Like Girls That Drink Beer (in at 29) and John Williamson with The Big Red (at 30).
The full chart can be viewed at – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
WAM Country finalists
 Finalists have been announced in the WAM (Western Australia Music Industry Association) Song of the Year competition.
More than 80 nominees have been announced in 16 categories, including five in the Country section sponsored by the Boyup Brook Country Music Club.
They are... Banged Up by the Polly Medlen Band, I Won't Be Too Far Behind by Jonny Taylor (pictured), Love Songs by Wes Snowball, Shifting Sands by David Hyams and Take Me Home by The Ghost Hotel.
Winners in the song competition will be announced on Thursday 11 October 11.
The Grand Prize winner walks away with a prize pool including $2,000 cash.
The Mental Health Commission of WA is the competition presentation partner.
Song of the Year, now in its 23rd year, celebrates the best of Western Australia's songwriting talent.
Weblink – www.wam.asn.au.
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ARIA chart action
 The top three positions on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Australian Country Chart remains unchanged from last week with Keith Urban at number one with his "best of" The Story So Far, Adam Brand's There Will Be Love at two and The McClymonts' Two Worlds Collide at three.
John Williamson's The Big Red edges up one to number four while the Beaut Ute Anthems 2012 moves up to five, Catherine Britt's Always Never Enough is at six and Lee Kernaghan's Ultimate Hits is at seven.
Keith Urban's Get Closer re-enters the chart at number eight, Troy Cassar-Daley's Home is at nine and The Very Best Of Slim Dusty is at 10, amazingly with a record of 699 weeks in the chart to date.
Keith Urban's Greatest Hits: 18 Kids is up two places to 11, John Williamson's "best of" – Absolute Greatest : 40 Years True Blue is at 12, and the Hit Country 2012 compilation re-enters the chart at 13 while Busby Marou's self-titled work is at 14.
Check the full listing here.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012
"Showcase Australia" celebrates first anniversary
Today marks the first anniversary of "Showcase Australia" with Connie Kis Andersen, a one hour weekly radio program showcasing Australian country music to the world via Country Music Radio (CMR) Nashville.
 It was almost 16 months ago, Connie said, during the American Country Music Association's Music Festival in Nashville that she was approached by Lee Williams, Chief Executive of CMR Nashville to present a one hour radio program playing Australian country music to the station's world-wide listening audience.
As a huge believer in supporting her industry, her peers and growing audiences to do so, Connie Kis hesitantly agreed to do the job and on September 8, 2011, her first radio show went to air.
"I must admit it was one of the hardest jobs I have ever taken on," Connie said, "especially having had no experience in the world of radio apart from being on the other side as a performer!"
"A year later and it's a little bit easier but I still have absolutely no idea how presenters manage to do it live. Now, having had a taste of how much work and preparation goes into putting a show together, I pay my humblest respect to DJs and extend my sincerest thanks to them for all the effort they put in on behalf of us artists."
Going from strength to strength, "Showcase Australia" was recently picked up by Nashville Broadcasting Radio Network FM – NBRN.FM – which has affiliates around the world including terrestrial stations in Europe and South Africa, effectively broadening the reach of a possible fan base for Australian country music.
"I personally look forward to hearing our newest DJ Connie Kis on our radio station NBRN.FM each week," said Keith Bradford of Keith Bradford Promotions. "She always has fresh new music and insights."
"Showcase Australia" goes to air on NBRN.FM on Tuesday afternoons at 5pm Nashville time and on CMR Nashville each week on Thursdays at 4pm, Fridays at midnight and 8am and Sundays at 7pm UK time.
"Weekly broadcasts differ between the networks to allow greater exposure for Aussie artists," Connie said.
"Visit the World Clock to work out a corresponding time in your neighbourhood."
Weblink – www.cmrnashville.com.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012
Country Jamm for Genes 2013
The date has been claimed for the third annual Blue Mountains Country Jamm for Genes to be staged in Katoomba in January.
 The Carrington Hotel will be the venue on Saturday January 12 for what is being billed as "the social event of the Blue Mountains calendar, when the cream of Australia's country music stars join with some of Australia's finest artists to raise money for Jeans for Genes, one of our finest charity organisations, tirelessly raising much needed research funds for the Children's Medical Research Institute.
