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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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MONDAY, JULY 31, 2017 People's Choice voting opens Voting has opened for the 2018 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards.
Votes, restricted to one per person, are called for in 11 categories... – Best Female Vocalist – Most Popular Country Music Broadcaster There is one change to categories from the 2017 Awards. The Best Music/Vocal Event is no longer a voted award and will only be presented if broader interest in the category, or specific recorded works, increases. Voting closes at 5pm on October 31. Winners will be announced in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017 Vale – Rick Carey
Rick was born on August 13, 1927, in Sydney. He joined the RAAF as a radio mechanic for the last two years of the second world war and learned to play a guitar his father gave him while he was in the Air Force. Rick met Thel Hoctor in 1949 at a Hillbilly Club and the pair decide to form a duet. In January, 1950, Rick & Thel topped Sydney radio’s 466th Amateur Hour program, equivalent to the likes of today's Australia's Got Talent or The X Factor talent quests. The couple married two years later in January 1952.
Rick & Thel were to stay with EMI for the next 25 years. In the late 1950s, the duo undertook short tours that fitted in with their day jobs – Thel as a teacher and Rick as a motor mechanic, followed by stints with the All Star Western Show and the Chad Morgan Show. In 1960, the now legendary Rick & Thel Show started touring featuring the likes of Curly Aylward, Johnny Heap, Athol McCoy, Eddie Tapp, the Woolhouse Twins and Brian Young. Rick was inducted with Thel into the Country Music Hands of Fame in 1977 and elevated ti the Country Music Roll of Renown in 1985. Sadly, Rick lost Thel in 1998 after a long battle with cancer. They had performed their final show in Bunbury WA in 1987 and retired from the music scene due to Thel’s health after 30 years "on the road". In subsequent years, Rick came out of retirement on a number of occasions for special performances. He released an album – Beyond The Dream – with daughter Lynne and friends in 2008. TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2017 Fanny wins Country PDA Fanny Lumsden has been named winner of the 2017 APRA Professional Development Award (PDA). Fanny won the New Talent Golden Guitar at this year's Country Music Awards of Australia in Tamworth and has also received recognition as CMC (Country Music Channel) New Talent of the Year and AU Review Country Artist of the Year. Her first, crowd-funded, album Small Town Big Shot, debuted at number six on the ARIA Country Album Charts and went on to be nominated for Best Country Album at last year's ARIA Awards. Fanny is no stranger to the road, tirelessly traversing thousands of kilometres with her band to reach thousands of people deprived of live music. Held every two years, the PDAs are designed to help create serious career boosting opportunities for highly talented songwriters and composers across a variety of genres. The winners were selected from more than 1,000 entries from songwriters and composers in the early stages of their careers. Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au.
FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017
Legendary Australian entertainer Geoff Mack has died. He was 94. Albert Geoffrey McElhinney, (better known and loved as Geoff Mack) passed away peacefully just after 6pm yesterday. Geoff's career was established during World War II. He enlisted in the RAAF on June 4, 1942, and was trained as an aircraft mechanic. He was discharged on January 7, 1946, with the rank of corporal from 62 ACW (Airfield Construct Wing).
In May 1946, as an ex-serviceman performer in a theatre concert, Geoff was credited for being "responsible for most of the laughs with his vocal gymnastics, in his number, In Der Fuhrer's Face, a gem of its kind, which had the audience in hysterics." At the end of the war, Geoff went to Japan with the Occupation Forces to perform and was appointed to Radio WLKS as the voice of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. In August 1950, he returned to Australia after performing for British, American, French, German, and Japanese audiences, including his rendition of Waltzing Matilda.
In 2005, the song was used in The Simpsons' episode "Mobile Homer" when Homer sang part of the American version to fellow RV owners in his yard. During the late '50s to mid '60s, Geoff (along with fellow legendary Australian entertainer Lucky Grills) operated the famous touring "tent" variety attraction "Carlols Variety Show" which toured the length and breadth of the country entertaining hundreds of thousands in the pre-TV era. Geoff was inducted into the International Songwriters Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee in 1963, into the Hands of Fame at Tamworth NSW in 1978, the Tamworth Songwriter's Association Song Maker Award in 1997 and was elevated to the Australian Country Music Roll of Renown in 2008. Geoff is survived by his wife, fellow entertainer, Tabbi Frances (aged 91), whom he met and married post WW2. They have been inseparable ever since. The photo above documents their famous trip from Europe back to Australia, which was mostly executed via motorbike, as the image attests. Geoff and Tabbi were happy to give the motorcycle to Country Music Capital's Walk A Country Mile interpretive exhibition which us now a part of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in Tamworth. "Our Entertainment industry has lost one of our most loved veteran performers," said a spokesman for The Golden Years of Australian Variety. "The lights shine a little less bright tonight. "Vale Geoff. You will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tabbi." This tribute with thanks to The Golden Years of Variety. WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 Clelia's classic hits Internationally acclaimed, multi award winning singer/songwriter Clelia Adams, an integral part of Australian country music since l975, has released an album of "classic hits".
