Category Archives: ZFM Country Rock

COLD CHISEL TO RECEIVE 2016 TED ALBERT AWARD

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The APRA AMCOS Board of Writer and Publisher Directors have announced that legendary songwriters and musicians, Cold Chisel, are the recipients of the 2016 Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music. The prestigious award will be presented to Cold Chisel at the 2016 APRA Music Awards on Tuesday 5 April at Carriageworks in Sydney.

With a history that spans 40 years, a reputation forged through blistering live shows and a catalogue of much loved songs and albums, Cold Chisel – Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Don Walker, Phil Small and Steve Prestwich – are part of the fabric of the nation’s psyche. Their story is colourful, volatile and proud and their music continues to be ingrained in the hearts of generations of Australians.

The band has sold almost seven million albums across bona fide Australian classics like East, Breakfast at Sweethearts and Circus Animals, while songs like Cheap Wine, Choir Girl, When the War Is Over, Flame Trees, Bow River, Saturday Night, Khe Sanh and 2015’s Lost remain the staple of radio playlists, pubs, jukeboxes, concert halls and karaoke bars across every part of the country.

Australia’s love of Cold Chisel has only grown over the years. The band’s 2011 Light The Nitro tour was the biggest-ever by an Australian-based band, with over 300,000 tickets sold, and their 2015 One Night Stand tour included a number of firsts for the band, including being the first-ever Australian artist to headline the iconic Hanging Rock to a sold out audience of 18,000. Meanwhile, the band’s 2012 album No Plans was certified gold and received 5 ARIA Award nominations while last year’s album The Perfect Crime was #1 on the ARIA Australian Artists Album chart and is almost platinum. The Perfect Crime was universally hailed by critics, with many calling it as amongst the best of Cold Chisel’s career.

Previous recipients of the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music include Paul Kelly, Jimmy Little, Slim Dusty, The Seekers and last year’s recipient, Fifa Riccobono.

MUSIC LEGENDS LEO SAYER AND LULU ANNOUNCE FIRST EVER TOUR TOGETHER!

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Two of the great voices of British pop, Leo Sayer and Lulu, are joining together for the first time for a tour of Australia.

Lulu was just 15 when she recorded her first UK hit, a version of the Isley Brothers’ Shout, and in 1967 her stunning performance of the theme tune from the film To Sir, With Love (and in which she also appeared alongside Sidney Poitier) took her to the top of charts around the world. Hits like The Boat I Row, Let’s Pretend and Love Loves to Love, Love established her as one of the most dynamic voices of the era and the way she lit up a screen made her a natural for television events like the Eurovision Song Contest (which she won in 1969 representing the UK).

Born a few months before Lulu, Leo Sayer broke through as a singer and songwriter with a string of hits including The Show Must Go On, One Man Band, Long Tall Glasses and Moonlighting. His career went into overdrive in 1977 with two global chart-toppers, the disco-fired You Make Me Feel like Dancing (a Grammy winner for best rhythm and blues song) and the ballad, When I Need You. Sayer had phenomenal nine Top 20 albums and 14 Top 20 singles from 1973 to 1983 and has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide, and in 2006 a remix of his 1977 hit Thunder In My Heart took him back to the top of the UK charts. Leo has lived in Australia since 2005 and became an Australian citizen in 2009.

In 2015 after promoters suggested that Leo and Lulu tourtogether Lulu went to see Leo performing in London and was blown away by his vital stage presence and a voice that could match her own soulful delivery. In fact, she was so impressed she joined him on stage that same night! The two music legends hit it off so well that the Leo & Lulu tour was on.

“I am beyond excited to be coming to Australia for these gigs and sharing the stage with Leo. Leo Sayer is musically the real deal so bring it on I can’t wait ” said Lulu from the backstage of her first show of her current 35 date UK tour.

Leo added “Lulu was already an icon when I came on the scene and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. We’re good pals and I can’t wait to welcome her to Australia.”

The tour commences at Sydney’s State Theatre on 23 June before heading to some of Australia’s finest theatres around the country, with these two icons of the industry performing all their hits separately and together.

