NEWS

2010 - Jul 20 - Music Festival Relieved By Election Date Announcement, First Round Performers Announced

One Canberra music festival is relieved by the August Australian Federal election date announcement. With its main stage being in the National Tally Room, the Canberra Country Music Festival had been apprehensive of a November poll, as was likely under the former Prime Minister.

“The venue agreement clearly stated that if an election was called we would have lost the 3,500 seat capacity Budawang building which also serves as the National Tally Room for the Australian Electoral Office during election time” said Festival Director, Kelvin Fahey. “It would have also compromised the Bundy Bar, our food village and outdoor stage, so effectively shut down the Festival, so for sure we are all breathing easier now, regardless of the politics.”

Canberra Country Music Festival is held at Exhibition Parkin Canberraduring 12-14 November across 5 stages in a celebration of music, dance, horse and utes.

First round of performers announced include:

Travis Collins – releasing his new album and past hits like “Start The Car”

Free Bears – Europe’s leading country rockabilly band (Germany)

Don McNatt – host of Nashville Writers In The Round” television show and leading songwriter and session musician (USA)

Slim Newton– who can forget the #1 hit “Redback on the Toilet Seat” (NSW)

Nicki Gillis – contemporary with the Frank Ifield collaboration “I Remember You” (NSW)

Pete Galvin - affectionately known as “Keith Urban’s southern brother“ (NZ)

8 Ball Aitken – the ZZ Top of Australian country music with his “Outback Booty Call” (QLD)

Brothers 3 – the new faces of traditional country, featuring Shardyn who played Boy Form, Oz with Hugh Jackman (NSW)

Hoola –leading Hawaiian style where country music got its twang!

Other artists include Leanne Melmoth (ACT), Jay Scott Berry (USA), Brewn (new CD), Melissa Robertson (NSW), Kelly Cooper (ACT), Des Morgan (NSW), Fry Brothers (VIC), Trixie Craig (NZ), Ceddy McGrath (NSW), Noel Smith (NSW), Counterfeit Cash (NSW), Sean Hale (VIC), Britlejack (NSW), Alice Plumb (NSW), Tiana (NSW), Noel McClumpha (WA), Bush Capital Band, with more to be announced!

Primary aims of the festival are to promote country music (in all its sub-genres) and raise funds for local non-profit community charities, including Country Women’s Association, Lions Club and Conservation Volunteers.

Festival tickets and onsite camping are available from Ticketek, leading music retailers, regional newsagents and on the day during the festival.

Sponsors include: Bundaberg Rum, Fosters Group, Shannons Insurance, Kamberra Wine Company, Abletts Transport, Water Recycle Group, Diversity Music Group, Formule 1, Airport International Motel, EPIC

Supporters include: Country Music Association of Canberra, Australian Independent Music Association, Monaro Folk Society, Summernats, Fine Finish, Caprice Joinery, ABA Printing, Tprintz and Ticketek