After selling out her first ever ticketed show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2013, Tori Darke is gearing up for a massive 2014 festival. After spending a considerable amount of 2013 penning tracks for her next album – and working with some of the world’s most well-respected songwriters – she’s ready to give audiences a sneak peek of some of the tracks destined for her new release. Its not just new tracks that will be featuring as part of her rockin’ show either, Tori will also be performing tracks from her debut EP and debut long-player, including all the hit singles.

Tori’s debut long-player Dreams & Chances has already spawned several high charting singles, including Great Mistake and the recent release No You No Me. The single peaked at #6 on the Australian Country Tracks Top 30 [also reaching #1 on Cool Country 2KA and #2 on Mildura’s HOT FM]. Now comes the tricky task of picking material for her forthcoming second album, due for release in 2014. Tori has penned around 30 songs and is now working out which ones make the final cut. In fact, her upcoming show at Tamworth might just be the perfect opportunity to seek some fan feedback on the new songs.

“Sharing new tracks with fans is always fun,” Tori says. “Their reaction to the track can tell you a lot about how the song may do if it is released on an album or to radio. It is always good to hear your fans thoughts on the new songs as they will be the ones listening and buying your records.”

The tracks from the new album have been a work in progress over the past two years. Tori says she has made a conserted effort to really focus on her songwriting and it shows. This incredible musician has grown a lot since the release of her debut album and its evident in the maturity of her new material. She collaborated on co-writes with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters as well, refining her skills and creating a selection of songs which will set her apart from her contemporaries.

Its certainly been a busy few years for this country starlet. She’s travelled to Nashville twice for songwriting trips and performed in Nashville at a selection of venues, showcasing her material to American audiences and industry professionals. The 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival was Tori’s first ever ticketed show and sold out – an impressive achievement indeed. The showroom was jam-packed and Tori put on a high energy, unforgettable show. Her concert at the 2014 festival promises to be bigger and better.

“I was completely blown away by the response and to see such a packed house,” she says of last year’s concert. “For my first ever ticketed show to be a total sell-out was absolutely amazing. I’m so proud my first show sold out. Tamworth is the home of country music, so to be able to return again each year and play for country music fans is a massive higlight. I look forward to starting my year with that every year.”

Don’t miss Tori Darke’s only Tamworth Country Music Festival show. This show will sell-out so get your tickets early.

