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Media Release 16 January 2011
West Tamworth Flood Fundraiser Concert
Monday January 17 Blazes Auditorium
West Tamworth League Club plays host tomorrow night to the first Flood Fundraiser Concert to occur during the ten day Country Music Festival.
Southern Cross Ten television ads aired Thursday night to announce the musical variety show featuring ‘Mystery Guest Artists’ including Golden Guitar winners and a fundraising raffle in Blazes Auditorium West Leagues Club Monday January 17, from 3.30pm to 6.00pm. Tickets $10.00 each or $20.00 for family of four. All proceeds go to the Aussie Helpers Charity to directly support rural victims of the Queensland floods – THE TAMWORTH WESTS FLOOD FUNDRAISER CONCERT.
Organiser Carolyne Morris in Tamworth said yesterday ‘The concept of the show was initially devised by myself;Starmaker Finalist Mitchell Steel & his manager: Paul Wright. It will feature close to 30 artists;including many wonderful local musicians. We are fortunate to be able to feature several Golden Guitar winners; in the guise of ‘Mystery Guests’.
‘I was inundated by offers from artists wanting to donate their time; and regrettably; due to time constraints; advise we are unable to accommodate all artists’ she added.
‘I am proud to say that this entire event has been made possible through TOTAL donation.’
‘The event will feature a large raffle; with many prizes. Venue; promotion; publicity; television& radio ads; musicians; musical director; backing band; compere; artwork;raffle prizes; ticketing; and anything else; have ALL been donated.’
ARTISTS CONFIRMED TO APPEAR include:
DOUG BRUCE
BRUCE McCUMSTIE
JASON LEE
CROSBY SISTERS & STEVE NEWTON
LAWRIE MINSON
JO LAVELLE & ROSS McGREGOR
KIARA RODRIGUES
RYAN SAMPSON
KAREN LYNNE
DOUG McINTYRE
8-BALL AITKEN
JETTY ROAD
JAYNE DENHAM
TORIDARKE
MIKE CASEY & KERRY WALSH
JOHANNA HEMARA
SALLY ANNE WHITTEN-AURISCH
WANITA
THOSEGALS
STEVE CHARLES
MITCHELL STEEL
&‘MYSTERY GUEST ARTISTS’
Programme may be subject to change
ANY VISITING ARTISTS OR MANAGEMENT WISHING TO DONATE PRODUCT OR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS, Signed would be great!!;please know that we would welcome these items.
PLEASE ARRANGE DELIVERY TO:
TAMWORTH WESTS LEAGUES CLUB Phillip St, Tamworth 2340:
Doug will be joining Australia’s Golden Guitar
Winning artists in showing support for our fellow Aussies in Queensland.
Doug is pledging $5 from
each sale of his Brand New Album ‘Australian Son’ at the concert, to the concert proceeds- all of
which go directly to the flood victims.
Come along for an afternoon of great entertainment
– you’ll also be showing your support for the folks in Queensland!
“I’m feel so humbly grateful to be involved in
doing something to help...I’ve been asked to perform my song ‘Dragonfly’ off
the new album. The song is actually a tribute to the medical rescue choppers
that fly on in to the country towns and help out in time of need. One of the
verses speaks about the family on their roof in a river town, about to be swept
away - their old mate Dragonfly comes to the rescue... Our hearts go out to all
our fellow Aussies up there – may our wallets and purses go out to them too” said Doug
Dragonfly
A girl and a horse on the One Tree plains
Galloping free one hand on the reins
They stumble and she falls to the ground
All alone and seven miles from town
Staring at the clouds till a woman driving by
Makes a call to the one known as Dragonfly
Well it won’t be long ah help is on the way
We can count on our mate any time of day
Chorus:
And there’s a friend they have in the outback towns
It’s a sweet release just to hear the sound
I can see him coming from across the sky
It’s our old mate Dragonfly
Forty days of rain in the river town
The tirade rising no chance of going down
The family on their roof will be swept away
Ah but Dragonfly saves the day !
Chorus
A babe born too early in the middle of the night
Her mother holds a hope
Ah there’s a little light
Flickering in the distance like an angel in the sky
AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC STAR KERI
MCINERNEY CO ORDINATES QUEENSLAND
FLOOD APPEAL
CONCERTS
Artists so far committed:
Broderick Smith
Travis
Collins
Troy
Cassar Daly
Sinead
Burgess
Normie
Rowe
Liam
Brew
Adam
Harvey
Keri was interviewed on
Channel 7 Hervey Bay last Wednesday, and has since been contacted by the QLD
Premier's office, endorsing their support.
australia
With the
horrendous floods that have affected Qld in recent weeks,
Australian country
music star and well known humanitarian, Keri
McInerney, in conjunction with
Larry Cann from Kix Country FM in
Bundaberg, have developed a major
fundraising and morale boosting
concept.
