Hi Folks
Not much on during August and September 2 big events that I will tell you about shortly. We have had the chance to spend some time sourcing new material and organizing our gigs for next year. We will once again be at the Marton festival in January and will be doing a show in Wanganui on the way down if things work out, hopefully they will. We will keep you posted on any developments. We are also organizing our trip to the Barham Stampede in February which will include gigs in Kyabram and Horsham so we will be away for a couple of weeks. We are really looking forward to catching up with all our Aussie friends and seeing a little more of Victoria. The State that is.
But getting back to August 2014. On the 15th and 16th we were in Hamilton for the Kiwi Pro-Am National Country Music Awards. Friday night was the nominee’s night where all the category nominees got to meet one another and also to perform.
Saturday night was the awards concert that included the Legends Award which was presented to Pat Dugan. The Horizon award nominees got to perform also. This year’s nominees were Cam Luxton, Daniel Cosgrove and Sarah Conlan. Congratulations to Cam Luxton for taking out the award and to Sarah Conlan for being awarded the DAG scholarship for Songwriting. Congratulations to all the category winners Kaylee Bell and Tami Nielson joint winner’s Female artist, Phil Doublet Male artist and Into the East Duo/Group, well done everyone. The show was M.Ced by Kylie Austin with performances by Lesley Nia Nia, Howie Morrison Trio, Pat and Brendon Dugan, Cameron Scott 2013 Horizon winner and Australian country artist Morgan Evans. All artists were ably supported by backing band Tightazz with BVs by Echo n Harmony.
On the 20th of September we were back in Hamilton at the Hamilton bowling club to support Joy Adams with the launch of her charitable trust “StarBuddy”. A great night was had by all with everyone supporting the launch by buying the StarBuddy cd, tee shirts and making donations to the trust.
A big thank you to all those that turned out on a very bleak night weather wise and to all those that have helped Joy with setting up the Trust, supplying tracks for the cd, helping with organizing the launch and for supporting Joy in such worthy cause.
The band for the night was led by Renny Hantler with Lance Murch on Lead, Alan Dennis drums, Tony Crighton bass and Joe Martin pedal steel they did an awesome job. There were also performances by Renny and Jenny Hantler, Linda Innes, Joe Martin and Dennis Marsh plus ourselves of course. Thank you also to Peter and Sandy from Alcamo Motel for the accommodation it was very much appreciated.
Don’t forget our concert in Te Awamutu on the 15th of November at the Bible Chapel. We will have our band with us so it’s going to be a great night. Tickets are available now and are selling fast. Thank you to Val and ray Thurgood for their support and help in making this concert possible. We look forward to seeing you all on the night.
That’s about it for now so take care and keep it country.
Best wishes
Annette and Kim