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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Urban Artists for 2011

Artists for the 2011 festival listed alphabetically by first name: 

ALIKI

Born in New Zealand with Greek heritage, ALIKI has a refreshingly uncommon ministry. It is characterised by a fluid mix of comedic storytelling, music, insight and challenge. At the centre of her musical voice is passion and at the core of her lyrics is scripture. ALIKI is as down to earth as they come, yet unsuspectingly sharp in her delivery of God's Word and heart. For every audience across Australia, ALIKI unfolds revelation that can only be described as "grace unearthed." 
Performing at: Sunday Gospel

Aly Cook

Aly Cook's latest single, the Nashville recorded Country Storm, is on the playlist of both CMC Country Music Channel and KixFM across Australia. Aly was nominated New Zealand Female Artist 2010 on the strength of Country Storm and her overseas performances. Aly releases her debut album Brand New Day in January 2011 and is touring festivals around the world including Australia, Norfork Island, UK and Europe. Aly delivers an emotionally powerful performance of her brand of crossover country blues.
Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Amanda Halloran

Amanda Halloran started her career in country music almost ten years ago. She is a CMAA Australian Country Music College Graduate, 2008 Voice of Urban Country, a Toyota Star Maker finalist in 2008, 2010 & 2011. Amanda was a top ten finalist for “Blues n Roots” artist in the 2010 Music Oz Awards for her original song “I should’ve known” and a top 50 finalist for her debut co-written single “not that into me”.  Amanda released her debut album “I Wanna Know” recorded/ produced by Brendan Radford in May 2009. Amanda’s film clips for the first two singles are on CMC.  
Performing at: Village Stage

Amy Meredith

A journey is a fitting way to describe the last two years of life for Amy Meredith. From shaping their sound in a rehearsal room in Sydney to industry showcases in Hollywood, their rapid rise has been paralleled by a sharp learning curve.  
The Amy Meredith fire was lit when singer, keyboardist and songwriter Christian Lo Russo found common musical ground with local guitarists Joel Chapman and Cam Laing and bassist Wade Osborn. Enlisting Queensland-born drummer Elliott Hammond, the creative spark spread like wildfire. With an eclectic love of music, the group found their feet in synth-driven melodic rock that would evolve over the years but retain a core sound all their own. 
Performing at: Sunday Night Concert

Australian Institute of Country Music

Located in Gympie, the Australian Institute of Country Music is a Creative Centre dedicated to educating and developing Musicians and Artists.  AICM achievements are already being noticed within the Country Music and Entertainment scene.  The Duke Wilde Band who are currently signed to AICM Records have been recognized as the “most exciting new Country Band this year”  Be sure to catch the students from AICM showcasing their talent at the festival!  
“Taking Your Talents to the Next Level and Beyond, Don’t Assume You Know Us” 
Performing at: Artists

Bob Corbett and The Roo Grass Band

The award winning Bob Corbett & The Roo Grass Band adventurously burst out of the world of alt-country, bluegrass, folk and traditional country. See why audiences all over Australia have showered this highly entertaining four-piece band with standing ovations and encores. Their energy, musical virtuosity and heart felt easy-going nature makes them a band not to be missed. Expect Bob Corbett’s award winning song writing fuelled by amazing harmonies, guitars, banjos, fiddles, mandolins, dobros and more.
 
Performing at: Village Stage
Sample music: Mandolin

BRADE

Brade is a country duo comprising Bre Gerritsen and Jade Mellor. 
Brade launched their self-titled EP at the Tamworth Festival in 2010 where they performed every day at the Best of the Bush Show as well as being special guests on the Bush Laureate Awards and the popular Buttercup Concert. Following their Tamworth success Bre and Jade went on to win the 'Voice of Urban Country' award at The Urban Country Music Festival and were named as top five finalists at the Queensland Country Music Awards. Brade have a unique sound that is based on their guitar and mandolin playing and their original songs, which have elements of country, folk and pop music. 