Keri approached Larry Cann to
assist in co ordinating major concerts
in many of the affected areas of Qld.
Keri has had some of the finest
musicians in Australia commit to be a part of
the project and there
are still more to be confirmed.
Currently there
are four concerts planned in some of the badly
affected flood areas of
Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Emerald and Gayndah.
There is however an option that
the concerts could move into other
regions Keri is also planning morale
style concepts to boost the
spirits of people affected in the worst hit
areas.
Keri's career success has given her some wonderful contacts within
my
industry and after just a few phone calls, she had the ball rolling
in
a big way.
Keri McInerney is trying to secure travel assistance
for artists
today. from Qantas and Virgin and she has also been in touch with
the
Australian Army for any support they can offer.
"We are hoping we
may be able to acquire helicopters to get some of
our artists in to the
various areas to do some acoustic morale
building type shows so if anyone out
there can assist in the supply of
transportation to the areas, please contact
me urgently". Keri
McInerney said.
"To date on board we have
committments and interest from Normie Rowe,
Broderick Smith and Matt Walker
(The Dingos), Travis Collins, Troy
Cassar Daley, Adam Harvey, Liam Brew,
Sinead Burgess, Norma O Hara
Murphy, Lance Coassin and Keri McInerney all
profiled
artists. More confirmations are expected today.
A large
number of local acts in all areas are also wanting to perform
for the
concept. It has been an overwhelming response to assist.
"That's what I
love about Australians...we are always there to help
our fellow Aussies..when
the chips are down". Keri said.
All monies raised at the major concerts
will go thru the state wide
flood appeal fund.
First round of
performances will commence 11th January in Bundaberg,
portions of which may
be televised nationally.
To sponsor the project or to offer any
assistance, Please contact Keri
McInerney on 0407
155993
fin.
Kindest regards
Early last week Keri
McInerney organised a series of charity concerts to support the devasting floods
in central Qld, by now and further reports Maryaborough, Gymie, Hervey Bay today
I'm expecting that possiblity Keri and family are also facing what the rest of
Central Qld has been undergoing in the past few weeks.
Nevertheless the
concerts are scheduled to begin in February - read the attached email for more
details: if any of you are interested in appearing at any of the locations,
organising or referring sponsors, or offers of assistance as Keri indicates,
then please contact her:
To sponsor the project
or to offer any assistance, please contact Keri direct on 0407
155993
TAMWORTH
Similarly on Wednesday
I had contact from Carolyne Morris (Those Gals) who is organising a Charity
Appeal Concert next Thursday evening in Bi-centennial Park (Lee Kernaghan's
concert is scheduled for Friday pm). This concert has the approval of the
Tamworth Regional Council, and has numerous artists already secured. If you
want to assist, appear, donate or support in any way:
Please contact Carolyne direct on 042 991-1127
COMPERE,
PRESENTER for artist gigs, shows, album launches etc | TAMWORTH festival
2011
For artists,
committees, agents, venues looking for a compere or presenter, Nigel Bainbridge
| Festival FM has a a few dates during the Tamworth festival available if anyone
is interested. Not many, due to radio and other committments, however he's
willing to take enquiries, and has let me know its possible he could be able to
organise something if contacted.
See Lana Ross & Peter Smith in concert in Tamworth at two big showsSaturday 15 January 2.00pm, Tuesday 18 January 7.00pm
Lana Ross is excited about her second album release. Three songs from the ten track release,Lindsay Butler produced, album are shining with recognition for the Queensland songwriter.
In October last year, just before hearing the news a few weeks later that one of her tracks had made the International Top 40 Country Music Charts, she said, ‘I love what I’m doing. I have no regrets. The first album taught me not to be afraid! To be myself! I have learnt many industry lessons over the past two years and I’m sure I will learn a few more....over the coming years’, adding ‘Hillcrest feedback already indicates the song is receiving strong airplay among the favourites of most of the DJs on the media boards. But it’s still a bit early to tell.’
As good songs go, the year ended even better with two finalist berths in the 2011TSA Songwriter Awards, Comedy|Novelty and Gospel, a category the Mackay based writer has already demonstrated a reverence for since there lease of her debut album back in 2008, and now, Restless Wind, her latest album in May last year.
--------------
Cat Yella
The biggest thing that happened in my rural area was the Local Machinery Field Day. My sister and I were we always joking around with each other about having to compete against all the bright, shiny farm machinery and so with that a song was written about how to attract the blokes and take there attention away from the equipment displays ,dodgy advice, but a lot of fun to write.
--------------
Calling You Home.