LEO & LULU

Thursday, 23 June 2016

State Theatre, Sydney, NSW

Tickets available from 9.00am, Monday 14 March from Ticketmaster

Friday, 24 June 2016

Hamer Hall, Melbourne, Vic

Tickets available from 9.00am, Tuesday 15 March from the Arts Centre and Ticketmaster

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Festival Theatre, Adelaide, SA

Tickets available from 9.00am, Tuesday 15 March from Bass

Thursday, 30 June 2015

QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane, Qld

Tickets available from 9.00am, Monday 14 March from QPac

Sunday, 3 July 2016

Concert Hall, Perth, WA

Tickets available from 9.00am, Monday 14 March from Perth Concert Hall and Ticketmaster
LULU

Lulu has always found ways to reinvent herself as a performing artist, songwriter and entertainer – from TV variety show host to recording with David Bowie as producer and her 1993 return to the charts with Relight My Fire, a collaboration with Take That. In 2002 she returned to the UK charts with a cover of Bob Seger’s We’ve Got Tonight, a duet with The Voice Australia judge, Ronan Keating.

While ever-popular in the UK through touring, stage musicals and TV appearances including regular spots on Absolutely Fabulous, Lulu returned to the studio for the first time in 10 years for last year’s Making Life Rhyme, mostly self-penned and acclaimed as one of the finest albums of her career. The album was followed by a string of sold-out dates in the UK and a storming set at Glastonbury alerted new generations that before there was Adele and Amy Winehouse, there was Lulu.

Lulu was born in 1948 and raised, as Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, in a tough working-class part of Glasgow. She was first discovered as a schoolgirl singing in a band, with a mighty voice that was the opposite of her diminutive build.

That drive led to her solo career and classics like her 1967 smash with the theme tune for To Sir, With Love. She made her acting debut in that film, a warm and wise exploration of issues such as racial discrimination and the class divide, with Lulu playing one of the young classmates to Sidney Poitier’s brilliant performance as an idealistic teacher imparting life lessons in a London high school.

She was just 20 when she married Maurice Gibb in 1969, the year she won the final of the Eurovision Song Contest with Boom-Bang-a-Bang. That year she recorded the New Routes album at the scene of many legendary soul music recordings, Muscle Shoals Studios in Alabama, with a crack band including Duane Allman on guitar and producers Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin. The album included a fine version of the Bee Gees’ song Marley Purt Drive. Gibb and Lulu remained on good terms after their divorce, later performing on TV together. Lulu’s 2015 UK tour included songs in tribute to the Bee Gees.

In 1974, Lulu had a secret liaison with David Bowie, who produced her version of the Bowie classic The Man Who Sold The World, a top 10 hit in the UK. She was also learning from the best as a songwriter and in 1993 she wrote a worldwide hit for Tina Turner, I Don’t Want To Fight. The song gave Lulu the title for her autobiography, published in 2002.

“I’ve been through a lot in my life, a lot of struggles,” she says. “I’ve been one of the luckiest people but I’ve been thrown from pillar to post, emotionally .” These experiences provided the fuel for the songs she wrote for Making Life Rhyme, a soul album for the 21st century that sounds just as relevant and contemporary as anything from younger artists. “Making Life Rhyme is about how I’m living my life now,” she says. “I’ve dealt with demons, I’ve dealt with anxiety, I’ve dealt with sadness. Now I like who I am … I feel like I have grown up in a way.”

Lulu has been in the music business for 51 years. Yet she seems utterly undimmed by time; slim, vivacious and energetic, with an appealing combination of bright eyed sprightliness and a very adult, no-nonsense directness. “I was thrown into this business in my childhood. It’s a minefield, you see so many people harmed by believing in their success. You think you’re invincible, then crash, it all comes down. I’ve managed to look like I’m holding it together but it ain’t been easy. This is what I’m talking about, everything that I’ve been through in my life. It’s really about going beyond the problems everyone’s got. I’ve been there, done it but now I’m living in the solution. That’s what it’s about!”

LEO SAYER

Leo Sayer’s life is packed with extraordinary stories, from his early meeting with songwriter Dave Courtney (one of the first songs they wrote together, Giving It All Away, was a massive solo hit for Roger Daltrey of The Who), to the studio jam with LA session masters Larry Carlton and Ray Parker Jr which grew into You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.

Sayer has seen all the highs and lows of a life in the spotlight, always able to adapt to the ever-changing musical landscape.

Sayer was raised in Sussex where he studied graphic design before hooking up with musician Dave Courtney. Together they wrote Giving It All Away, which became the first solo hit for Roger Daltrey of The Who in 1973. But it was Sayer’s memorable TV performance of The Show Must Go On, dressed in Pierrot mime costume and make-up, which announced the arrival of a major new force in British music.