Brendan Leggatt

Brendan Leggatt, the Toowoomba born and bred blues and roots musician has had a busy start to 2011 with shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and the Chinchilla Melon Festival kicking things off.

Performing both overseas and around Australia, Brendan has gained "money can't buy" experience which has lead him to transform his show into a mix of stomp your feet swampy blues tunes to rocking guitar driven tracks, jazzy toe tappers thru to midnight country ballads.  This blues/roots band slide through genres (& instruments) to throw an energetic well travelled live performance. 
Performing at: Next Generation Station
Sample music: Last Train link opens in new windowSleepy Hollow link opens in new window

Chad Shuttleworth

With soaring vocals and brilliant guitar Chad Shuttleworth is a powerhouse entertainer. Performing with his band, all the very best of the most popular country hits along with his own awesome material, Chad Shuttleworth is one artist you don’t want to miss. A fine young artist developed by the CMAA College of Country Music Australia, and a finalist in the 2009 Toyota Star Maker Competition, Chad has been touring the country for the past two years perfecting what is one of the most energized country shows on the scene today.  
Performing at: Village Stage

Chelsea Basham

Chelsea Basham is a versatile vocalist who heralds from the Western Australian wheat belt. She has toured with Lee Kernaghan and Adam Brand and was a grand finalist in the 2010 Toyota Star Maker. Recently Chelsea released her debut single ‘Truth About Me’ which stayed in the top 30 charts for 15 weeks. Chelsea is currently working on her debut album which is set to be released in late 2011. Keep your eye out for this pocket rocket who’s about to take the country music scene by storm.
Performing at: Next Generation Station

Dallas Steele

Dallas Steele was born in Atherton and was brought up around music. His father played in bands for as long he can remember, so you could say country music is in his blood. Dallas's second album 'A Drifter's Photographs' was released in Tamworth in 2010 and the first single, 'Won't Go Back Again' reached the top 30 on CMC. With A Drifter's Photograph's, the North Queensland based signer has released an album of which he can truly be proud. Its 14 tracks, all self penned, perfectly cross the divide between traditional and contemporary country.
Performing at: Village StageVillage Hotel

Don Costa

The success of his previous EP The Measure Of A Man proved that Don Costa was as adept at presenting original songs like the title track, or giving us fresh new covers of some classic songs like To Her Door, and Whiskey Under The Bridge.  
Don’s love  of great country songs, and the fact that his fans love hearing them, has led to  the release a great new CD collection, Hooked On Country, Cream of Country and Hit’s and Memories. Don again revisits some classic songs with a refreshing ear and strong vocals. Deborah Minter summed it up nicely in Capital News “This is a fine quality album, good fun and great value”.  
Performing at: Farewell Concert

Doug Bruce and The Tailgaters

Texas-born singer/songwriter Doug Bruce’s career has seen him move from behind the drums to front of stage, impressing fans and new converts alike with his rich voice and natural affinity for the southern country sound.  
In 2009, Doug was awarded Best Male Vocalist in the Tamworth Independent Artists Recognition Awards and Victorian Male Vocalist, Victorian Album of the Yearand theSmoky Dawson Best Independent Release at the Victorian & National Country Music Awards. His current album ‘A Good Place’ was released in September 2010 and the first single Honky Tonk Shoes is currently being aired on Australian radio. 

Doug Stuart

From stand up comedy to cabaret performer with full show band, Doug epitomises the phrase `all round entertainer’. If you require a master of ceremonies, Doug's relaxed style and attention to detail combine to ensure a smooth professional show.
Probably the Doug Stuart most people know is the solo artist with beautifully balanced guitar and vocals with the banter and jokes that have entertained people from Hawaii USA to Bluff, New Zealand.
Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Ellie & Reg Thompson

Reg & Ellie are a popular Duo based in Redcliffe. They moved to Australia a couple of years ago from New Zealand. They have been regular performers on the local country music club scene and have been involved with a number of awards. Now residing in Brisbane, they travel though out Queensland and bring to the show a variety of popular country songs as well as their humour and comedy routine. 

Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Emma Barlow

Emma Barlow, at only 20 years of age has already been recognised by the Australian music industry. Fiddle playing, singing, song writing, mandolin and guitar playing are only start of musical strengths this young lady can show and always has on offer. Emma's unique blend of folk, country and pop music continues to capture hearts and ears as her fan base grows, so be on the lookout for this little pocket rocket.
Performing at: Village Hotel,
Sample music: Apple

Evermore

Since Evermore’s debut in 2004, all three of their albums have gone platinum, and the band have been nominated for numerous ARIA Awards and Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards (winning two in 2007, for Best Single and International Achievement). 
Jon Hume is excited to see what the future holds for Evermore. “It’s been a wild ride; all I can say is that nothing ever happens quite the way you expect it. We want to travel far and wide, playing to whoever will listen. The night is young and so are we!” 
Performing at: Sunday Night Concert

fRETfEST

fRETfEST was established in 1997 to support the ever growing interest in folk, roots and acoustic music, focusing on the singer-songwriter. Acoustic music supporter Alan Buchan started Fretfest in 1997 as a way of giving unknown solo performers a chance to sing their own songs and gain performance experience. This year at Urban Country, fRETfEST features Daniel Champagne,Nick Hutchinson, Bree Bullock, Simon Thomas, Angharad Drake, Michael David, Tullara Connors, Graham Moes, Rachelle Vanslobbe and Matt French. 
Performing at: Next Generation Station

Graham Rodger

Graham Rodger is now the proud winner of 49 Australian country music awards.  The latest ones being the prestigious Queensland Arts and Cultural Awards for his contribution to the community, The People’s Choice Awards for Best Bush Ballad and 2 Song Writing Awards, Best Bush Ballad and National Song Writing Contest of Australia Award.  Graham wrote songs for the late Slim Dusty. 
He has released his new CD “Shadows Across The Moon” which includes hit song “Angels Without Halo”s, honouring the Kokoda Track Fuzzy Wuzzies and the Anzac soldiers.  Once again Graham has taken the Australian Ballad to another height keeping the stories fresh, and up-to-date.  He has established himself as a firm favourite with supporters of the Australian Ballad. 
Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Gravel Road

Lauren Mackenzie & Kris Wason make up the hottest new Country Music Duo 'Gravel Road'. With their debut EP 'White Picket Fence' and single titled same to be released nationally in March 2011 they are set to take Australia by storm with their perfect harmonies and killer songwriting. With influences like Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and more you will be sure to love their modern sound. So keep your eyes & ears open for Gravel Road with new music video coming to CMC soon!
Performing at: Next Generation Station

Halfway

Halfway is a Brisbane based band which was formed by John Busby, Chris Dale and Elwin Hawtin who originally hail from Rockhampton, Central Queensland. Based on a mutual love of Dylan, Springsteen, Big Star and The Replacements, they left Rockhampton and headed south to put together the band, now an 8 piece outfit.  
Halfway have recently released their 3rd studio album ‘An Outpost of Promise.’ Their previous 2 albums have received great interest in not only Australia and the UK. In 2008 Halfway song writing duo, John Busby and Chris Dale won Queensland’s most prestigious song writing award - The Grant McLennan Fellowship
Halfway are making their Urban Country debut in 2011. 
Performing at: Village Stage
Sample music: Oscar

James Reyne

Unapologetically Australian, James Reyne’s unique vocal style and rakish charm has forged him a successful musical career spanning over 30 years. The former lead singer of pub rock cult hit Australian Crawl, was thrust into the spotlight selling over 1 million albums thanks to hit songs such as ‘Beautiful People’, ‘Errol’, ‘The Boys Light Up’ and ‘Things Don’t Seem’.
Since the band’s split in 1986, James enjoyed solo success with a number of popular albums, top 100 singles and collaborations with music heavyweights such as Daryl Braithwaite and James Blundle.
In 2010, James continues to improve as a singer and songwriter and his latest project TCB album is a testimony to his compelling and distinctive voice.
Performing at: Saturday Night Concert

