Artists
2013 South Australian Country Music Festival Proudly Welcome:
"Celebrating the 35th Annual South Australian Country Music Festival "
RODNEY VINCENT
AUSTRALIA'S POPULAR COUNTRY ENTERTAINER: Rodney Vincent is an Award Winning Entertainer including "Entertainer of the Year". He has served his apprenticeship from country dance halls to the biggest venues in Australia. Rodney also toured many times with American Rock n Roll Legend Gene Pitney and has been a special guest to The Delltones, 4 Kinsmen, Col Elliott, Freddie & the Dreamers and many others. His CD "Here I am" received a Top 10 Nomination featuring many songs he wrote or co-wrote including "Lets Not Make the Same Mistake Again" with Gene Pitney.Rodney Vincent continues to go from strength to strength with booking commitments all over Australia and puts his hand to Country / Comedy / Old Time Standards ad Rock n Roll. He is the consummate versatile Entertainer. Rodney was Inducted into the SA Country Hall of Fame in 2011
STEPHEN R CHENEY
SOMETHING SPECIAL: Stephen R Cheney is a noted Entertainer who has spent the past 35 years touring across Australia / USA and New Zealand. He has performed at many Festivals and Events and recently gained Industry accolades from around Europe and beyond with his Songwriting skills and has featured in a radio special "The Life of Stephen R Cheney" on European Radio out of Poland. Stephen has 18 CDs and a DVD. "The Tribute Series" has some of his original songs mixed with some great Classic Country, he also has a Gospel album. Stephen has toured with Daniel O'Donnell and will be Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame at the 2013 SA Country Music Festival
BRIAN LETTON
MULTI GOLD GUITAR FINALIST: Brian Letton sings and writes about his country and his fellow man with rare feeling. He writes of the things he knows, understands, loves and believes in. His songs have won him Australian and International acclaim. He has had a succession of Top 10 radio Hits and has won the coveted Gold Guitar Awards in "Best New Talent" category in 1991 and went on to be a Finalist in the Gold Guitar Awards 14 times. In 2003 Brian fulfilled a career long ambition to record with full orchestral backing under the guidance of the legendary maestro Tommy Tycho. Brian has released 18 albums with LBS MUSIC. Brian letton has certainly cemented his position as one of the premier entertainers in the Australian Music Industry, his professional caree now spans more that 20 years and he continues to tour non stop. Brian has accumulated many of Australia's most prestigious music awards and accolades. Brian Letton was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993
SANDRA HUMPHRIES
AWARD WINNING: "Crosswind" are a welcome addition to the SA Country Music Festival as few can bring that true country feel to a song like Singer / Songwriter Sandra Humphries. She has won 3 Independent Artist Awards and an album that won Independent Album of the Year. Her album "Im Worth It" was a huge success and produced 4 Top 10 Hits, 2 Film clips released on CMC and a Nomination in "Album of the Year" in 2010 she also had a Nomination for "Independent Female Vocalist of the Year" in 2011. Sandra has toured Texas and Tennessee with Doug Bruce and the Tailgators and is well respected for her Vocal performances. Sandra was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and "Crosswind" Lead Guitarist Henry Czerwonka will be Inducted in 2013
TREVOR KEILAR
"THE MAN IN BLACK": Trevor Keilar is know for performing Johnny Cash songs as well as well known country songs. He has been a Guest Artist at Country Music Clubs, Festivals and Events and has a "Tribute to Johnny Cash Show". He has released 6 CDs which are getting airplay on Radio Stations
MEAGAN LAURIE
AWARD WINNING: The Country Music Industry undoubtedly agrees with Meagan Laurie's exceptional talent Awarding her three consecutive Champion of Champions Titles: Victoria, South Australia and Queensland making Meagan the only person to ever win the trifecta. In 2004 Meagan moved to America to learn ins and out of the Industry at South Plains College in Cleveland Texas where some of Americas most famous Country Music artists jump started their careers. While at South Plains College the faculty awarded Meagan"Outstanding Female Songwriter of the Year" in 2003 / 2004 /and 2005 - "Female Country Swing Vocalist of the Year" 2003 / 2004 / 2005 - "Female Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year" 2004 / 2005 - "Country Swing Instrumentalist of the Year" 2004 / 2005 - "Female Entertainer of the Year" 2004 / 2005. Meagan has also been a member of the "Thursday Nite Live" television program which is aired live each month. Meagan not only writes for her albums but she also provides instrumentation and co-produces. Meagan is also a very competent and proffessional Backing musician and has joined the SA Country Music Festival Backing Band for a number of years now and provides beautiful harmonies for major artists. It looks like Meagan Laurie is well on the road to huge success.