Prior to her solo career, Clelia performed in a duo act and was a session singer on thousands of tracks recorded in all Tamworth studios for 25 years. From the outset, Clelia's music has been embraced by the international country music radio community, seeing her become "the darling" of the European, UK, NZ and Australian country music airplay charts with each successive album. Classic Hits is a collection of 22 of Clelia’s top five, top 10 radio hits during her international recording career through the past 16 years. The release also includes bonus tracks, La Paloma and Forever Young. All songs were recorded and produced by long time friend Stuart French and the A Team, who have included Mick Albeck, Kevin Bennett, Brad Bergen, Bill Chambers, Camille French, Doug Gallacher, James Gillard, Chris Haigh, Donnie Hopkin, Rudy Miranda, Bill Risby, Michel Rose and Garry Steele. Weblink – www.cleliaadams.com. MONDAY, JULY 17, 2017 White Ribbon hosts free country music concert at the Isa Troy Cassar-Daley will play a free family concert in Mount Isa next month to raise awareness of domestic violence.
"Domestic violence is a serious issue in Australia affecting families and communities nationwide," said a spokesman for concert organisers. "On average, at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner in Australia. One in three women will experience abuse by someone known to them." More than 200,000 Australian men have taken the White Ribbon Oath to stand up, speak out and prevent men’s violence against women. Domestic & Family Violence Co-ordinator Sgt Paige Barrow of Mount Isa Police said the issue of domestic violence was prevalent locally too. "Superintendent Kev Guteridge initiated the event to support the work of White Ribbon in the local community," according to Sgt Barrow. "The first reason to have the event is for the community. There ard no tickets – it's free entry, so just show up." The concert will also feature the local Emergency Services and defence band The Hoax. Gates open at 6pm with The Hoax at 6:30 and Troy Cassar-Daley at 7:30pm. Troy’s career has spanned nine albums over a 26 year career. He has been awarded numerous accolades including 32 Golden Guitars, four ARIAs, two APRA Country Song of the Year awards, nine Deadlys and four CMAA Entertainer of the Year awards. Troy is an ambassador for White Ribbon Australia. "I'm proud to be supporting White Ribbon with my music and equally proud to be playing in front of another Mount Isa crowd," Troy said. FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017 New from Jasmine Baldivis, WA, singer/songwriter Jasmine Atkins recently released a new EP. Titled Key To My Heart, the EP contains six songs all written by Jasmine with the assistance of "West Australian heavyweights" Mark Donohoe, The Murphy Brothers, Ian Simpson, Mike Hagerty Jr, Travis Bryant, and Johnny Taylor in recording the tracks.
"I want my listeners to learn a little bit about me and I hope I can help a few people along the way if they’re having a few issues." In an article in The West Australian, Jasmine, who started her musical career when she got her first keyboard at three years old before teaching herself how to read music and starting lessons at age six, said her songs touched on topics including mental illness, domestic violence, being in love and the loss of loved ones. Three-time Golden Guitar and 1997 Star Maker winner Lyn Bowtell described Jasmine as a vibrant young artist who sung like an old soul. Her love of country music stemmed from her grandmother who introduced her to the genre at an early age with her influences including the likes of Kasey Chambers, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood. After winning the Overall Senior Champion title at the Capital Country Music Association National Talent Quest and graduating from the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth in 2015 and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2016 with a Bachelor of Music, Jasmine says she is ready to take her music across the nation and beyond. "I love the songwriting in country music," she said. "I want to get my music out to everyone I can and break through new markets." Weblink – www.facebook.com/jasmineatkinsmusic. WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017 Junior Academy graduates Twenty-five students graduated from this year's Australian Academy of Country Music Junior Course conducted in the lead-up to the 2017 Hats Off to Country festival in Tamworth.