Jetty Road

The past 2 years has been a whirlwind ride for twin sisters Lee and Paula and Julian and Simon. Their award winning album titled 'Life at a Million Miles' has seen a world tour encompassing 3 continents, with the title trace 'Million Miles' reaching #1 position and remained there for 6 consecutive weeks.  
They continued their success with the Southern Stars Australian independent Country Music Awards, winning Group/Duo of the year, Album of the Year and Artist of the Year. In 2010 they won a Golden Guitar for Best Group/Duo of the year. Jetty Road have been touring Europe and Canada for the last 3 years and are now set up to return each year performing on massive festivals and events with some of the worlds biggest country music artists.  

Joe Nichols

With Joe Nichols new album, Old Things New, the award-winning, Grammy-nominated singer once again balances artistry with accessibility, applying his distinctive baritone to new songs that define country music for modern times. 
From the start, with 2002’s breakthrough Universal South debut, Man with a Memory, Nichols established himself as a solid neo-traditionalist who could balance message songs with aching ballads and breezy, playful tunes that evoke a sly smile. Number One hits like “The Impossible” and “Brokenheartsville” introduced the singer’s expressive baritone and the subtle way he could express wisdom and humour as well as pain and pleasure. 
Nichols has accumulated three #1 and seven Top 10 hits. Only four albums in, he’s already received four Grammy Award nominations.  
Performing at: Saturday Night Concert

John Flannagan & The Begin Agains

John Flanagan & the Begin Agains blend Americana stylings with deeply honest Australian storytelling to create their simple, expressive style of bluegrass/folk. With influences including Alison Krauss and Nickel Creek this 4-piece Melbourne band has developed a stirring sound characterized by lush vocal harmonies and delicate acoustic textures. In 2008 John joined with seasoned musicians Jane Patterson, Andy Zito and Mark Zito to perform the songs from his debut solo album Meet Me In Between. 
Performing at: Next Generation Station

Jonah's Road

Jonah’s Road has developed a significant following with their contemporary sound, unmistakable harmonies and songwriting prowess, gaining them the respect of industry and fans alike. Their 3rd studio album, ‘End Of The World’ features writing by Jay, John, Rod & Jasper along with guest co-writes with Matt Scullion & Anthony Snape. The current single, ‘End Of The World’ is gaining momentum at radio. 
Jonah’s Road has toured extensively including Deni Ute Muster, Urban Country Music Festival, Mud Bulls & Music, Optus Music Muster, 8 consecutive years at the Tamworth CM Festival,recently supported US country superstar Tim McGraw. 
Performing at: Saturday Night Concert

Kalesti Butler

Kalesti Butler is the proud winner of the Bush Balladeer Star Quest 2011 and now the ambassador for the Australian Bush Balladeers. Kalesti’s strong vocals and lyrics reflect her experiences in the outback. She is very down to earth and her music is heartfelt. Born and raised on a cattle property, this bush girl started performing at the age of 3, winning Queensland Champions of Champions at the age of 9. Kalesti is currently recording her new single with Stuie French. Kalesti has a fresh look and sound on stage that gives a lasting impression, which is inspiring to many people.  

Kaylee Bell

At the tender age of 22, Kiwi Kaylee Bell already has an impressive list of accolades to her name. A NZ Gold Guitar Winner, Kaylee’s determination and hard work has been rewarded with a Bachelor of Performing Arts, Tamworth Songwriters Association award, NZ Telstra Horizon Award Winner and Graduate of the Australian College of Country Music. 
Kaylee’s debut single Ride That River leapt into the Australian Top 30 Country Charts peaking at No. 16 and reaching the No. 3 position on Kix Country Charts. Kaylee is a 2011 Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist and will head to Nashville in June to perform at the Global artist Party. 
Performing at: Next Generation Station
Sample music: Fairytail