Life can be so hectic and sometimes you just need a peaceful place to stop and re-energise. Being with nature is as close as I can get to finding Peace and Heaven on earth .Calling me Home was written in regards to Gods Home, which I believe the Australian bushland and nature would be pretty close.
--------------
‘The Walls’
Back in October, Lana said of the co-write with Shaza Leigh, The Walls is a very special song to write having recently lost a grandparent leaving behind his widow of 50 + years. ‘I’m excited about the co-write with Shaz ’The Walls’ - the result of this song, is magical! It was a first choice when we discussed releasing a track overseas.’
Album produced and engineered by Lindsay Butler at LBS Studios Tamworth NSW
The
USA has been quite a fabulous
and supportive industry for Keri and her music in 2010, with plans which will
take her further into the US and European market in the coming
twelve months. Keri has a few different
projects on the board at present. She is
currently writing and recording with Billy Ocean's producer Gregg Assing which, she
says ‘has been very rewarding and exciting’
Next year she will
record in the USA with CSM Words and Music, possibly opening doors into Europe
for the NSW born, long term QLD resident singer|songwriter who is eagerly in
preparation mode for the project, and impressed with the additional studio time
CSM has offered and which would work in well with a separate project - a television hosting job for a music reality
program, secured in Los Angeles in August when Keri represented Australia for
the second time at the annual WCOPA World Championships of Performing Arts.
She said ‘The
program goes into production early in the new year ...that should be a lot of
fun. It has actually opened up other opportunities for me, with some recent
television advertising campaigns being secured and produced. I am also now working for WCOPA -Australian
Team, as National Scout.’
‘This is a rather
exciting opportunity for me, as I now get to assist other performers in their
hopes of fulfilling a dream career in the industry. So nice to be giving back to
the industry in such a positive way. This will of course mean I will be heading
to Hollywood in
July 2011 as a part of the team in performance and aiding the co ordinator with
the team.’
Keri is currently
working on several SE QLD flood relief concerts
to be announced shortly
Jason Lee is headin’ ‘west’ - to sought after gigs at West Leagues Club and West Diggers venues in Tamworth starting next Wednesday night.
It’s all eyes on Country Music Capital, with some serious award nominations, more than a dozen gigs and promising highlights at stage appearances at various city locations during the ten day music festival,including Tomkins Guitar Showcase, Buttercup Open House, a show with Allan Caswell at the Tamworth Theatre, and a much anticipated ‘end of festival gig’with mates Luke O’Shea and Col Finley on January 21 at The Court House Arena‘Hot Country Summer Concert’, tickets $20 at the door.
News announced Wednesday, that he’s down to the top two in three(Male Vocal, Heritage Song, APRA Songwriter) from six categories in the lead-upto February’s Victorian & National Country Music Awards in Whittlesea,where he’s booked to appear on centre stage for a rendition of the favoured single ‘A Memory’ plus a show at St George League Club. For the moment though it’s all taken a backseat as he heads to Tamworth.
Look out too for Jas if you’re in Tamworth,at the TSA Awards Concert and People’s Choice Awards. He’s a contender for TSA|CAPITAL NEWS New Songwriter Award, and is nominated in five categories, Best Male Artist, BestSong, Best Album, Best Video Clip and Most Promising Future Star in the all important People’s Choice Awards.
Male Rising Star 2010 SOUTHERN STAR AWARDS
Album BETTER LATE THAN NEVER | WJO Distribution
Album of the Week CMR October 2010
Single on 2010 EMI|CMAA Independents Day CD
Nominations | TSA Songwriter Awards 2011
TSA|CAPITAL NEWS New Songwriter Award
Nominations | Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards
Best Male Artist
Best Song
Best Album
Best Video Clip
Most Promising Future Star
Nominations | Victorian &National Country Music Awards 2011
Male Vocalist of the Year
APRA Songwriter’s Competition
Smoky Dawson Best Independent Release
Trailblazers Heritage Award
Bluegrass Award
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services for artists and
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Just a quick catch up, before i do the 'latest' News
Update (coming soon!),.. just realised there were still some things that hadn't
mentioned yet from last Tamworth etc (goodness! it's almost 'next' Tamworth!),..
I'm sorry my Updates have been 'all over the place' this year,.. i've had more
than my share of computer problems and although i've finally sorted them all,..
there is a 'back log' of lost info and lots of info in the wrong places,.. many
addresses not in the 'address book', many email addresses to be found and emails
to answer and info to follow-up. I did lose a lot of email - so once again if
you're waiting for a CD or email reply etc, re-connect with me because i've
probably lost that original E-corrospondence.
I found the sending of the 'Media Update' in 'parts' was
a dumb idea and has just confused everyone,.. so it will back to only one,.. and
while i know it's longer than you want sometimes,.. it'll give you an excuse to
have a cuppa while you read it in future! (and i'll try to keep it as short as i
can!)