His 1977 singles You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and When I Need You took him to No 1 in the US and in many other countries, and his 1979 compilation The Very Best of Leo Sayer gave him his first UK No 1 album and seventh consecutive top 20 album. Sayer fought back from legal disputes with former management and record companies with the weapon he has always had, the enormous energy of his live performances. Sayer has lived in Sydney since 2005, is now an Australian citizen, and continues to tour the world.

Last year he released his first album of new material in six years, Restless Years, featuring a reunion with his When I Need You co-writer Albert Hammond. The album was followed by sold-out theatre shows here in in Australia and UK.

LEE KERNAGHAN ANNOUNCES A SELECT RUN OF 2016 TOUR DATES FOR HIS ACCLAIMED THE SONGS & THE STORIES IN CONCERT TOUR

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After an amazing tour in 2015 with a string of sold-out shows, iconic Australian artist Lee Kernaghan is back with a select run of dates for his The Songs & The Stories In Concert, due to popular demand. The shows, which will see him travel throughout New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia in April and May, will showcase music from Spirit of the Anzacs. The tour also features special guests The Wolfe Brothers who have just returned from recording a new album in Nashville, and also Golden Guitar winner for Best New Talent at this year’s Australian Country Music Awards, Christie Lamb.

This very special concert series will see Lee perform his most loved songs, plus a special segment featuring the songs from his ARIA #1 hit album Spirit Of The Anzacs album. The audience will be treated to an intimate insight into the background and inspiration behind a selection of the most important songs of his career.

Spirit of the Anzacs is the remarkable album from Lee Kernaghan & Special Guests – released in March last year – which earned acclaim far and wide. The album chalked up four consecutive weeks at #1 on the ARIA Album Chart, exceeded Platinum sales within three weeks of release, and is the longest-running chart-topping release from a local artist last year. Featuring a diverse array of stars across the musical spectrum including Lisa McCune, John Schumann, Sara Storer, Fred Smith and VC recipient Ben Robert Smith, Spirit Of The Anzacs also showcases superstars Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Sheppard, Jon Stevens, Shannon Noll and Megan Washington, who donated their time and talents to the Spirit Of The Anzacs charity song and video. Proceeds from this single go to Legacy Australia and Soldier On.

Lee Kernaghan is one of Australia’s most prolific country music artists. He has earned four ARIA Awards, 36 Golden Guitars, and has achieved 33 No.1 hits on the Australian Country Singles Chart. Lee has sold in excess of two million albums in the Australian market. In 2008, Lee was named Australian Of The Year for his service to rural and regional Australia. Lee’s previous release, Beautiful Noise scooped the pool at the 2014 Country Music Awards of Australia, picking up awards for Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year (Flying With The King), along with Male Artist of the Year and Top Selling Album of the Year.

Spirit Of The Anzacs is Lee’s eleventh studio album. The album earned Lee three Golden Guitars at this year’s Australian Country Music Awards and an ARIA for Special Achievement. “This is some of the most powerful material that I’ve ever had the privilege to record in my career”, says Lee. “The album takes you on a real journey, from the trenches of the Western Front to the bombing of Darwin, Kokoda, Long Tan, and the dust of Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan. It is a project that goes to the heart of who we are as a nation.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience this very special musical event. Tickets are available from www.leekernaghan.com/tour

Lee Kernaghan’s album Spirit of the Anzacs is out now through Universal Music.