Kimberly Bowden

Kimberley Bowden has enjoyed co-writing songs with some of Australia’s finest songwriters - Felicity Urquhart, Sam Hawksley, Jay Collie (Jonah’s Road) and Jasper Somerville-Collie for her self titled debut EP released in 2008. Kimberley was one of the 6 grand finalists for 2008 Toyota Star Maker. She is now writing for her new long awaited album, to be released next year. Kimberley will be performing as part of the Tompkins Showcase, in Nashville TN in June. Her sound is different to any other, and inspiring a new generation of exciting new music.
Performing at: Songwriters Café

Lance Coassin

Lance’s style is the sum of his experiences - his life, the love he’s shared and the loss he’s endured all blends together to shape a truly unique musical sound.  You need only listen to a sample of Lance’s work, to understand that he performs with his heart on his sleeve, inviting audiences to walk with him along some of the happiest and saddest times of his life. 
Lance has been compared to the likes of Cat  Stevens,  Keith  Urban  and  even the Beatles, taking aspects of country and contemporary  music and  joining them  together,  to produce beautifully relatable,  heartfelt  music that transcends genre
Performing at: Next Generation Station
Sample music: Early Morning

Luke Dickens

For Australia’s best known Shearer, things simply keep getting better. 2010 saw the release of Luke’s debut album Underdog which garnered rave reviews around the country. Working on his own as well as with some of Australia’s finest writers has meant that the album is an authentic and remarkable body of work, in the tradition of great Australian Country & Rock.  
Luke’s honest spirit, soaring voice and natural charisma saw him crowned runner up in the Australian Idol competition in 2008, not bad for someone who had never set foot in the music industry. It appears the shearer from Young, will always remain a country boy & with his career as a singer set for longevity, Luke Dickens will be a name to be seen on the Australian music scene for a long time to come. 
Performing at: Saturday Night Concert

Mickey Pye

Winner of the Gympie Muster (2009) and a 2010 Toyota Star Maker finalists, Mickey Pye is a growing name in the country music industry. Mickey spent much of 2010 writing and recording in Nashville TN and performing throughout the United States, Australia and Canada, including performances at the 2010 Big Valley Jamboree (Alberta CA) which featured Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban and Martina Mcbride. Mickey’s guitar-driven contemporary country style is attracting new audiences to country music in Australia and overseas, branded ‘country that rocks’
Performing at: Next Generation Station

Mitchy Mayhem and his Puppet Patrol

Mitchy Mayhem's Puppet Patrol is a mixture of live music and puppetry created and performed by Brisbane puppeteer, musician, and educator Mitch Humphrys. Mitch has been puppeteering for over 8 years, designing and creating his own characters based on the rod and mouth Muppet design made famous by Jim Henson.  A passionate puppeteer, Mitch has attended workshops in California, USA and also participated in the UNIMA puppetry world conference in Perth.  Mitch's other source of inspiration is rockabilly music; he is heavily involved in the Brisbane live music scene and plays in 6 bands. During the week he is a Primary school teacher and on weekends performs every Saturday morning for the children and parents at the State Library of QLD.  

 
Performing at: Dusty's Kids

Noel Parlane

Noel's no stranger to the recording industry, having recorded back in New Zealand in the late 1970s. It was after his initial success at the Gore Gold Guitar Awards in 1977 and then again in 1979 that he won a contract with Music World Records and Noel's country career was launched in style. Noel recorded five or six albums with Music World and in 1984 secured a record deal with BMG/RCA, making three albums with that company. Noel has established a solid reputation in the South-east Queensland region, and entertains on average, four to five nights each week. 
Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Paul Costa

Paul Costa’s star has burned brightly since 2004 with the release of his debut solo album Walkin’ In These Shoes. Since then Paul has become nationally recognized as a multi–award wining artist, including four Golden Guitar nominations under his belt. 
The title track of his latest album is a window into Paul Costa now. “In This Life is the song that I wanted the whole album to be about,” reveals Paul. “It’s about life from where I see it - the many choices and goals we have and being aware that it’s OK to have dreams and to be different.  It’s about working towards a better future in life and love.” 