TAMWORTH 2010:- Thank’s heaps to all those who came to our
2010 Tamworth shows! Was a busy year as always and we are slowly trying to find
some decent, family friendly, affordable venues we can use in the future as
we’re no longer getting any work – or responses from most of the main stream
venues,.. guess we all have our ‘use-by’ date,.. but what can I say, Stuff ‘em,
where there’s a will, there’s a way! We have re-booked the community centre for
some concerts and will also hopefully be a part of a new bluegrass venture going
ahead at one venue,.. so you’ll see us once again in 2011. Sorry about the very
short spot on Pat’s Longyard show, I was incorrectly informed this was a ‘Duo’
gig when instead was only a ‘guest spot’, sorry to all who came to hear me and
our duets. Thanks to those supporting our Community Centre Shows and especially
to those who made door donations to help cover our fees etc, I will endeavour to
keep at least one show ‘free’ here as I know Tamworth is an expensive place to
be during festival time.
The 25th Anniversary was an expensive
‘indulgence’ for me and thanks firstly to Dan Watkins, Liz Frencham, Martin
Louis & Nigel Lever from our bluegrass band, special guest musicians Pete
Denahy & Pete Fidler,.. and other special guest artists Pat Drummond, Alan
Caswell, Jane Kellaway, Mark Tempany & Alison Hams & Natalie Foley for
singing on the show,.. we hoped to see a few more faces that promised to be
there – but I guess I’m just not famous enough! Thanks also to Nigel & Pat
for help with the PA. The bluegrass Show was fantastic and the support from a
nearly 200 strong audience just knocked us for six!, thank you so much for
attending and supporting Australian bluegrass, thanks also to Coolgrass who did
a guest spot here too, and to the Davidsons once again for a spot at their
breakfast Show - we did hope to do a big combined bluegrass show one year, won't
be 2011,.. but maybe some other year !
So, did any of you see the updated
‘Pat Drummond & Karen Lynne’ Street Banner?, Cool Hey!,.. only took 25 years
for me to get on one but hey, it’s there - at least for one year! Thanks to the
TSA for a spot on the Songwriters concert – and a chance to play some bluegrass
for a change!,.. and to Sam, Jenny and Emily for putting on the Bush Poetry
Breakfasts once again. Thanks to Andrew Clermont for his hard work at the Supper
Club once again and Rob Long for filling in on guitar - it’s always nice to work
there and you see such an amazing array of interesting & talented artists!
Thanks also to Mark Moulynox & band for backing us at the Gospel tent show,
to Bruce & Gina who helped put up posters and distribute flyers, to Deb, Val
& Rhonda for all the help on the doors, selling CDs & raffle tickets
etc,… we can’t do it without you! Lastly to all those who came to our
shows!
(PREVIOUS) GIG
NEWS & THANKS:- Nice to be a part of Gulgong Folk Festival once again,..
thanks to a great big listening audience, we hope to be back again at the Prince
of Wales Hotel sometime this year. Thanks to the Illawarra Folk Festival for
giving us a gig at the 25th Silver Anniversary festival!,.. we have been a part
of this festival since it was held at Jamberoo all those years ago and is a
great place to catch up with old (and young) friends. Lovely to catch up
especially with my first ‘Manager-come-supporter’ from my ‘Maritime Services
Board’ days, lovely to see you Bryan! Thanks to dad for William watching and for
all the players who joined in our officially ‘programmed’ Bluegrasss Jam (Bruce,
Jim, Dan, Nigel, Marty,…). Then it was off to Victoria for a station fundraiser
in Bendigo,.. thanks to Peter & Evelyn, Floreena & Geoff and all at
Pheonix Fm for the help in getting the show happening, special thanks to Ted
& Faye for returning William’s forgotten guitar!,.. and also to Peter Denahy
who filled in on fiddle with us at short notice. Bunyip Country Music festival
was an absolute Gem once again!, thanks to Jigzag for getting Liz to the
festival after her van broke down and Lachie Davidson for playing amazing
mandolin for us also!. Apologies for the Wyong date that was listed which ended
up a ’no-goer’, I wasn’t aware that it didn’t come thru till only a few weeks
before. Thanks to Greg & Rhonda for the bubblewrap and post packs! thanks to
Gina, Ian, Deb & Rhonda for the photos,.. & to Mike for the info! It was
great to be invited to National Folk festival after so many years, we were
starting to think we’d killed an albatross or something!,.. but we finally got a
chance to do it again. Thanks to Kat Mear for ‘fiddling’ for us there, what a
great band sound!