THE SONGS & THE STORIES IN CONCERT 2016 TOUR DATES

Thursday 21st April 2016 | 8pm

Rooty Hill RSL, ROOTY HILL NSW

www.rootyhillrsl.com.au | (02) 9677 4916

Friday 22nd April 2016 | 7.30pm

Hornsby RSL, HORNSBY NSW

www.hornsbyrsl.com.au | (02) 9476 2637

Saturday 23rd April 2016 | 8pm

The Cube, CAMPBELLTOWN NSW
www.thecube.net.au | (02) 4625 0000

Sunday 24th April 2016 | 7pm

Castle Hill RSL, CASTLE HILL NSW

www.castlehillrsl.com.au | (02) 8858 4800

Thursday 19th May 2016 | 8.30pm

Hallam Hotel, HALLAM VIC

www.moshtix.com.au | (03) 8786 0200

Friday 20th May 2016 | 8pm

GPAC [Costa Hall], GEELONG VIC

www.gpac.org.au | (03) 5225 1200

Saturday 21st May 2016 | 8pm

Her Majesty’s Theatre, BALLARAT VIC

www.hermaj.com | (03) 5333 5888

Sunday 22nd May 2016 | 8pm

Lighthouse Theatre, WARRNAMBOOL VIC

www.lighthousetheatre.com.au | (03) 5559 4999

Thursday 26th May 2016 | 8pm

Horsham Town Hall, HORSHAM VIC

www.horshamtownhall.com.au | (03) 5382 9555

Friday 27th May 2016 | 8pm

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, MT GAMBIER SA

www.countryarts.org.au | (08) 8723 8741

Saturday 28th May 2016 | 8pm

Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, HAMILTON VIC

www.hamiltonpac.com.au | (03) 5573 0429

Sunday 29th May 2016 | 8pm

Frankston Arts Centre, FRANKSON VIC

www.thefac.com.au | (03) 9784 1060

COUNTRY SWEETHEART CHRISTIE LAMB WINS HER FIRST GOLDEN GUITAR

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Country sweetheart Christie Lamb has won her first Golden Guitar, taking out the CMAA image011Qantaslink New Talent of the Year award at the revered Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony at Tamworth Country Music Festival this past weekend. The award wraps up an incredible 12-months for the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been carving a musical niche with her distinct style of country-rock. It is not the first accolade that the talented songstress was nominated for in 2016, she is also a finalist for the CMC Female Oz Artist of the Year and CMC Oz Artist of the Year.

Winning the first Golden Guitar of her career is an auspicious step for a musician who is already planning on heading into the studio this year to record her next offering. In fact, Christie was one of only two female artists to win on the night, proudly standing beside Catherine Britt, who won the Female Artist of the Year accolade.

Christie says as an independent artist, she was blown away to receive the award and was proud to stand beside the other finalists who included incredible Australian artists. “Receiving the Golden Guitar was absolutely amazing,” she says. “I first went to Tamworth ten years before as a busker and watched all the big artists at TRECC. It was honestly surreal, looking at the artists in the front row and seeing all those same faces watching me on that stage accepting my Golden Guitar. It was honestly a night I will never forget.”

After forging a special music connection with Lee Kernaghan and Robby X in 2015 while touring as part of Lee’s iconic The Songs & The Stories in Concert tour, Christie says the night was all the more meaningful when they presented her the award. It gave her an opportunity to publicly thank Lee for inviting her on the tour, which visited regional and metropolitan centres during the second half of last year.

“To not only open the show for Lee Kernaghan, but to sing with him and be a part of his band Country sweetheart Christie Lamb has won her first Golden Guitar, taking out the CMAA Qantaslink New Talent of the Year award at the revered Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony at Tamworth Country Music Festival this past weekend. The award wraps up an incredible 12-months for the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been carving a musical niche with her distinct style of country-rock. It is not the first accolade that the talented songstress was nominated for in 2016, she is also a finalist for the CMC Female Oz Artist of the Year and CMC Oz Artist of the Year.

Winning the first Golden Guitar of her career is an auspicious step for a musician who is already planning on heading into the studio this year to record her next offering. In fact, Christie was one of only two female artists to win on the night, proudly standing beside Catherine Britt, who won the Female Artist of the Year accolade.

Christie says as an independent artist, she was blown away to receive the award and was proud to stand beside the other finalists who included incredible Australian artists. “Receiving the Golden Guitar was absolutely amazing,” she says. “I first went to Tamworth ten years before as a busker and watched all the big artists at TRECC. It was honestly surreal, looking at the artists in the front row and seeing all those same faces watching me on that stage accepting my Golden Guitar. It was honestly a night I will never forget.”

After forging a special music connection with Lee Kernaghan and Robby X in 2015 while touring as part of Lee’s iconic The Songs & The Stories in Concert tour, Christie says the night was all the more meaningful when they presented her the award. It gave her an opportunity to publicly thank Lee for inviting her on the tour, which visited regional and metropolitan centres during the second half of last year.

“To not only open the show for Lee Kernaghan, but to sing with him and be a part of his band with The Wolfe Brothers was definitely a dream come true for me,” she says. “It was a privilege to be part of such a special tour showcasing the true stories from the hugely success The Spirit of the Anzacs album.”