Tuesday 21st January 2014 | 8pm

The Outback Bar, Wests Leagues Club, Tamworth NSW

After a year based in the United States, bluegrass sweetheart Kristy Cox is returning to Australia for a special show at the 2014 Tamworth Country Music Festival to showcase tracks from her forthcoming album Living for the Moment. The album is due for world wide release on February 18 through US bluegrass label Pisgah Ridge and is a perfect representation of where this talented singer songwriter is in her personal and professional life. The first single from the album One Heartbreak Away hits the airwaves in Australia on December 6.
Kristy Cox’s career has been going from strength to strength since the release of her debut album From My Eyes in 2006. She’s had a string of Top 10 hits on country radio and country music television, and has been recognised as a rising star of Australian country to watch out for. In her career so far she’s been a Starmaker finalist and APRA Professional Development Award finalist. Her subsequent albums Breaking New Ground (2010) and Miles and Timezones (2012) have all earned her praise for her songwriting capabilities. Signing to Pisgah Ridge (an imprint of Mountain Home) in the US was a huge coup for the songstress and saw her move to the States for most of 2013 to work on the new album. She also signed an exclusive songwriting contract with Asheville Forest Music.
Picking One Heartbreak Away as the first single was an easy decision. “It’s a great up-tempo bluegrass track about a relationship that’s worth keeping, but that some things need to change,” says Kristy. “The song is a great reflection of where the album heads musically and how it expands on the bluegrass influences of my previous projects.”
The album, Living for the Moment, is a mixture of self-penned and chosen material and is an apt representation of where Kristy is heading musically. “The last 12-months have been a huge change for me,” she says. “This album was recorded with both the Australian country market and the US bluegrass market in mind. The songs on the album feature many different musical influences of mine with everything from a fast-paced bluegrass song to ballads and a country shuffle.”
Being based between the US and Australia has been both a great experience and a challenging one for Kristy. “The time difference means it is hard to get a lot done in work hours back in Australia, however I’m glad we live in the age of the internet as it makes everything feel closer than it is,” she says. “I miss my loved ones and sometimes feel out of the loop with what’s going on back home. However I’m writing music every day and for the first time in my life, I’m solely focusing on my career. I will continue to be back and forth – Qantas are going to love me!”
Returning to Australia to showcase the new material from her album at the Tamworth Country Music Festival is an exciting prospect for Kristy. She says she can’t wait to share the new songs – and all the old favourites – with Aussie audiences. “I have had huge support from our great industry back home,” she says. “I will be forever thankful for that. Not much could keep me away from it all for too long. I’m excited to bring this new stage of my music to everyone in the land of Oz, and to share some of my new songs and stories with those that know me best. There’s just no place like home.”
The show at Tamworth will be a world exclusive showcase for Living for the Moment. While the album isn’t released until February, fans attending the show will have the chance to purchase advance copies of the album, which are on sale for the night of the show only. These will be the first copies on sale anywhere in the world and Kristy is stoked to offer this exclusive to Aussie fans. “It’s exciting,” she says. “I will not only be performing new songs with my band, but also songs from my last albums. We will also have some featured special guests that are going to make an appearance. Overall it’s going to be a great fun night. I’m looking forward to it more than anything.”
Kristy’s new single One Heartbreak Away is at radio on 6 December 2013. The forthcoming album Living for the Moment is released through Pisgah Ridge world-wide on 18 February 2014.

Since barnstorming his way onto the country music charts with the mega hit Boys From The Bush, Lee Kernaghan has notched up 32 #1 hits on the Australian Country Charts, won a staggering 28 Golden Guitars and has sold two million albums in the Australian market. His music gave birth to rural rock, and songs like Hat Town, She’s My Ute and The Outback Club gave voice to a new generation of country Australia. Now he is back, stretching the musical envelope yet again with what industry insiders are calling another groundbreaking album – Beautiful Noise.

After sell out shows around Australia in 2013 Lee will continue taking his new album on the road throughout 2014 and has just announced details of the 2014 dates. This rockin’ live show features the new songs and sounds from the Beautiful Noise album plus all of his classic hits including Boys From The Bush, Hat Town, Dirt, Planet Country, Texas QLD 4385, The Way It Is…… and more.

Lee’s special guests for the tour are The Wolfe Brothers. Hailing from Hobart Tasmania, The Wolfe Brothers burst on to the scene in 2012 when the nation voted them into the Grand Final of Australia’s Got Talent. Their first album, It’s On, was released in January 2013 and on the week of release the album entered the ARIA Country Chart at #2 (behind Taylor Swift), #18 on the ARIA Chart and has produced two hit singles including their first #1 The Girl, The Bottle, The Memory. Their third single Lovin’ In The Summertime is at radio now.

To celebrate the announcement of his 2014 tour dates Lee has just released the fourth single from his Beautiful Noise album – It’s Only Country. The song is guaranteed to set the mood for what will be the country event of the year when Lee and The Wolfe Brothers bring their travelling country music party to areas that have yet to experience the Beautiful Noise Tour. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Mittagong RSL Club, MITTAGONG NSW

Bookings: (02) 4872 6700 | www.mittagongrsl.com.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Thursday 13 March 2014

Dapto Leagues Club, DAPTO NSW

Bookings: (02) 4261 1333

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Friday 14 March 2014

CMC Rocks The Hunter, NSW

Bookings: 1300 923 314 | www.cmcrocks.com.au

Friday 25 April 2014

The Barn Palais, MT GAMBIER SA

Chapmans Newsagency, 11 Commercial Street West, Mt. Gambier | (08) 8725 3300

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Saturday 26 April 2014 | 8pm