This year's audience enjoyed the music of an "allstar" cast MCd by Mike Carr featuring Victoria Baillie, Karl Broadie, Dan Conway, Tori Darke, Luke Dickens, Nicki Gillis, Benn Gunn, Adam Harvey, Kelly Hope, Kaylens Rain, Amber Lawrence, McAlister Kemp, Peter McWhirter, Aleyce Simmonds, Springfield and Tamara Stewart.
Organisers say the 2013 line-up will be announced soon for the "mega concert" that will run from 12pm to 5pm in Carrington Place which will be followed by a "gala evening" in the Carrington Hotel Grand Dining Room from 7pm until 10:30pm.
Weblink – www.countryjamm4genesbm.org.
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Debut album for Kaylens Rain
Rising country star duo Kaylens Rain will release their debut album in October.
Glen and Kaylee Harrison are Kaylens Rain and they have named their new album Found which has already gained plenty of attention via the single release, Outta Here which has been gaining widespread airplay.
 "Kaylens Rain is the most exciting young act in Australian country music," said Garry Hoffman from Australian cap city digital radio station The Buckle. "Their first single Is That All There Is set a benchmark for contemporary country here on every level, and their new single proves it was no fluke.
"There's no reason at all Kaylens Rain can't cut it on the world stage."
"We're serious about what we do," said Glen, "and we want to make good music. This album has been a long time in the making, writing songs, sourcing songs that we could relate to and working with producer Andrew Cochrane to develop our own sound."
Found is described as "an album that will take you on a journey, from driving guitar riffs to beautiful sibling harmonies, from heartbreaking love songs to inspirational lyrics".
"With their sights set firmly on the future, Kaylee is keen to see what the coming year holds for the duo. "Getting this album out is so exciting for us... and we're looking forward to touring and playing to new fans," she said.
"There is nothing like the buzz you get when someone comes up and says we've made their day. It makes it all worthwhile.
The album will be released on Friday October 19.
Weblink – www.kaylensrain.com.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
Wirrina Bluegrass
 The final line-up for this weekend's Wirrina Bluegrass Festival has been announced.
Stars of the two day event will be the James Abberley, Acoustic Highway, Adelaide Olde Time String Band, Andy and Marta, A P D'Antonio, Robert Bean, The Borderers (pictured), The Botherers, Dave Godfrey & Sarah McGuire, Goldstein, Taylor Pfeiffer, the Cherry Pickers, Cripple Creek, the Old South Bluegrass Band, Own Sweet Time, Courtney Robb, Margie Russell, the Tombstone String Band, Tush and Marcus Walsh.
The Festival will be held the Wirrina Resort & Conference Centre, Wirrina Cove on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula from Friday to Sunday.
Weblink – www.wirrinabluegrass.com.
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Chart Update – Catherine takes top spot
Catherine Britt has taken over the top spot on the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week with her latest hit Always Never Enough.
The McClymonts' number one for the last four weeks – Piece Of Me – is at two while Paul Costa's Tractors & Bikes jumps three more places to number three and America's Kenny Chesney is at four with Come Over.
Another three overseas acts hold positions five, six and seven... Eric Church, Josh Turner and Lady Antebellum with, respectively, Springsteen, Time Is Love and Dancin' Away With My Heart.
Craig Morrison's Just Another Sundown is at eight, Adam Brand bounds into the top 10 with There Will Be Love at nine and America's Toby Keith is at 10 with Beers Ago.
Bullet performers for the week include Harmony James' Emmylou's Guitar (15 to 11), Kristy Cox's Miles & Timezones (16 to 13), Roo Arcus' This Here Cowboy (21 to 16), The Bobkatz' Underneath The Hat (30 to 25) and Chelsea Basham's Laugh It Off (29 to 26)
New entries to the chart this week are Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson with Adam & Eve (in at 28), Colin Buchanan, Lee Kernaghan & Sara Storer with Song Of Australia (at 29) and The Harmonators' Save Her Soul (at 30).
The full chart can be viewed at – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012
New album for Grant
Grant Luhrs is set to release a new album following three "sell-out" shows at this year's Optus Gympie Muster.
 The album is in the final stages of production with a planned release date in January.