DAVE PRIOR
FESTIVAL FAVOURITE: In the past 35 years Dave Prior has worked in the Commercial Radio Industry as an Announcer - Program Director and General Manager managing 8HA in Alice Springs - 5CC in Port Lincoln - 5MU in Murray Bridge and 96.5 and 98FM in Geraldton. Dave has won 5 Major Radio Awards, 3 Country Nusic Awards, has 5 Country Charts Hit Singles, recorded 6 CD's and enjoyed highlights in his career that include opening the Perth City Muster, performing at the Sydney Opera House and hosting many Countr Music Awards around Australia. During his Radio career his love for Country Music kept him busy on the sidelines both as a Performer - Promoter and Host of various syndicated Country Music programs. Now that he is old enough to know better he has thrown his efforts into the Country Music Industry full time performing at Festivals - Events and Venues across Australia. Dave's show is not only a mixture of his own songs and some Classic Country but an entertaining journey filled wih funny tales and good Country music
MURRAY MAC and his band TRUE GRIT
AWARD WINNING: PRESIDENT South Australian Country Music Festival & Awards: The voice of Murray Mac has continued to shine through some tough competition. His strong vocal sound has won countless Awards and Murray has gone on to earn the affections of Fans across the country. In 2001 Murray became Vice President of the South Australian Country Music Festival and went on to become President in 2005. He regurlarly share's centre stage with Australia's best and with his band "True Grit "was support act for Adam harvey and Lee Kernighan at the OutBack Cattle Drive Concerts. Murray gives powerful performances to a multitude of songs from Ballads to Country Rock and has a massive repetoire. He was the proud recipient of the SA Industry Award for Service and Dedication to Country Music and has recorded two albums " Now & Then" and "Little Bit of Love Little Bit of Honky Tonk". Murray is also well known for his hard work and encouragement of New and Young Talent in the industry and presents the SA "Tamworth" Showcase each year. Murray was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. At the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival Murray received the Australian Country Music Community Service Award and was proud to receive a Trophy and a Cheque which he donated to Angel Flight
CHARLIE McCRACKEN
RECORDING ARTIST: Charlie McCracken moved to South Australia from WA in the late 80's to become the Lead Vocalist for the band Both Barrels which had huge success for many years and recorded an album in the early 90's. While in WA he won the Overall Pro-am Section in 1983. Charlie now performs around Australia and is a qualified Audio Engineer with a Diploma of Music Industry Technical Production and operates "The Refinery" Recording Studios & Services in Adelaide and has his own production Company CBM. In 2009 he hosted a tour from SA to Tamworth and is currently recording his second CD "Tribute To Waylon Jennings" following the succes of his first album " This is Crlie McCracken". Charlie was Inducted into the South Australian Hands of Fame in 2004
CACTUS MARTENS
AWARD WINNING: Colin " Cactus " Martens began winning Awards throughout Australia back when he had his popular band "Detour" during the 80's and 90's. In 1991 he also won the Male Vocal Section at the then Central Australian Country Music Awards in Alice Springs. Cactus toured with LBS Concert in the early 90's around South Australia and Western Australia and went on to tour and perform with many Australian greats from Jimmy Little to Wayne Horsbourgh and now tours extensively with Brian Letton and has performed for over 20 years as a Solo artist. Cactus was the 19th recipient of the Peel Valley Lions Club Australian Country Music Community Award for 2012 in Tamworth for his many years of fundraising for numerous charities, he was nominated in his home town by the Port Pirie Lions Club and donated his prize money to the Chemotherapy Unit at the hospital and Riding for the Disabled. He regularly performs at Country Music Clubs and Events. Colin "Cactus" Martens was be Inducted into the South Australian Hands of Fame on Saturday in 2012
MARK TEMPANY and ALISON HAMS
STARMAKER FINALIST: Mark's music continues to provide original Australian music to National and International audience's . His Tamworth "Concert in the Chapel" plays to sellout crowds. Mark has released three albums to wide acclaim. In 1998 he released "Summer Dreams" in 2000 released "Far Away" and in 2003 came "The Long Highway" and he came second in the Unisong International Song Contest . He has been support act to Charlie Landsborough and Kate Cebrano. Mark was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. STARMAKER FINALIST: Alison returns to the SA Country Music Festival each year where she joins the SA Awards backing band on bass guitar . Alison is also one of Country Music's most professional and versatile Performers. Her music has been seen and heard on National and International print and broadcast media. Alison has won a South Australian Music Industry Award / Young Citizen Award / been nominated for Young Australian of the Year / won the UK Songwriting Competition / SA Great Award and she is also a CMAA College of Country Music Graduate and a StarMaker Finalist. In 2004 Alison accepted an endorsement deal from US based guitar manufactor Daisy Rock Guitars. Alison and her husband Mark Tempany currently work as a very successful Duo. Alison was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007