Wimmera Events Centre, HORSHAM VIC

Bookings: Harvey World Travel (03) 5382 6699

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Sunday 27 April 2014

River Sound Shell, MILDURA VIC

Bookings: Mildura Arts Centre Box Office (03) 5018 8330 | www.milduraartscentre.com.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Tuesday 6 May 2014

Albany Entertainment Centre, ALBANY WA

Bookings: Entertainment Centre Box Office (08) 9844 5005 | www.ticketek.com.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Wednesday 7 May 2014

Bunbury Entertainment Centre, BUNBURY WA

Bookings: Entertainment Centre Box Office 1300 661 272 | www.bunburyentertainment.com

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Thursday 8 May 2104

Mandura PAC, MANDURAH WA

Bookings: Entertainment Centre Box Office (08) 9550 3900 | www.manpac.com.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Friday 9 May 2014

Crown Theatre Perth Casino, PERTH WA

Bookings: Crown Box Office & Ticketek 1300 795 012 | www.ticketek.com.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Saturday 10 May 2014

Queens Park Th. GERALDTON WA

Bookings: Theatre Box Office (08) 9956 6662 | www.queensparktheatre.com.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Nautilus Theatre, PORT LINCOLN SA

Bookings: Theatre Box Office (08) 8683 5088

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Middleback Theatre, WHYALLA SA

Bookings: Theatre Box Office (08) 8644 7300 | www.countryarts.org.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Thursday 22 May 2014

Northern Festival Centre, PORT PIRIE SA

Bookings: Theatre Box Office (08) 8633 8500 | www.countryarts.org.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Friday 23 May 2014

Chaffey Theatre, RENMARK SA

Bookings: Theatre Box Office (08) 8586 1800 | www.countryarts.org.au

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

Saturday 24 May 2014

Barossa Arts Centre, TANUNDA SA

Bookings: Theatre Box Office (08) 8561 4299 | www.barossaconvention.org

Special guests The Wolfe Brothers

After the success of the Islands in the Stream 2013 tour dates, award-winning country artist Amber Lawrence and label-mate, X-Factor 2012 runner-up, Jason Owen are extending the tour through to 2014. With most of the shows selling out and their duet single – of the same name – climbing up the charts, the two talented performers have already started adding 2014 dates to the tour. The tour, which kicked off in June 2013 and was to initially finish at the end of November, is now being extended into April 2014 and beyond.

Amber and Jason’s youthful interpretation of the Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton is the perfect inspiration behind their joint national tour.  It also marked the release of Jason’s debut album Life Is A Highway which debuted at #5 on the ARIA Album chart and #1 on the i-Tunes Country Chart first week out.

It’s both their love of country music and the audiences that have brought them together while both coming from different “islands in the stream”.  Amber hails from Sydney and Jason grew up in small town of 12 called Albert in regional NSW. This two-hour show will feature Jason and Amber performing with their touring band, their own hits and songs as well as special duets throughout the show.

Amber is known as one of the hardest working artists in the industry and it has certainly been paying off with 13 single releases all of which have been Top 5 radio favourites including seven #1’s.  She has more than 10 awards to her name including the Tamworth Telstra Horizon Award at the 2011 Golden Guitars and was nominated in the Female Artist of the Year category at this year’s Golden Guitars.  Amber will perform some of her fan favourites such as Wrecking Ball, Good Girls, Don’t Do Lonely Well, Women Like Me and from her latest album “3”, Everybody’s A Mess, Man Across the Street and Try.  Throughout the tour Amber will continue to promote her 3^rd album which saw her fourth single Pretty Little Liar released in August.