SUCCESS FOR CRAIG GILES and THE MUSIC TOUR OF AMERICA’S DEEP
SOUTH
MEDIA RELEASE by BIG RIVER ENTERTAINMENT -
October 2010
When popular
entertainer Craig Giles was engaged by John Howie and Travelrite International
to be the celebrity host for the “Music Tour Of America’s Deep South with Craig
Giles”, no one realised just how successful it would be. Craig was always keen
to travel through America’s southern region, and going with 51 other music
loving Aussies was a perfect way to do it.
The tour group comprised of a cross-section of
people from six different states of Australia all anxious to experience the
variety of Music, Food and Sights that this tour offered.
After landing in Los Angeles, it was onto a
luxurious coach and off to see Hollywood and surrounding districts. The next
day, further south to New Orleans for some world class Jazz and Cajun Food.
Whilst in New Orleans Craig was delighted with the opportunity to sing a couple
of numbers with local Jazz identity, Hack Bartholomew and his band.
Then on to Baton Rouge and Breaux Bridge districts
for an informative tour of the Laura Plantation and an enjoyable swamp
excursion.
Then came Tupelo, Mississippi where Craig had the
honour of performing his “Tribute to Elvis Presley” as part of Elvis’s
75thI have done this Tribute many times and in many places but I
am overwhelmed at being able to pay homage to “The King” in his own home town of
Tupelo, Mississippi and I’m extremely proud to be sharing this moment with so
many Aussie mates.” birthday
celebrations. This was a very special night and during the performance Craig
said “
Craig presented another unforgettable performance
in Memphis where he was invited to sing with the full Negro Choir at the
Legendary Reverend Al Green’s Tabernacle Church. Craig enthralled the
congregation with his moving rendition of “Peace In The Valley” and then
changed the pace to an uptempo version of “Let Us Pray” which had the audience,
choir and pastor literally dancing and singing in the isles. It was a very
uplifting experience for everyone.
Apart from Craig’s main shows, he also treated the
group to impromptu performances throughout the entertainment packed tour.
Craig’s duo partner, Kinta, was also on the tour and accompanied Craig on stage
on several occasions including a few songs at a Memphis Honky Tonk and a River
Cruise in Savannah much to the delight of their rowdy Aussie mates and
appreciative locals.
Sing-a-longs on the coach were very popular and
apart from Craig, Kinta and John Howie, fellow entertainers David Croser and
Vince Tuck showed off their fine singing abilities.
Every day had highlights, from the sentimental
& moving journey through Gracelands and other places associated with Elvis,
the atmosphere of the famous Sun Recording Studios, the fun of Dollywood’s Theme
Park, the excitement and horsemanship at the Dixieland Stampede, the atmosphere
and professionalism of the various shows in Branson and the historic Grand Ole
Opry in Nashville. The group were thrilled when they met up with Australia’s own
Hamish and Lachlan Davidson “The Davison Brothers” after the International
Bluegrass Music Awards Show at Nashville.
There were many more memorable highlights but it
would take too long to mention them all.
Owing to it’s outstanding success, Craig has been
engaged for a second “Music Tour Of The Deep South” in October 2011. For a
brochure or further information contact Roz Giles by email bigriver@mcmedia.com.au or phone 0408
597307.
Craig’s 2011 Tamworth Shows, South Australian
& Queensland Tours are all now in place so contact Roz for further
information. bigriver@mcmedia.com.au or phone 0408
597307.
THANKS TO THE WORLD'S GREATEST DJ'S FOR MAKING "THAT GIRL WHO SANG JOHNNY CASH"
A HIT
I want to say a big Texas-sized "Thank You" for all the support of my music and the spins for
my duet with Marty Wolfe on "That Girl Who Sang Johnny Cash". From
the International Mainstream Country Charts to the European Country
Music Association Top 100 and Top 40 Charts to Germany's Country Music
Airplay Charts, the song has really done very well. And to top if off, it
has also been nominated for the "Deutschen Countrypreis 2011 Song des
Jahres" (Germany's Country Prize 2011 Song of the Year).
I'm off the road until the new year while
recovering from knee replacement surgery, so I'll be working on getting out
Christmas Station ID's very soon! Also I've got a new song coming to you in
early January!
Thanks again for your do to support all
indie artists, for without YOU, we have no voice on radio!! Keep
safe!
Melissa Bajric | Small
Town Girl’s National Tour Launches In Home Town
Toes were
tapping at the Town Hall in Maitland when Melissa Bajric returned to her home
town to show the locals what she’s been up to over the past 10 years.
The once
quiet and shy ‘Small Town Girl’ returned home to begin her national tour of
‘The Melissa Bajric Show’. Flying in her
world class band, and supported by a dedicated road crew, Melissa owned the
stage as she showed her fans this country girl knows how to put the wow factor
into her performances.