Christie also gave a nod to her fellow artists Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds for the good times they had during 2015 on The Girls of Country Tour. She thanked the CMAA, Toyota and Qantaslink for their support, and made special mention of her producer Andrew Cochrane and her plans to record in 2016. Acknowledging the support of CMC and local radio, Christie also thanked those in the media for giving artists a platform to showcase their music and for supporting her career thus far.

Christie Lamb smashed onto the Australian country music scene with her debut self-titled EP. She was selected to tour with iconic artist Jon English on his Rock Revolution tour throughout 2012 and 2013. After multiple writing trips to Nashville, she launched her debut self-titled album in 2014, where it hit #1 on the ARIA Hit Seekers Chart (all genres) and #2 on the ARIA Australian Artist Country Chart. The album itself spurned three #1 singles and two Top 5 singles. No stranger to performing, Christie has appeared on the bill of some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Deni Ute Muster, Mud Bulls and Music Festival, Urban Country Music Festival and Sydney Country Music Festival to name a few.

It is certainly looking like it will be a huge year for Christie Lamb. With lots of shows in the works, it isn’t surprising to find out this hard-working musician doesn’t plan on taking a break. “This year is going to be a busy one for me, which is great,” says Christie. “Along with my own shows, I will be back on the road touring again as part of some big tours. I will also be performing at a couple of upcoming festivals with The Girls of Country with Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds, in between fitting in time to record my new album.”

Stay tuned for some big announcements coming soon for Christie’s touring schedule for 2016.

with The Wolfe Brothers was definitely a dream come true for me,” she says. “It was a privilege to be part of such a special tour showcasing the true stories from the hugely success The Spirit of the Anzacs album.”

Christie also gave a nod to her fellow artists Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds for the good times they had during 2015 on The Girls of Country Tour. She thanked the CMAA, Toyota and Qantaslink for their support, and made special mention of her producer Andrew Cochrane and her plans to record in 2016. Acknowledging the support of CMC and local radio, Christie also thanked those in the media for giving artists a platform to showcase their music and for supporting her career thus far.

Christie Lamb smashed onto the Australian country music scene with her debut self-titled EP. She was selected to tour with iconic artist Jon English on his Rock Revolution tour throughout 2012 and 2013. After multiple writing trips to Nashville, she launched her debut self-titled album in 2014, where it hit #1 on the ARIA Hit Seekers Chart (all genres) and #2 on the ARIA Australian Artist Country Chart. The album itself spurned three #1 singles and two Top 5 singles. No stranger to performing, Christie has appeared on the bill of some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Deni Ute Muster, Mud Bulls and Music Festival, Urban Country Music Festival and Sydney Country Music Festival to name a few.

It is certainly looking like it will be a huge year for Christie Lamb. With lots of shows in the works, it isn’t surprising to find out this hard-working musician doesn’t plan on taking a break. “This year is going to be a busy one for me, which is great,” says Christie. “Along with my own shows, I will be back on the road touring again as part of some big tours. I will also be performing at a couple of upcoming festivals with The Girls of Country with Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds, in between fitting in time to record my new album.”

Stay tuned for some big announcements coming soon for Christie’s touring schedule for 2016.

Apia Good Times Tour returns in 2016 with a stellar line-up of local legends!

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Apia is proud to announce that the annual Apia Good Times Tour is returning in 2016 for the fourth year running. With another stellar line-up of Antipodean legends including Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, and making their “Good Times” debut, Jon Stevens and John Paul Young, will take to the stage to perform their hits separately and together for a show that will have audiences across the country up on their feet, singing along.

The 2016 Apia Good Times Tour kicks off on Wednesday, 18 May in Darwin before heading to Adelaide, Perth, Bunbury, Bendigo, Melbourne, Geelong, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Tweed Heads, Newcastle, Sydney, Shoalhaven, Canberra and Launceston, finishing up the “Good Times” in Hobart. Tickets to all shows go on sale at 10.00am local times on Wednesday, 3 February.

This year’s legendary line-up have a huge array of hits to draw from including The Horses, As The Days Go By, Pash, Bedroom Eyes, Touch, Take Me Back, Yesterday’s Hero and Love Is In The Air, to name a few. Each artist will perform a solo set of their hits and join in an extraordinary finale with all four sharing the stage.