At 19 years of age, Life Is A Highway marks the start of a new journey for Jason, who has moved from his small country town to Sydney and is now ready to embrace a full-time career as a recording and performing artist.  Life Is A Highway features songs such as Always On My Mind, Against The Wind, If Tomorrow Never Comes, and Sweet Home Alabama to name a few.  The album’s collection of songs – which are eclectic in genre – are all connected by the beauty of Jason’s unique voice, and fans will now be able to experience it live.

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM 2014 DATES

Thursday 2^nd January 2014

CEX Coffs Harbour NSW

www.cex.com.au | 02 6652 3888

Friday 3^rd January 2014

Ballina RSL NSW

www.ballinarsl.com.au | 02 6686 2544

Thursday 23^rd January 2014

West Tamworth Leagues Club, TAMWORTH NSW

www.wtlc.com.au

Friday 21^st February 2014

Muswellbrook RSL, MUSWELLBROOK NSW

www.muswellbrookrsl.com.au | (02) 6543 1700

Saturday 22^nd February 2014

Katoomba RSL, KATOOMBA NSW

www.katoombarsl.com.au | 1300 438 849

Friday 21^st March 2014

Club Sapphire, MERIMBULA NSW

www.clubsapphire.com.au | (02) 6495 1306

Saturday 22^nd March 2014

St Georges Basin Country Club, ST GEORGES BASIN NSW

www.basincountryclub.com.au | (02) 4443 0666

Friday 4^th April 2014

Hahndorf Old Mill SA

www.hahndorfoldmill.com  | 08 8388 7888

Saturday 5^th April 2014

Vine Inn Barossa SA

www.vineinn.com.au | 08 8562 2133

Friday 11^th April 2014

Inverell RSL, INVERELL NSW

www.inverellrsl.com.au | (02) 6722 3966

Saturday 12^th April 2014

Warwick RSL, WARWICK QLD

www.warwickrsl.com.au | (07) 4661 1229

Friday 4^th May 2014

Gunnedah Services & Bowling Club, GUNNEDAH NSW

www.gunnedahservicesclub.com.au | (02) 6742 0400

Saturday 5^th May 2014

Armidale Ex-Services, ARMIDALE NSW

www.armidaleservices.com.au | (02) 6776 0800

The 15^th Anniversary celebration of the Deniliquin Ute Muster ended last night with country music superstar, Alan Jackson, capping off two days of music, family, fun and country spirit.

The festivities kicked off on Friday morning when gates opened at 6.00am letting the first of the weekend’s 20,000 attendees onto the site.

“This year’s festival was enormously successful with mother nature turning on beautiful sunny days and balmy nights for us” said Kathie Heyman, Deni Ute Muster General Manager.

“It’s been 15 years since the local community banded together for the first Deni Ute Muster and we’ve gone from strength to strength when a lot of other festival events are struggling to find an audience.  It’s a huge honour for community and business to see so many families returning each year to play on the plains”.

“We’d also like to acknowledge our Strategic Partners Destination NSW. Event Partners, Deniliquin Council and Conargo Council. Major sponsors: Holden, Bundaberg Rum, Decentralised Demountables, Country Waste Systems, IGA and our official partners, XXXX Gold, Coates Hire and Viking.  We couldn’t continue growing the event without their support and we tip our hats to them all”. 

Friday night’s opening concert was headlined by Grinspoon with Sunny Cowgirls, Russell Morris, Adam Brand and Corb Lund getting the crowd up dancing into the night.

Saturday night was headlined by international superstar Alan Jackson who had the crowd in raptures throughout his set, particularly as he sang his hit Where I Come From with vision of the Muster and township splashed on the screen behind him. Also on the line up on the balmy spring night was Kaylee Bell, Morgan Evans and Australia’s favourite country songstress, Kasey Chambers.

The Deni Ute Muster once again broke two of its own world records over the weekend.  First up was the World Record Blue Singlet Count with 3,924 musterers donning blue singlets breaking the previous record of 3,500 set in 2010.