More than
200 fans filled the historic town hall to see Melissa perform the songs they
know and love from her current albums, along with brand new tracks from her
forthcoming album which is due out next year.
The
show-stopping moment came mid-way through Melissa’s set when she brought to the
stage Celtic harpist Torin King, to accompany her as she performed the Henry
Lawson poem ‘The Water Lily’. With a
sweet, high, more classical than country vocal, and the mystical sounds of the
harp, the room was silent as Melissa sang the heartbreaking story of a mother’s
dreams of her deceased baby’s spirit. You
couldn’t help but be moved by such a performance.
The
Melissa Bajric Show features country music of many styles, opening with Lloyd
Back from Kingaroy in Queensland with his easy listening and thought provoking
songs, then followed by fellow Hunter Valley local entertainer Bob Easter, a
prolific bush balladeer. Lindsay
Waddington, Melissa’s musical director and 5 times Queensland Musician Of The
Year, was also highlighted during Melissa’s performance when he held the
spotlight performing a few up-beat instrumentals.
To say
that Maitland is proud of their girl would be an under-statement; and Melissa,
still as grounded as ever, has not forgotten her roots. ‘I’ve had so much
support from family and friends over the years. Some of the faces in the
audience I know have supported me since I was young and starting to sing, when
I probably wasn’t all that good at all’ she said with a smile. ‘I’ve been
living my dream over the past 10 years, I’ve learnt a lot, and I know I
wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have so much support in the beginning.
This show was an opportunity for me to
come home and say thank you to everyone.’
The
Melissa Bajric show will travel to cities across Australia over the ensuing 4 year
period. The next show is at the Anderson
Theatre in Warnambool Vic on 27 November, followed by a festival performance at
Tamworth’s luxurious Capitol Theatre on 18
January next year.
For
details of the Melissa Bajric Show head to www.melissabajric.com, or go to
www.drovergroup.com.au for venue and ticketing information.
Release
supplied courtesy Drover Group | Images by Bob Mcgahan Oct 2010
Album
info | Australia and overseas | review Country Jukebox, Germany MAX W ACHATZ
Album ‘Small Town
Girl’
Almost unheard of, a massive six
singles have been pulled from this album and released to radio and television,
5 tracks to radio and 3 to CMC, from a pool of 6 tracks.
Melissa Bajric | Nominee Top 10 2010 Peoples Choice National
Musicoz Awards March 2010
‘Silver Wings’ duet with Lindsay
Waddington released in Australia
on NfS 143; ‘Truck Drivin’ Man’&
‘Sunshine Rain’ released in the European market on Hillcrest.
Catherine
Britt releases ‘Sweet Emmylou’, the second single to media from her
latest album, the 2010 ARIA nominated Catherine Britt, today.
Sweet
Emmylou, a beautiful ode that is full of honesty and heartbreak, is a song that
has truly struck a note with fans, media and Catherine’s peers including the
multi award winning Kasey Chambers who said "Catherine's
new self titled album is my favourite Australian release of the year and
Sweet Emmylou is simply the most beautiful song on the album.
“Sweet Emmylou was written in with my good
friend Rory-Lee Feek. At the time I was heartbroken and when we sat down to
write I told him I how I was feeling quite low and listening to old records
like Emmylou’s to make me feel better because through her sad songs I felt like
misery had company. In many respects the song wrote itself. It's a very special
song to me and one of my favourite songs that I have ever written,” says Britt.
The single release co-insides with Catherine’s nomination for Best
Country Album at the 2010 ARIA Awards - her fourth in that category.
In fact, all Catherine Britt’s studio albums have been nominated for an ARIA
Award.
In addition to her Best Country Album nomination, Britt is also a
contender for the Most Popular Australian Artist at this year’s ARIA
Awards. Fans can vote for her at the ARIA Awards website www.ariaawards.com.au.
Catherine Britt is touring throughout November with lauded Brisbane
troubadour, Chris Pickering. You can check tour dates at www.catherinebritt.com.
‘Sweet Emmylou’ is released to media on
Monday October 25. The new single is from the album Catherine Britt,
out now through ABC Music/Universal Music Australia.
Without music, life would be a mistake" - Friedrich
Nietzsche
Chris
Pickering & Catherine Britt
THE
‘FACT OR FICTION’ TOUR
With his new album ‘Work Of Fiction’ in stores Fri 1st Oct
(Longtime Listener/Other Tongues), lauded Brisbane troubadour, Chris Pickering, together with
Newcastle based songstress, and 2010 ARIA Award nominee, Catherine Britt, announce their
national ‘Fact Or Fiction’ tour.