Backed by a world-class, six-piece band, and with three former cast members of Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as the hits above, music fans will no doubt be delighted by some magic ‘Superstar’ moments, when the Apia Good Times Tour takes to the road in May and June.

Daryl Braithwaite is back after a very successful first year Apia Good Times Tour debut, bringing with him a wealth of history and hits to choose from. From his early days as lead singer of 70’s hitmakers, Sherbet (Howzat!, You’ve Got The Gun, Summer Love) through to being voted King of Pop for 3 successive years (1975-1977) and beyond, Daryl Braithwaite has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years including ARIA Chart toppers As The Days Go By, Higher Than Hope and The Horses and Apia is thrilled to have him join in the “Good Times” again in 2016.

Kate Ceberano first found fame with her funk band I’m Talking, who are widely acknowledged as the band who pioneered New York-style art pop in Australia. The group’s ‘platinum’ debut album included three top ten singles and secured Kate a spot in Australian music history. With 3 ARIA Awards, a Logie, two People’s Choice Awards and seven nominations for the ARIA Best Female Artist Award, Kate Ceberano’s talents and triumphs are that of Australian entertainment royalty. In her 30+ year career, Kate Ceberano has released 23 albums, performed in the stage productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and South Pacific, had her own tonight show on the ABC, won Dancing with the Stars and curated the Adelaide Cabaret Festival to name just a few of her multitude of career milestones.

For over 30 years, Jon Stevens has had a remarkable career as a singer, songwriter and performer. His achievements have included ARIA chart-topping success as the frontman of legendary Australian band, Noiseworks (Touch, Take Me Back, No Lies, Hot Chilli Woman) joining INXS as the “seventh member”, and maintaining a successful solo career as one of the country’s foremost touring artists. Like Kate Ceberano, Jon also starred in the 1992 highly acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar and in 2013 he again trod the Superstar boards, this time in the role of Pontius Pilate. In 2000, a studio collaboration saw Stevens become part of rock band INXS as guest vocalist spending the next 3 years touring the world before returning home to unleash a further two solo albums. In 2012 Jon formed The Dead Daisies, once again getting back out on the road in 2013 and 2014 touring across the USA and New Zealand and in 2015 released his first solo album in four years, Woman.

As undoubtedly one of the most popular Australian artists of the 70’s, John Paul Young has cemented himself a place in music history with a string of hits resulting in over 4 million record sales and capped with an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009. Following a stint as Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar (1972-1974), “JPY” went on to became a Countdown regular, both as guest and performer, with his easy going personality making him a favourite with fans. More major hits followed – The Love Game, I Hate The Music, I Wanna Do It With You, Standing In The Rain (all Top 10 hits) and his June 1978 No. 1 song, Love Is In The Air, also a huge hit internationally following the release of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom in 1992.

Tickets to the Apia Good Times Tour go on sale to the general public at 10.00am, local times, on Wednesday, 3 February 2016. Apia customers will have the opportunity to access pre-sale tickets on Monday, 1 February and venue and ticket outlet database members will have early access from Tuesday, 2 February.

The Apia Good Times Tour is proudly brought to you by Apia, celebrating over 50s living life at their best.
Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin, NT

Tickets available from the Box Office, 08 8980 3333 and www.yourcentre.com.au

Friday, 20 May 2016

Adelaide Entertainment Centre (Theatre Mode), Adelaide, SA

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

Saturday, 21 May 2016

Perth Concert Hall, Perth, WA

Tickets available from Ticketmaster – 136 100 and www.ticketmaster.com.au

– and – Perth Concert Hall Box Office, 08 9231 9999 and www.perthconcerthall.com.au

Sunday, 22 May 2016*

Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury, WA

Tickets available from the BREC Box Office, 1300 661 272 and www.bunburyentertainment.com

*4pm matinee show

Friday, 27 May 2016

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo, Vic

Tickets available from the Box office, 03 5434 6100 and www.gotix.com.au

Saturday, 28 May 2016

Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Vic

Tickets available from Ticketmaster – 136 100 and www.ticketmaster.com.au

Sunday, 29 May 2016

Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong, Vic

Tickets available from GPAC – 03 5225 1200 and www.gpac.org.au

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, Qld

Tickets available from the Box office, 1300 655 299 and www.empiretheatre.com.au

Friday, 3 June 2016

QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane, Qld

Tickets available from the Box Office, 136 246 and www.qpac.com.au

Saturday, 4 June 2016

Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads, NSW

Tickets available from the Box office, 1800 014 014 and www.twintowns.com.au

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Civic Theatre, Newcastle, NSW