And of course it wouldn’t be a ute muster without the utes!  2013 was also a record breaking year with 9,736 utes on sites breaking the previous record set back in 2010.

Alan Hamilton from Townsville (Qld) won Deniliquin Ute Muster Ute of the Year with his Holden Maloo.  Bob Waldner from Lavington (NSW) once again walked away with a win in the Holden Barrel Race and also took out the inaugural Driver’s Choice Award as voted by his fellow contestants. The Narva Go to Wo was won by Blair Achammer with his Nissan Navara.

In the driving competitions, The Australian National Circle Work Championships, sponsored by GME, was won by Jason Stanley from Cairns (Qld) who impressed the judges with his Holden VE SS-V and driving performance.  Second was Michael Bekins from Emerald (Vic), and third placed was Luke Campbell from Parkes (NSW).

This year’s Holden Grunt Off male team winners, with a time of 9:63, were team Slootz and the female team winners were Can Rouse with a time of 11:97 seconds.

Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and Foxtel’s Country Music Channel (CMC) are thrilled to announce that American superstar TOBY KEITH will be making his first ever concert appearances in Australia in 2014, bringing his Hammer Down Under Tour to Australia for a series of massive arena concerts next March. Keith will also headline the 2014 CMC Rocks the Hunter festival at the Hope Estate in NSW’s beautiful Hunter Valley.

Joining Keith on the tour will be special guest international stars ELI YOUNG BAND (USA) and KELLIE PICKLER (USA).

CEO of Entertainment Edge, Rob Potts said, “The Outlaws of country music have always been huge with Aussie fans. No surprise this country started out as a convict settlement. So we know why the fans are so excited about Toby’s first ever tour here. They love his larrikin outlaw attitude and the fact that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. We’re super excited to have him touring in March and know the fans will go wild when he rolls out his incredible catalogue of hits. It’s also terrific to welcome back Eli Young Band and to have Kellie Pickler on her first visit down under”  

Executive Chairman of Chugg Entertainment, Michael Chugg said, “Toby Keith is one of the biggest artists in modern country music. We’ve been hearing about his rowdy, rockin’ live show in this country for many years. One of the biggest songwriters in any genre, Aussie audiences have really connected with his irreverent humour. We still think “he’s as good as he once was”- and with three international heavyweights on one bill, this is going to be the country tour of the year –  my mate Jimmy Buffett said he is not to be missed!”

Singer/songwriter TOBY KEITH is one of the most consistently successful artists in country music history, with over 35 million album sales and 31 US No. 1 singles in two decades of recording, including Should’ve Been A Cowboy, How Do You Like Me Now?!, Beer For My Horses, I Love This Bar, As Good As I Once Was and Red Solo Cup. Winner of multiple CMA, ACM and American Music Awards, the Billboard Country Artist of the Decade is renowned throughout the globe for his swaggering party songs, soulful ballads and rowdy, high-energy live performances.  Toby will also be performing songs from his new album, Drinks After Work, which will be released in Australia on 1 November, 2013.

The ELI YOUNG BAND honed their skills as an Eagles-esque live force in the Texas Red Dirt scene, building up an enviable fan following, before breaking into the mainstream country scene with their album, Level, in 2005. The Southern quartet blew us away in 2012 on their first trip down under and they’ve since moved into an even higher gear, with hits including the monster smash Crazy Girl, Even If It Breaks Your Heart and their latest release, Drunk Last Night.

Since rocketing to fame on American Idol, KELLIE PICKLER has been charming the public with her inimitable twang, cheeky charisma and powerful country pipes. Her hits include Red High Heels, I Wonder, Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful and Best Days of Your Life, and she has run the gamut from soul-baring vulnerability to girl power anthems and she constantly reaches for more honest, powerful and dynamic ways to tell her story. The CMT Music Award winner and ACM and CMA nominee, Pickler has also triumphed on television, as the 2013 winner of the US Dancing with the Stars.