After his selection for a
showcase spot at SxSW in 2008, Pickering took up semi permanent digs in
Nashville, showcased at Folk Alliance (Memphis) and Musexpo L.A. in 2009 whilst
ensconcing himself in the Indie Nashville music scene, extensively writing and
performing. In his words:
“The
place itself very quickly became my home, and adopted me as one of its own.
Tennessee is like that. Right when you think you're lost, you find yourself
exactly where you're meant to be, and with the right people.”
Featuring an elite of
Memphis and Muscle Shoals session players, in November 2009, Pickering recorded
‘Work Of Fiction’ at famed Ardent Recording Studios in Memphis, TN, with Stax
Records producer and artist Don Nix producing.
September sees him
launching ‘Work Of Fiction’ in the USA followed by shows in London before
returning for the Australian ‘Fact Or Fiction’ tour kick off - 4th Nov in
Armidale.
Catherine Britt the artist
was forged in the afterglow of her winning the 2009 Female Artist of the Year at
the CMAA Awards. Having also lived in Nashville (for six years) upon relocating
back to Australia, her first step was making an album. The first call she made
was to her mentor and first time producer Bill Chambers. He in turn suggested
bringing in multi-instrumentalist, engineer and producer Shane Nicholson to
co-produce and together they all worked at creating a heartfelt album born of
love, pain, loss and sorrow.
With a core band of James
Gillard (Mondo Rock), Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil), John Watson, Chambers and
Nicholson, the songs that would become her current self titled album quickly
sprang to life and grew from the musical sketches Britt had first played to
them. Drawing on contemporary influences such as Ryan Adams, Bernard Fanning,
Mumford & Sons, Paul Kelly, Patty Griffin and Lucinda Williams, Britt
utilised all her musical resources to pen a biographic yet opportunistic
album.
Catherine is excited to be
on the road with Chris: “I’m a big fan of
Chris's music and I’m very excited to get out on the road together with him and
his fabulous band. Chris is a gifted Singer/Songwriter and I can't wait to see
his songs played live”.
Keep an eye out for two
Australian come Nashville come Australia again singer / songwriters at the peak
of their craft on the road this Nov/Dec.
CHECK OUT CATHRINES GIG GUIDE ON FLOREENA PROMOTES COUNTRY PAGE
‘Driven’
the new single and latest music clip is the current release for Sydney singer-songwriter
Merilyn Steele.
Shot
on location in the beautiful NSW area near Maitland and the quaint suburb of
Morpeth with its lush green fields and long open roads, the clip was
directed by video producer and director
Ross Wood over 2 days at separate locations.
Merilyn
says ‘It was middle of winter, early morning and I was freezing! I had to kind
of 'wade' through this lush green field just hoping there wasn't a huge ditch
somewhere waiting for me to drop into!’
‘Then
it was on to the historic town and 'haunted'? hotel of Neath which was just the
most perfect rooms and backdrop for this song. I must have thawed out by that
time as the makeup artist commented that I now had some colour in my cheeks!
After lunch it was on to Cessnock for the 'white steps' shot of the big church
there.’
The
second day was filmed out past Camden south west NSW, a location Merilyn
spotted for the car shots a few weeks earlier.
‘As
soon as I saw those rusty old sheds I knew we had to have it! I drove around the
area as Ross filmed in the old 73 Ford Fairlane which was actually a dream to
drive’ she added.
'Driven'
is a song Merilyn describes as a virtual autobiography of her life as a
artist-songwriter. Inspired and aptly
titled, it’s the reason behind why she believes ‘unlike many others, that I haven’t 'thrown in
the towel' so to speak as the going is tough.’
‘It's
because I believe I'm doing what I was put on this earth to do - communicate
with others via means of the written word and music.’
‘There
have been many times I've wanted to quit - but I just can't do the 9 to 5 thing
- it goes against every grain of me!’
Despite
the odds, Merilyn Steele is here and now and doing what she enjoys best, filming
this clip is just part of the journey and a reminder of the strength in
songwriting.
All
round it was so much fun and wonderful to be pampered so much, and I'm pretty
happy with the results!
Melissa Bajric | Silver
Wings | with Lindsay Waddington NfS
For the
past 3 years, whenever you've seen Melissa Bajric perform, on stage beside her
has been five times QLD Musician of the Year Lindsay Waddington playing his
trademark upside-down yellow guitar.
Now the two have
teamed up for this vocal collaboration to bring a new and exciting sound to an
old Merle Haggard classic. As producer
of this track, Waddo has sought out those beautiful sounds of a live string
section, like in the recordings of days gone by, and added driving lead guitars
and modern sounds to create a perfect rapport between country music old and
new.