The graduates are Maxine Baker from Leichhardt (NSW), Isabella Burnup, Airlie Beach (Qld), Madi Colville (Laura Byrnes Music Scholarship), Moama (NSW), Billie-Rose Copeland, Charters Towers (Qld), Ella Hebberman (SA Mid North Country Music Scholarship) Jamestown (SA), Elyssa Hawkins, Rankin Park (NSW), Chloe Heyman, East Corrimal (NSW), Justess Jones, Weston (NSW), Kasey Kilsby (Pioneer Valley Country Music Festival Scholarship), Andergrove (Qld), Felicity Kircher (RNA Ekka Troy Cassar Daley Scholarship), Tingalpa (Qld), Matilda Rose Lawler, Bredbo (NSW), Addison Marshall (Capital Country Music Association Scholarship), Ulverstone (Tas), Skye Montana, Tannum Sands (Qld), Kora Naughton, Albion Park (NSW), Harriet Oates, Loomberah (NSW), Lucy Parle, Lisarow (NSW), Sally Pottinger, Serpentine (WA), Chelsea Rollings, Ashtonfield (NSW), Teagan Smith (Far North Qld Country Music Festival Scholarship), Mareeba (Qld), Eliza Spalding, West Wodonga (Vic), Georgie Taylor, Thornlands (Qld) and Trinity Woodhouse, Abernethy (NSW). In addition, three graduates too part specifically in the Instrumental Course run in conjunction... Jack Carnaby from Waterview Heights (NSW), Dan Henwood, Wangaratta (Vic) and Leyon Milner, Mackay (Qld). The Australian Academy of Country Music is run by the Country Music Association of Australia. Photo: students and tutors of the 2017 course. MONDAY, JULY 10, 2017 Anne to headline at Laura Anne Kirkpatrick will headline at this year's Laura (SA) Country Music Festival at the end of this month.
Also on the program will be Isabelle Adam, Bernie & The Bandits, Bill Chambers, Craig Giles, Ian List, Trevor Philbey, Ernie Schultz, Kiera Smith, the Wild Card Band and Des Will. Festival Chairman Ian White said "It is great for the festival to bring such strong country music talent to Laura. "If you want to experience great country music, and a great country town in Laura, this is the festival for you. In previous years we have had people visit from the south-east, the Riverland, Broken Hill and interstate – we are expecting the same again this year." Set to be held at the Memorial Civic Centre, the 2017 festival will also offer a talent quest across nine genres and 10 age groups. The competition will be held in conjunction with Burra Country, Port Pirie Harnessing Young Talent and Laura Events. In addition to $2,000 in prizemoney on offer, the groups are set to offer one junior and senior scholarship to the Australian Academy of Country Music in 2018 to further their musical development. Weblink – www.facebook.com/lauracountrysa. FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017 Hats Off underway The 2017 Hats Off to Country festival is underway now in Australia's Country Music Capital, Tamworth.
A new activity this year is the Hats Off Cowboy Crawl tonight which will see a dedicated group of festival goers visit a number of key Country Music Capital venues. Tomorrow will see two major concerts at West Leagues, the first, Melinda Schneider with guest 2017 Toyota Star Maker Rachael Fahim at West Leagues from 2pm and at night, Catherine Brott and Amber Lawrence in concert.
At 1pm tomorrow at Southgate Inn, the Australian Bush Balladeers Association will stage a fundraiser for a bronze bust for the legendary Frank Ifield while at 6pm tomorrow evening at Tamworth City Bowling Club, a Brian Young commemorative CD launch will be held, the aim of this activity to raise funds for a bronze bust of Brian.
The CCMA event is inline with the very essence of Hats Off which started back in the year 2000 with a Hats Off to Slim Dusty concert. More information about Hats Off can be found on the website hatsofftocountry.com.au. WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2017 Judah booked to perform at the Muster Just a few days after his stunning win in The Voice Australia 2017, Judah Kelly has been booked to appear at this year's Gympie Muster in August. A long time player in Australian country music, Judah's talents were recognised by the Muster in 2011 when he was named runner-up in the 2011 Muster Talent Search. "His success in (The Voice) has highlighted the diverse talent that Australian country music artists have to offer," according to Muster organisers, "and Judah brings this to the Muster again this year." Another headline act for 2017 will be pop star Jessica Mauboy who gained her start in the music business via the Telstra Road to Tamworth talent quest staged leading up to the annual country music bash in January each year. Rounding out the headline acts for Gympie 2017 will be Lyn Bowtell, Adam Brand, The Bushwackers, Graeme Connors, Anne Kirkpatrick, Busby Marou, Chad Morgan, and Caitlyn Shadbolt.