Possibly best known for his collaboration with Hugh Crawford (as Luhrs & Crawford) and their ARIA and Golden Guitar nominated release Midnight In Paradise and his solo comedy album You Gotta Laugh, which featured the number one single, Nude Bootscootin', Grant's new album, his 13th, will be titled Riverina Daydreaming.
"Gympie was a lot of fun and it was fantastic to have such big attendances at our shows," Grant said. "Ian McNamara has been playing my songs on 'Australia All Over' (ABC Radio), in particular the song Full Moon Tonight, which he included on his Top 100 CD compilation.
"Written by myself and my good friend Peter Knight, Full Moon Tonight chronicles the Second World War-time experiences of Peter's father who was a bomber navigator flying missions over Europe," Grant said.
Grant also compered the Heritage Showcase on the Sunday of the Muster featuring a top line-up of bush ballad talent in Australia headlined by the legendary Chad Morgan.
Weblink – www.grantluhrs.com.au.
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New single from Victoria
Don't Leave The Leavin' is the first radio single from Victoria McGee's soon-to-be-released album Fire In The Wind.
 The album was produced by US-born but Australian-based musician and producer Louie Shelton who also produced Victoria's first album as well as albums by international star Art Garfunkel and Australian acts including the Southern Sons and the Wolverines.
Victoria met Louie in 2006 when he was playing with the Wolverines in Tamworth and the pair plan to return to Nashville later this year on business which will include a series of meetings with management and record companies.
You'll Remember Me, Victoria's debut album, was released during the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival at the sell-out show "The Legend & The Lady" – a co-headliner with her acclaimed producer.
Throughout her career, Victoria has shared the stage with artists such as Angry Anderson, Golden Guitar winner Adam Harvey, Grace Knight and The Seekers.
The accompanying video clip for Don't Leave The Leavin' was directed by the award-winning Duncan Toombs and can be viewed here.
Weblink – www.victoriamcgee.com.au.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012
Dwight set to return to Australia
American country star Dwight Yoakam has confirmed he will be returning to Australia for a set of dates in November and will be accompanied on the tour by Australian star Lee Kernaghan.
Dwight will play shows in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Tamworth, Toowoomba, Townsville and Wollongong.
"Dwight is one of the most talented singer/songwriters to come out of America," said promoter Andrew McManus, "and with the legendary Lee Kernaghan as our very special guest, fans can expect a stellar show."
Weblink – www.dwightyoakam.com.
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ARIA chart action
Keith Urban is back at number one on this week's ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Country Chart with his "best of" The Story So Far.
Adam Brand's There Will Be Love has been knocked off the top spot and sits at number two this week.
Looking at the top selling Australian albums, The McClymonts' Two Worlds Collide is steady at number three while The Gympie Muster 2012 compilation jumps three places to number four and John Williamson's The Big Red re-enters the chart at five.
The Beaut Ute Anthems 2012 compilation is steady at six, Catherine Britt's Always Never Enough is at seven and Lee Kernaghan's Ultimate Hits is at eight.
Newcomer Chelsea Basham's I Make My Own Sunshine debut album release is new at number nine and Troy Cassar-Daley's Home is at 10.
McAlister Kemp's Country Proud re=enters the chart at 11, The Very Best Of Slim Dusty is at 12 and Keith Urban's Greatest Hits: 18 Kids is at 13.
Busby Marou's self-titled work is at 14, John Williamson's "best of" – Absolute Greatest : 40 Years True Blue is at 15 and Beccy Cole's latest album, Songs & Pictures is re-enters the chart at 16.
Check the full listing here.
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Terara Campout concert
 Preliminary details have been announced for the 2013 Terara Country Music Campout in March and organisers have also announced a "bonus weekend of country music" this coming weekend.
The actual campout will run from Friday to Sunday March 8, 9 and 10 with stars booked to include John Battle, Stephen R Cheney, Peter Coad, Ernie Constance, George Forman, Peter Horan, Brian Letton (pictured), Karen Lynne, Tom Maxwell, Patsy McCallan, Joe Reeves and Steve Routledge.
This weekend's bonus event will comprise walk-up artists, campfires, line dancing, food and drink and all facilities for campers.
Terara is an historic home location at Nowra on the south coast of NSW.
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