In a song that
portrays a contrast of strength and vulnerability these two connoisseurs of their
arts, breathe life and intensity to this classic song, to generate this
uplifting and inspirational rendition of Silver Wings.
Release
supplied courtesy Drover Group
Album
info | Australia and overseas | review Country Jukebox, Germany MAX W ACHATZ
Album ‘Small Town
Girl’
Almost unheard of, a massive six
singles have been pulled from this album and released to radio and television,
5 tracks to radio and 3 to CMC, from a pool of 6 tracks.
Melissa Bajric | Nominee Top 10 2010 Peoples Choice National
Musicoz Awards March 2010
‘Silver Wings’ duet with Lindsay
Waddington released in Australia
on NfS 143; ‘Truck Drivin’ Man’&
‘Sunshine Rain’ released in the European market on Hillcrest.
Justin Townes Earle
is an anomaly. He’s tall as the day is long, all angles and elbows and a hard
stare, both welcoming and deadly serious. He’s Nashville North, all set up in
lower Manhattan now, just like his hero Woody Guthrie, with twang and charm
intact. His new record, his third, the outstanding Harlem River Blues,
has been critically acclaimed universally, and good people of Australia, he is
coming back in March to make you all very, very happy once again.
The much tattooed
wonder kid of Steve Earle, JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE will reacquaint with his many
Australian fans and friends he has established by his committed touring in this
his favourite destination outside of his old lady's arms.
The tour will take in
festival appearances at Golden Plains, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Mossvale
Music Festival in Victoria, as well headline shows all over the land in Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Adelaide and Perth.
For those yet to
experience JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, get ready to see, hear and feel the real deal.
Channeling the Texas blues of Mance Lipscomb and Lightnin' Hopkins, the folk
and honesty of Woody Guthrie through, the honky tonk of Buck Owens, the cosmic
country sounds of Gram Parsons mixed with traditional Appalachian mountain
music and finally the genius of his name sake, Townes Van Zandt, he is a bundle
of Americana busting at his fine stylin' seams.
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
touring for Love Police all through March 2011 with some very special guests to
be announced soon.
It’s a year since Hervey Bay singer songwriter Keri McInerney ventured
east across the Pacific, arriving at LAX. It’s a year since she brought
home a gold medal and 4 silvers at her first ever international WCOPA
World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood Los Angeles.
She said at the time, ‘I never stoptrying to promote, develop and
learn more about my trade and this was such an incredible opportunity to
really do just that. It was fabulous to be selected, giving me more
belief that my music and my performances are good enough to compete in
the world arena.’
A year to establish more than she ever dreamed!
First came an invitation to talentscout for the Australian team,
next came the industry contacts and networking helping to establish
opportunities Keri never imagined.
By June she had signed recording agreements with international
record label CSM Words and Music, flying out July11 for the US and the
10 day WCOPA Championships.
This time an even closer finale beckoned, and Keri did it all over
again! A gold, six silver and two bronze out shone the 2009
performances, landing a grand finalist spot in a close finish, narrowly
edged out by Ireland the eventual winner, for the highly valued Overall
Grand Prize at the July 26 event networked in a 4 hour spectacular live
telecast online to a multi billion viewing audience.
Next came an unexpected coup, the chance to host a 2011 reality
program for South Africa Television, a pilot fora broader concept and
the US|South Africa world market.
Keenly monitoring events, local newspaper the Fraser Coast Chronicle
reported the newsat the time as, ‘It's an international deal and is
just a wonderful acquisition.
‘The program is being co-ordinated by South African Television in conjunction with a Hollywood production team. ‘
‘I am thrilled beyond belief. Hollywood this year has been filled with opportunities for me.’
As a WCOPA talent scout here in Australia, Keri had selected four up
and coming country artists, Kiara Rodrigues, Lance Coassin, Gary
Fogarty and Steve Eales, and inspiring young singer|songwriter from
Hervey Bay Kyle Downes, to represent in the national team. All took
home medals and a champion status in their category.
Tired, excited and highly motivated after twelve hour days and full
rehearsals, Keri boarded her Virgin Flight homeward bound, only to
chance meet with Virgin boss SirRichard Branson, not once but twice
during the course of the flight to Ozshores.
Eagerly welcomed home to sunny Queensland, media services Channel
Seven, ABC Wide Bay,Fraser Coast, Kix Country and others including 2NZ
Keri’s hometown of Inverell all sought interviews in the last week,
whilst on Saturday, Keri and protégé Kyle Downes were guests at Hervey
Bay’s celebrations, riding high in a limousine service joining in the
city parade to celebrate their iconic Whale Festival.
Keri said yesterday ‘I feel like the international parade had just
begunfor Keri McInerney, as I move forward into the world market. I do
know too, we as Team Australia have done our country proud!’
Artists News
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