Peter McWhirter

Country-rocker Peter McWhirter picked up a guitar when he was ten and never looked back.  Honing his live chops in pubs and clubs across Oz, he headed to Nashville in 2009 to record his debut album ‘Lucky As A Seven’, an eclectic mix of tunes that showcase his energy and charisma. The album, produced by Mark Moffatt, was released in 2010, to great acclaim.  
He’s picked up fans around the country, touring with international stars like Corb Lund and Doc Walker, and his three singles have all attained hit status. 2011 is set to be another huge year for the rising star. 
Performing at: Village Stage

Redlands Bluegrass Boys

The Redlands Bluegrass Boys was formed in 1998 by a group of enthusiastic acoustic musicians based at the Redlands Modern Country Music Club.   
The group includes Redland’s musicians Allen McMonagle (vocals, guitar, fiddle), Neil Wills (mandolin, guitar and vocals), Fred Hudson (banjo and vocals), Bill Turner (guitar and vocals) and Tom Steginga (double bass and vocals). Together they perform a range of traditional bluegrass songs and instrumentals and demonstrate the tight vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentals solos epitomised by this style of music.  

Rod Brandt

Multi award winning singer, songwriter, guitarist (steel, lead and rhythm), with 41 awards and 11 song writing nominations to his credit. He also acts as a compere for various C.M.C Festivals. He has been a regular performer at Urban Country Music Festival for a number of years. He has been awarded ‘Palms of Honour’ in May 2008 by the Redcliffe C.M.C.
He has also been a regular Guest Artist at the Farm Fantastic and Farmers Market Festivals as well as various Fund Raising Concerts. Rod currently works with the local band “Golden Sounds”. Rod was a grand finalist for Star Quest 2011 Bush Balladeer of the Year.
Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Rose Carleo

Singer-Songwriter Rose Carleo laughs at the title of her new album, Life Gets in the Way, because it has been that life – with its many highs and lows – that’s made her such a perceptive songwriter. 
“I always draw from personal experience. I think the most important thing is to make those emotions and stories universal, so that they connect with everyone who hears the songs.”  
Rose’s powerful, distinctive,blues-inspired vocal compliments her songs perfectly and draws the listener in. With 6 charting National Radio Singles, many career achievements and a solid, ever-growing fan-base, leaves no doubt, they are listening. 
Performing at: Songwriters Café

Sarah Kay

 This is a voice you need to hear! There are the voices of a hundred nations, a thousand emotions and a million memories packed into Sarah Kay, a young Queensland singer who has been variously described as “authentic”, “credible” and “raw”. 
With a talent for compelling vocals and potent harmonies, Sarah’s career began with performances at a very young age and culminating in the release of her debut album “Dawn of a New Day” which features her refreshingly real style, and no-nonsense creativity. 
Sarah Kay is this year’s essential artist. 
Performing at: Village Stage
Sample music: Little Miss Sunshine

Sinead Burgess

Sinead Burgess is undoubtedly Australia’s most promising and exciting young artist.The 19 year old’s vibrant and sincere performances have been enjoyed on festival line-ups throughout the country alongside the likes of Powderfinger, Taylor Swift and Guy Sebastian.
The stunning pop/rock sensation has spent years writing and recording in Australia and the US. Sinead’s much anticipated debut album will be released early 2011 and is a guaranteed recipe for success with a winning combination of the world’s most successful co-writers and US producer.
With a commanding presence both on and off stage, the multi-dimensional singer-songwriter Sinead Burgess is bound for international success and stardom.
Performing at: Sunday Night Concert