Dozens more will perform during the four day event... Kirsty Lee Akers, 8 Ball Aitken, Chelsea Basham, Kaylee Bell, Liam Brew, Catherine Britt, Travis Collins, Davidson Brothers, Pete Denahy, Adam Eckersly Band, Rachael Fahim, Georgia Fall, Hurricane Fall, The Hillbilly Goats, Christie Lamb, Amber Lawrence, Seleen McAlister, Shelley & Lawrie Minson, Kaylens Rain, Troy Kemp, Fanny Lumsden, Karin Page, The Sunny Cowgirls and Viper Creek Band. Events during the main event will include a Slim Dusty tribute show, performances by students from the Australian Institute of Country Music, the Gympie Blues Club, bush poets, Songwriters Sessions, Toyota Star Maker Showcase and Fender Guitar Jam. Held in the Amamoor Creek State Forest, the 2017 Muster will feature more than 100 artists in total in more than 300 performances across multiple stages. One ticket price gives Muster-goers free camping and multi-venue access to all performances. Run by the community, for the Community, the Muster is a not-for-profit charity event which has raised in excess of $15 million for charities Australia wide since its inception. Proceeds from this year’s Muster will again go to charity partner Mates4Mates to help Australian Defence Force personnel with mental and physical injuries as a result of their service. The Muster runs from Thursday August 24 to Sunday August 27. Weblink – www.muster.com.au. MONDAY, JULY 3, 2017 APRA PDA finalists Five country acts have been announced as finalists in the 2017 APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Professional Development Awards (or PDAs). In line for a share of the $135,000 cash prize pool are Kaylee Bell, Danielle Blakey, Timothy James Bowen, Christie Lamb and Fanny Lumsden (pictured below from left).
A total of 40 Australian songwriters and composers have been announced as finalists across six categories... Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, Classical, Country, Dance/Electronic, Film & Television, Jazz and Popular Contemporary. "Held every two years, the APRA PDAs create serious opportunities for emerging songwriters and composers," said a spokesman for the organisation, "just ask previous winners Gotye, Abbe May, Timothy Carroll, Ruby Boots, Briggs, Vassy, Jeremy Rose and screen composer Caitlin Yeo who have all benefited from this career boosting initiative." A panel of local judges including Kevin Bennett, James Blundell, Mia Dyson, John Ferris, Leah Flanagan, Cat Hope, Lior, Johannes Luebbers, Brooke McClymont, Jenny Morris, Iain Shedden, Graham Thompson and Dan Zilber determined the finalists. PDA winners will be announced on July 25. Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au. SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2017 The Voice update Judah wins! |  |
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The voting link can be directly accessed 
Rick Carey – one half of Australian country music pioneer duo Rick & Thel – has died. He was 89.
In 1954, the duo made their first recordings with EMI Regal Zonophone. I’ll Never Be Fooled Again and She Was Happy 'Till She Met You were the first songs released.
She joins other genre winners Jess Beck, Julian Day, Nick Drabble, Gordi (Sophie Payten), Julia Jacklin, Damien Lane and Ainslie Wills who shate in the $135,000 cash prize pool.
Vale – Geoff Mack
In 1944, while serving in Borneo, Geoff's ability to play the guitar and sing was noticed and he was seconded to entertain the troops with visiting guest stars.
His 1959 composition I've Been Everywhere became a hit in Australia in 1962 with the release of a cover version by Lucky Starr. It later reached the top of the song charts in the USA, Germany, and Japan. The song has now been recorded in 131 different versions, notably on Johnny Cash's 1996 album Unchained.
Clelia’s Classic Hits traces the artist's solo musical journey beginning with the albums Bring It On in 2000, Heartbeat Highway 2004, Wildflowers 2008 and River Valley Dreaming in 2011.
The Isa's North West Star newspaper reported the event was sponsored by the Queensland Police Service in support of White Ribbon Australia. The concert will be held on Thursday August 17 at the Buchanan Park Complex.
Jasmine said she loved working with Mark who pushed her to be the best she could be. "Mark is very good at encouraging me," she said. "I love him as a producer and engineer because he has a way of getting the best out of me and I still don’t know how he does it — he’s straight to the point and I respect that.
The three-day festival, running Friday to Sunday July 28 to 30, will feature Anne on the Sunday night of this year's event.
It lanched on Thursday night and swung fully into gear today with numerous events including a performance by graduates of the 2017 Australian Academy of Country Music Junior course.
Dozens of other shows are scheduled at pubs and clubs through Tamworth during the official four days of the event, including two fundraising events.
A special Hats Off to Stan Coster tribute concert will be run by the Capital Country Music Association (CCMA) at the South Tamworth Bowling Club on Sunday at 1pm featuring Stan's daughter Tracy with Anthony Baxter, Clancy, Brian Howard and Brendan Smoother.