GARY BURROWS
A.P.R.A. State Manager: Gary Burrows has spent many years working in the Music Industry, based in Adelaide he has played in various successful bands including 'Brass Carnival' and 'The Boys' as a Drummer - Singer and Songwriter. Gary currently tours with his band 'The Rustlers' performing at Country Music Festivals and Events around Australia experiencing huge success with his own compositions. Gary has for the past twenty years managed the Adelaide office of APRA and still today is responsible for licensing in South Australia and the Northern Territory. As part of his commitment to the Industry Gary has also served on committee's including Ausmusic - Arts SA - Rockpool - SAMIA and Fuse. Gary Burrows will be Inducted into the South Australian Country Music Hands of Fame in June 2009
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BOB MAGOR
AWARD WINNER: Bob Magor is truly the Master of mayhem and madness and one of Australia's most popular Bush Poet's. He is superb at capturing the humour in ordinary everyday situations in a way that his audience can relate to and this has made his seven books of verse all best sellers. His work is performed by Poet's across the country and his book "The Exodus" won the Bush Laureate Awards for Book of the Year at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Bob Magor was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004
BILL BEDFORD
BUSH BALLADEER: Bill Bedford is one of SA's most noted Balladeers. He has spent many years working in the Country Music Industry and had the popular Country Round Up band. Pioneers such as Slim dusty, Stan Coster and Buddy Williams have been a major influence to Bill and the high standards set by these legends are reflected in Bill's performances. Bill and his sound engineer wife Colleen have travelled from Oodnadatta to Charleville, from the city to the country and perform regularly at the South Australian Country Music Festival as well as Tamworth each year. Bill Bedford was Inducted into the South Australian Country Music Hands of Fame in 2003
EVAN PLATSCHINDA
POPULAR BALLADEER: Bush Balladeer and Country Music Singer / Songwriter Evan Platschinda is a regular at most Country Music Festivals and has been performing at Tamworth for the past 10 years. Evan will be releasing his latest album of 12 tracks including 5 originals making it his 5th album. Evan won the SA Country Music Festivals Buskers Award in 2012 and is looking forward to coming back for the 3rd year in a row
GARY DANIEL
BORN IN THE USA: Singer / Songwriter Gary Daniel may be new to Australia but he is certainly not new to Country Music. He joined "The Tennessee Valley Barn Dance" in 1969 and remained a member of that Organzation for 13 years playing every Saturday night. Gary was also a member of the 'Jim Shipley Combo" Band and later went on to form his own band "Southern Gold" playing in Knoxville and Nashville for many years. During the 70's Gary played with Gene Watson, Wayne Kemp, Billy ( Crash ) Craddock, Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton. Gary Daniels now lives in Australia and will be performing at the 2013 SA Country Music Festival
JOHNNY LOVETT
SOMETHING SPECIAL: Johnny Lovett is from the western district of Victoria and is a seasoned performer of Country Music. He has travelled all over Australia from the early 70,s and had his own band called the "Black Opals" and now has 7 CD's to his credit. He has been support act for John Rex Reeves ( USA ) the nephew of Jim Reeves, and has also toured with Hank Sasaki ( Nashville) and performed on the Ray Kernagan Show with Chad Morgan. Johnny Lovett appears at Festivals across Australiaand has won three Male Vocal Awards including the SA Country Music Festival in Barmera in 2010, he is inspired by Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, George Jones. Johnny Cash and Moe Bandy. John will be appearing at the SA Country Music Festival in June 2013
THE HOFFMANS
VERY POPULAR: Heather and David have been performing country music since the early years having met in '82 Heather joined Davids bandthey married soon after spending time on the Gold Coast playing on Club circuits.Heather won a scholarship to study classical music at the Melba Concervatorium and finished with honours at AMEB levels. David has performed mainly as a backing musician since the age of 13 he has accompanied many of Australia's top artists and toured with Normie Rowe for two years. Together the Hoffmans have diverse backgrounds in music and captive harmonies along with crystal clear voices
OLIVE BICE
AWARD WINNER: Olive is an established and very popular Recording Artist with her own special unique style and is undoubtably one of Australia's best Yodellers. She has a repertoire that takes her audience from the sweet sounds of Anne Murray and Patsy Cline to the sounds of Linda Rondstadt and Dolly Parton. Olive is also a very capable Musician playing Rhythm Guitar - Bass Guitar and Drums and has reached No 8 on the Australian Country Music Charts with her own composition "Making Paper Roses in the Rain". Olive was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989