Sista Burley

Big Bold and Beautiful, twin sisters Rebecca and Katrina Burley are a new sensation in Australian Country Music, wowing audiences at major festivals and at venues throughout South East Queensland. 
Just recently Sista Burley were crowned the winners of the Maton Talent search at the Gympie Muster, giving them the opportunity to perform in Canada.  
Powerhouse vocals, sweet sibling harmonies, and superbly crafted original music are just a small part of Sista Burley’s ‘BIG’ appeal. 
Performing at: Farewell Concert

Steven Jaymes

“Things Get Better” is the latest and 5th Album from Steven Jaymes Like chocolate; warm, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth and very addictive. Steven’s voice brings out every nuance of the silky melodies and lyrics. The songs are beautifully crafted and anything but clichéd. (Capital News) “On rare occasions a CD turns up that exceeds all your expectations this is one of those uncommon occasions.” Rosie Adsett Country update There is a lot of the philosopher in Steven Jaymes, the archetypal artist, the seeker, the seer, the bringer of the news, a man seduced by the revelations that can come from a simple chord progression, the telling of what seems, on the surface, a simple tale.
Performing at: Village Stage
Sample music: Going Back to Mexico

Tanya Sims

Singer /Songwriter Tanya Sims, based in Bellmere QLD has been performing since the age of 9 years old. Tanya’s dynamic presence on stage and powerful vocals combine for a highly entertaining and energetic performance. Tanya’s achievements include the title of Mud Bulls & Music Senior Overall Winner 2010, Finalist of the Inaugural Brand New Star Quest in 2010 and Senior Winner of the Urban Talent Quest 2010. Tanya is currently recording 2 tracks at Hillbilly Hut Recording, Central Coast NSW.   
Website:  (opens in new window)
Performing at: Village Stage

The Bobkatz

The Bobkatz over the past 2 years have well established themselves in the Country Music Industry with 5 national Top 30 singles, 10 videos on CMC, a 2010 Golden Guitar Nomination (Best Group/Duo) and Winners of Country Song of the Year, best Contemporary Song of the Year Tamworth Songwriters Awards 2010. The boys are due to release their 3rd album (as yet untitled) in November 2010.
Performing at: Village Stage

The Bostocks

The Bostocks are a hot ,young, multi gold fiddle award winning band of brothers and sisters. Hailing from The Gold Coast..Rob (Lead) Brendan (drums) Sara (bass) and Rachel (fiddle), radiate the warmth and vitality  that fans of all ages, have come to love.
The  release of Not By A Long Shot  in 2010 rewarded the band with 2 Golden Guitar nominations at the 2011 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Duo or Group of The Year for Not By A Long Shot. Instrumental of the year with “Run and Hide. For good measure The Bostocks  have just picked up another Golden Fiddle to add to their ever growing collection.
Combine dazzling fiddle solos, breathtaking guitar breaks, smooth and stylistic bass, and solid drumming,with  catchy, uptempo vocals..Mix well..What do you get?  The Bostocks  at their very best.
Sample music: Not By A Long Shot

The McClymonts

The McClymonts weave a very special kind of musical magic with their exquisite three-part harmonies, soaring vocals and stunning onstage presence.   They’ve dominated the Country Music Awards of Australia’s Group of the Year category, winning the Golden Guitar three years in a row.
2010 saw the release Chaos and Bright Lights in the United States, and Wrapped Up Good in Australia.
Performing at: Saturday Night Concert

The O'Donnells

The O’Donnells are an Australian family band based in Logan City, South East Qld.  Always entertaining, the band consists of parents, John (banjo) and Wendy (guitar), together with their three children, Johnny (bass guitar), Jacqui (mandolin) and Katelyn.   
Part of the new generation of Australian bluegrass, the group brings a fresh approach to the Australian country music scene with their strong family vocal harmonies and high-energy traditional acoustic music. 
Performing at: Village Hotel

