Artists
2010 ARTISTS ....... 2011 To Be Announced !!!!!
South Australian Country Music Festival Proudly Welcomed:
" Multi AWARD WINNING "
" DOUG BRUCE and the TAILGATERS "
"Celebrating the 32nd Annual South Australian Country Music Festival "
SOMETHING SPECIAL: Texas born Singer / Songwriter Doug Bruce now resides in Australia. Doug's career in Country Music has seen him move from behind the Drums to Front of Stage impressing die hard Country fans and new converts alike with his rich voice and natural affinity for the Southern Country sound. With the release of his first album"All I Need" Doug was Awarded the 2009 Best Male Vocal in the highly regarded Tamworth TIARA Awards. He also took out Best Contempory Song with "I Know About Lonesome"in the Professional Section of the TSA National Songwriting Competition. Doug was also a Top Five Finalist in the Traditional Section with "Just Three Minutes". A Finalist in all six of the Victorian & National Awards in 2009 he took out Victorian Male Vocalist - Victorian Album of the Year and the Smoky Dawson Best Independant Release in the National Section. The first single and title track released from the album"All I Need" was in the Australian Hot Country Top 50 for 15 weeks reaching No 20 and also saw Doug placed as a Finalist in the Americana Section of the 12th Annual UniSong International Song Contest. Doug recorded and Produced " All I Need" from his own purpose built Shoo Fly Studios and wrote all of the songs with two being co-written with Harry Jon Nanos. Born in Aubrey Texas Doug moved to Australia with his wife and young son and has performed primarily as a drummer and backing vocalist for numerous bands in the North of Texas. He also spent time in Nashville performing and doing studio work with highlights including live performances and radio broadcasts on the Grand Ole Oprey and the Midnight Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Theatre. Doug Bruce and the Tailgaters are going to set 2010 on fire with their energetic no excuses Country Music performances. With four singles released to radio - two video clips on CMC - a new album in production for 2010 this is an ideal time to catch Doug Bruce and the Tailgaters. Doug Bruce was Inducted into the South Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008
RUCKUS
GOLD GUITAR FINALISTS: Ruckus is one of Australia's premier Country Bands having won among other things the Coca Cola 2009 Battle of the Bands - Tooheys 2008 battle of the Bands - 2008 Gold Guitar Finalists - 2007 Battle of the Bands - Best New Talent - and all in Tamworth. Ruckus are the only Band to take out all three of these Awards - They have also won Victorian Entertainers of the Year. The Band evolved over five years ago with an electric mix of Southern Rock and Country mixed with a growing list of originals. Their debut album comprises three Aussie Country originals and the second album "The Other Side" is another step forward for Ruckus and consists of 12 songs 7 of these penned by the Band with a couple of Instrumentals written by Fiddle Player Marcella which awarded her 2 Golden Fiddle Championships - Best Soloist - Best Composition and she tours Europe and Asia as well. With a signed deal from Daimler/Chrysler Freightliner Ruckus have completed their second video clip which is shown on CMC as well as NuCountry Channel 11
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
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.
ROYDEN DONOHUE
AWARD WINNER: Royden Donohue has become a familiar name in Country Music over the past few years and now this young man has released six albums has enjoyed considerable airplay and earnt the respect of the whole Music Industry. 2005 Tiara Male Vocalist of the Year / 2005 National Country Music Awards Best New Talent of the Year and 2005 Golden Saddle Awards Finalist. Royden is building a large and loyal Fan base around Australia and has twice been a StarMaker Grand Finalist as well as a Tamworth College of Country Music Graduate in 1999. Royden has been forced to cancel his booking as he has Won "Elvis Idol" - "World Elvis" and is appearing in "Ultimate Elvis" on the weekend he would have been at the Festival - He has just returned from standing ovations in Hong Kong and is set to appear in Las Vegas. The SA Country Music Festival Committee agree to this cancellation and express our pride in being a part of it all. Good Luck Royden we wish you every 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. 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
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 CBM Recording Studios & Services in Adelaide. In 2009 he hosted a tour from SA to Tamworth and is currently compiling songs for the debut of his Independant CD release later this year. Charlie was Inducted into the South Australian Hands of Fame in 2004
JAY TOBIN
BORN IN THE USA: Jay Tobin is an American who now resides in Adelaide South Australia with his Australian wife and has worked extensively throughout the USA specializing in Vocals and keyboards. He works with a band or solo and has also been a partner in Close Call Music Inc' Production Company which produced music for film - radio and recording sessions. Jay comes from a solid musical background of stage and studio work in all capacities and has played with The Chambers Brothers Organization - Thirteen Hands - Dennis Yost and the Classic Four- Terry Gibbs - Marshall Tucker and many others. While living in Atlanta Georgia he played keyboards and drums as a session musician on over 370 albums. Jay has produced - arranged - composed and performed musical scores for award winning short subjects as well as half hour documentary specials with "Portrait of America: Georgia" airing nationally by the Turner Broadcasting System. He has a strong repetoire and has worked for four years at the El Toval Hotel on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon - Willow Creek Inn at Prescott Arizona and was a choir teacher in Williams and the Grand Canyon Area. He has also taught Music - Maths - Social Studies and Vocational Education at Mingus Mountain Academy in the USA. Jay Tobin has released a solo CD "Sunrise In Paradise" and will be performing with Murray Mac & True Grit at the 2010 South Australian Country Music Festival
AMBER POULTON
STARMAKER FINALIST: Amber Poulton was selected in the Top 10 StarMaker Grand Finals in 2009 in Tamworth. The same year saw her kept busy with her Loretta Lynn Tribute Show "Honky Tonk Angels" and her first original album "Talking Goodbye" co-written and Produced by Multi Award Winner Doug Bruce. Her first release has already had Radio airplay around the country and hit Top 30 on the Australian Country Music Charts and the track "Good Old Fashioned Days" has been awarded the APRA Best Traditional Country Song of the Year 2009 in South Australia. Amber has also received the 2009 South Australian Achiever Award.