BERNIE & THE BANDITS
FUN TIMES: "Bernie & the Bandits have been playing their own cabaret style of Country Music for the past two decades. Bernie began drumming at the age of 9 years with his father in an Old Time Dance Band and moved on to Rock Bands in the 60s and 70s, he can play almost any instrument he picks up. Bernie and the Bandits are able to mix a repertoire to suit any audience with a mix of standard and classic country. Bernie Scott will be Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013
GUIDO DAVIS
ENTERTAINER: Guido Davis comes from Wentworth in NSW and is a born entertainer who loves what he does and he does it well. A Singer - Soundman he performs at Clubs - Festivals and Events and has an unusual version of "Green Green Grass of Home". Guido started singing and playing when he was 19 years of age and his first love has always been Country Ballads he is also involved with the Sunraysia Country Music Club in Mildura
ROSS BAKER
FESTIVAL FAVOURITE: Ross "Gummy Bill" Baker has appeared on the Radio 5AD Saturday Morning Country program which was hosted by Bob Fricker, he has also appeared on 5KA Bobby's Community Singalong. In 1957 Ross joined country band "The South Aussie Ramblers". Ross first recorded in 1988 and has created the very funny character "Gummy Bill ". He has performed at Tamworth and across the State and toured the Northern Territory. Ross has a number of CDs and was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998
CHERYL LETHLEAN
SONGWRITER: Cheryl began to sing at Sunday School and School Concerts then as a teenager she sang with her brother in his band The Castlemen. Her first recording was on cassette and titled "Destiny" in 1994. Cheryl performs at Festivals and Events around the country and has several original songs nominated for Awards and she has become a finalist in may competitions and some noted performers have recorded her material. CD's to receive significant airplay are "Destiny" - "Sharing My Dreams - "Songs We'll Remember" - "About Us" - and "Billy's Bones" and her latest CD "Hands of Time" features popular requested songs.Cheryl also Compere's and Judge's at Festivals. Cheryl Lethlean was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010
HARRY LETTON
GUITARIST: Harry has loved Country Music for as long as he can remember and was a fan of Tex Morton - Buddy Williams and Slim Dusty. At the age of 14 years his parents bought him an acoustic guitar and he learned to play a few chords. A few years later he also learnt to play the piano until the late 70's when he cut the top off of the little finger on his right hand, so it was back to the guitar for Harry. In 1980 he purchased a Gibson 335 the same as the one played by the legendary Barry Thornton and over the following years he enjoyed playing with Barry as well as Lindsay Butler and Brian Letton. In the 1990's Harry released two CD's the first being "Country Picking" and the second called "Country Style". In 1997 he toured through farming area's entertaining farmers who had hit hard times and received recognition from the Shadow Minister for Regional Development. He toured again in 2009 and has become a popular figure on the Country Music scene. Harry Letton was Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in June 2010
HEARTLAND
POPULAR BAND: Heartland a a popular SA Band with a lot of versatility across Old Time Dance, Rock n Roll and Country with various Backing and Recording experience. Kevin Bergen has established himself as one of SA's sought after musicians with the ability to play a variety of instruments and plays with most Bands around SA. Darryl Eckert is an experienced guitarist and with Vince Wegener on keyboards and Dave Schache on drums they form an very accomplished band. Kevin Bergen was Inducted into the South Australian Hall of Fame in 2004
CHOOKA WILLIAMS
RECORDING ARTIST: Chooka first performed in 1964 for the Ouyen District Hospital Fund Raising Concert playing Rhythm Guitar and was Lead Singer for the Owltones. During the 70's and 80's he continued with Marton Barton and Fargo. He recorded "Sunset Country" with Star Productions in 1997, in 1999 came Mallee Country and his current CD is Still Steady. Chooka participated in the Olympic Torch Song Contest and co-wrote the winning song that was performed while the cauldron was being lit. Brian "Chooka" Williams was Inducted into the SA Hall of Fame in 2010
Other Artists/Bands Appearing are: "SA FESTIVAL BAND" JOE MUSICO DARYL KNOWLING BUSH POETS KATHY CHAPLIN JIMMY CHAPLIN GRAHAM BUTTERWORTH IAN BOYD KEITH BROAD KEN GEMPTON JOHN "BONES" HILL ALLAN BERRYMAN DOREEN BERRYMAN IVON FERRY GRAEME COATES ALBY MARTIN TONY ROBERTS ALMA EARL DAVIES JEAN CONNOR LEN CONNOR KAY BUTTERWORTH ROD BRIANT ANNETTE SHARP GLORIA KING MARGARET BROAD MAREE HENDERSON DOUG FREER BUSKERS and Lots More ............................ If Your Gonna Do It ... Do It In The Riverland! Check Program for Performance times and Venues of all Artists and Bands Tour Australia with RIVERLAND SAFARIS - Hire a Bus from BOBS BUS HIRE