The Potbelleez

"The fastest rising stars of the dance scene" - Tim Duggan (Rolling Stone)
When freakish talent is mixed with fate, there's no telling what can happen. Dishing up breathtaking DJ sets over 6 dex, touring the world and producing the duuuurtiest damn house music your ears have ever heard, the Potbelleez have a sixth sense for what makes the dancefloor swoon.
A tradition amongst Irish household's, Jonny and Dave were immersed in music throughout their childhood embracing everything from hip hop, house, funk and rock from an early age. The Potbelleez are quickly becoming the hottest up and coming property in Australian dance music.
Performing at: Sunday Night Concert

The Rain

THE RAIN’s new album “ONE MORE SHOT” from this highly talented trio in Sth East Queensland is taking the Country Music Industry by storm. Their music has a flavour and sound of the great groups of the 70’s & 80’s with a modern biting edge through tight melodic harmonies and brilliant guitar licks. 
The album is a collaborative project, featuring songs penned by Kelly Cork, Produced by Ian Belcher, with Greg Eastwood co-producing. THE RAIN present a high energy stage performance to enthral CM audiences of all ages. 
Performing at: Village Stage

The Whiskey Ridge

The Whiskey Ridge has a strong reputation as being one of the top bands performing throughout Queensland, this 4 piece band Features some of best musicians in the business. These top musicians have many years of experience with providing the backing for many top International artist’s throughout Australia 
Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Thirsty Merc

Thirsty Merc shot onto the Australian scene with two hit singles "Wasting Time" and "Emancipate Myself" from their debut EP titled FIRST WORK. Four ARIA nominations followed which significantly raised the band’s profile.  Thirsty Merc are seasoned performers with a massive 300 shows, both local and international, under their belt and an impressive 200,000 albums sold. Numerous national headline tours and major support slots have made them one of the hardest working Aussie acts. 
The highly anticipated third album from Thirsty Merc is expected to reach Australian audiences before mid 2010. In the meantime, they will be previewing some new songs live onstage. 
Performing at: Sunday Night Concert

Tori Darke

Sydney based singer/songwriter Tori Darke continues to make her mark in the Country Music Industry with 3 singles charting in both Country Tracks and CMC Top 30 charts. Country radio station across Australia have supported her releases and have been especially supportive of her latest sing 'Not My Time to Fly' a song writing about a young girl she met at Ronald McDonald House. They loved the song so much that they used it as the backing track on their testimonial DVD. Recently returning from Nashville after collaborations with some of the best musicians and songwriters in the industry for her debut album due for release early 2011.
Performing at: Village Stage

Trevor Tolton

Up-and-coming Trevor Tolton is just as at home singing a song or supporting on acoustic lead guitar. He has performed with the likes of Charley Boyter, The Smokin’ Crawdads, Owen Blundell, Felicity Urquhart, Dean Perrett, Graham Rodger, Lindsay Waddington, and enjoys playing traditional country/folk music as well as bush ballads. He has won a few awards in the local talent quest circuit and is a 2009 Camerata Graduate, thanks to the Australian Bush Balladeers Association’s scholarship. Trevor is also a 2 times finalist in Tamworth’s Star Quest competition. 
Performing at: Bush BalladeersVillage Hotel

Turanga Ake Group

Featuring a fantastic Performance from the internationally acclaimed Turanga Ake Maori Dance Group, this top act will be a crowd pleaser during the show there will be a Maori Action Dance and a performance of the traditional long and short Poi dance and a special performance of the Haka. This is a show not to be missed. 
Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Uncle Bob’s Jug Band

One of Australia’s favouritevariety bands with 5 diverse and very talented musicians, spanning decades of experience in the music industry, bringing it all together with laughter and spontaneity.  Enjoyment is guaranteed for all who see them perform. 
With instruments such as tea chest, bass, mandolin, washboards, lead guitar, harmonica, rhythm guitar, kazoo, dobro and of course jug, combined with five part harmonies and occasional thong clapping, makes their foot stomping performances quite unique. Uncle Bob’s Jug Band has been together for over 20 years and hail from Eumundi. 
Performing at: Farewell Concert
Sample music: Ghost Riders