TOP DEAD CENTRE
AWARD WINNERS: Top Dead Centre was formed in 2008 and is a compact four piece band that plays a huge variety of music from classic country to modern country. With harmonies - Award winning vocals and songwriting to their credit they are fast climbing the ladder and gaining fans from far and wide.Top Dead Centre is one of South Australias premium Country Rock Bands covering Country - Country Rock - Jazz - Bluegrass and Rockabilly with a sound that is big fresh and guaranteed to get you up and going
TIFFNEY STROH
STAR MAKER FINALIST: Tiffney is one of the most in demand young South Australian performers and she continues to make her mark within the Country Music Industry. Tiffney has travelled extensively amassing many Awards along the way. She has graduated from Tamworth Camarata School for Young Artists / Tamworth College of Country Music was a Telstra Road To Tamworth Finalist and a 2010 Star Maker Finalist.
DENNIS VERRAN
AWARD WINNING: Dennis Verran has fast become one of Country Music's most popular baritone's. Since the early 90's Dennis has gathered many Awards to his credit and performed at all Country Music Festivals / Clubs and Events both as a Solo Artist and Special Guest. In 2001 Dennis released his debut album "Easy Listening" which sells well with cover songs such as Old Dogs and Children & Watermelon Wine / The Most Beautiful Girl In the World / White Lies and many more. A hint of Tom T Hall and a touch of Jim reeves make Dennis on of SA's favourite vocalists as he entertains around the Country Music Circuit. Dennis has now released a second CD titled "Smooth Country"
THE RUSTLERS
VERY POPULAR: The Rustlers burst onto the scene in June 2001 with the release of their Broken Pieces album at the South Australian Country Music Festival in Barmera and the album was released in the United States in 2006. Notable appearances include live television performances to 50,000 people at the Royal Adeleide Show and to a crowd of 40,000 at the 2006 Clipsal Concert. The Rustlers released their second album Sad Dark Lies in 2006 with 14 original tracks which have featured prominently on Independant and Community Radio. Their brand new realease this year Leavin' Me has 12 new originals
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
RICK "Big O" DIAMOND
THE BIG 'O': Rick Diamond has performed throughout the Country since the sixties. Rick first received public recognition when as a Lead Vocalist with "The Henchmen" they were awarded a recording contract with Gol Records.With Ricks vibrant voice out front the Henchmen released the classic Rockin Robin and it was an outstanding chart success. Rick has toured with the Dave Clark Five and the Seekers. Rick now focuses his vocal talents on Roy Orbison with an amazing similarity to the Big O.He has released the album "Wild Hearts" with a number of Orbison style songs he has performed with the Allstars to excellent reviews
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
CLAYPAN
POPULAR: Claypan will have a long future in Country Music with a repetoire of songs selected to appeal to Country Music Fans. Their Country selection covers songs from Patsy Cline to Loretta Lynn - Connie Francis and Slim Dusty - Lee Kernaghan and on to Martina McBride as well as good gospel songs mixed in with some Classic 70's into Contemporary Country Rock
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
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
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
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 will be 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 will be Inducted into the SA Country Music Hall of Fame in June 2010
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 will be Inducted into the SA Hall of Fame in 2010
PHIL KING
POPULAR: Phil King started playing in Cabaret Bands as a Vocalist Guitarist back in the 70's. he now works as a Soloist appearing regularly in the Country Music scene and believes that the best music is Country Music. Phil still plays his 1974 Fender Stratocaster and has released three CD's
Other Artists/Bands Appearing are: SA FESTIVAL BAND FULLY LOADED VIC STURGEON DARYL KNOWLING BUSH POETS GUMMY BILL ROSS BAKER KATHY & JIM CHAPLIN GRAEME BUTTERWORTH 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 **** LES ALBRECHT TRANSPORT **** MORELLI'S ALLWELD REPAIR SERVICE Tour Australia with RIVERLAND SAFARIS - Hire a Bus from BOBS BUS HIRE