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

-and- the Box Office, 02 4929 1977 and www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Friday, 10 June 2016

Enmore Theatre, Enmore/Sydney, NSW

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven, NSW

Tickets available from the Box Office, 1300 788 503 and www.shoalhavenentertainment.com.au

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra, ACT

Tickets available from the Box Office, 02 6275 2700 and www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Friday, 17 June 2016

Princess Theatre, Launceston, TAS

Tickets available from the Box Office, 03 6323 3666 and www.theatrenorth.com.au

Sunday, 18 June 2016

Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart, TAS

Tickets available from Tixtas – 1300 795 257 and www.tixtas.com.au
For more information or to book, visit www.apiagoodtimes.com.au

Police operation tunes up for Tamworth’s country-music festival

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A police operation gets underway today to ensure Tamworth’s annual country music festival is a safe, fun and family-friendly event.

Operation Ashgrove will be in place for the duration of the Country Music Festival, Tamworth, which starts today (Friday 15 January 2016) and runs until Sunday 24 January 2016.

Now in its 44th year, this is the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere, with a program featuring 700 performers, 2800 shows and 120 venues.

Dozens of additional police have been deployed to work in the northern-NSW city during the festival.

“It is a hugely popular event, and we are expecting big crowds again this year,” Operation Ashgrove Commander, Superintendent Fred Trench, said.

“The atmosphere in Tamworth throughout festival is high-spirited, and while the vast majority of people are well-behaved, police will act swiftly if you choose to do the wrong thing,” he said.

In particular, police will be targeting alcohol-related criminal and anti-social behaviour.

“We encourage people to have a great time while they’re in Tamworth; we just ask that you look out for each other and know your limits in terms of alcohol consumption.

“Police will not tolerate alcohol-fuelled violence, and will be enforcing alcohol-free zones in the CBD.

“We’ll also have additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers rostered on to conduct random alcohol and drug testing, so if you make a plan to drink, plan not to drive,” Supt Trench said.

Local Liquor Accord agreements will also remain in place for the duration of the festival – including a 12.30am lockout for all licensed venues; a ban on spirits shots; and no energy-drink mixers or high-alcohol pre-mixed drinks can be purchased after 10pm.

More than 50,000 people are expected to descend upon Tamworth for the festival, with many of them camping at sites around the city.

“Community safety is our number-one priority, and we urge festival-goers to take care of themselves and their belongings while visiting Tamworth for the festival,” Supt Trench said.

Police offer the following safety and security tips for campers:

• Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;
• Get to know your surrounding campers;
• In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;
• Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight;
• Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended;
• Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent;
• Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper;
• Plan for changes in weather conditions;
• Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles;
• Report any suspicious behaviour to police.

For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.au

Special-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com.

Plan ahead, arrive safely, enjoy Tamworth’s country-music festival – Operation Ashgrove

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With more than 50,000 people expected to descend upon Tamworth for the upcoming country music festival, police are encouraging country-music fans to plan ahead for a safe arrival.

The annual Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth will take over the northern-NSW city for 10 days from this Friday (15 January 2016) until Sunday 24 January 2016.

Now in its 44th year, this is the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere, with a program featuring 700 performers, 2800 shows and 120 venues.

Police are in the final planning stages of Operation Ashgrove, which will be in place for the duration of the festival to ensure the event is safe, fun and family-friendly.

However, police are keen to get out an early safety message to the throngs of country-music fans who are intending to make the pilgrimage to Tamworth.

“Mid-January is a busy time on NSW roads; there will be many people travelling not only to Tamworth, but also to and from school-holiday destinations,” Operation Ashgrove Commander, Superintendent Fred Trench, said.

“If you will be driving to the festival, we urge you to be mindful of all the additional traffic on the roads, and take extra precautions to ensure you arrive safely in Tamworth.

“Allow plenty of time for your trip; take multiple rest breaks; drive to conditions; and follow the rules of the road.

“There will be large numbers of police patrolling roads in and around Tamworth, targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile-phone use, and other dangerous driver behaviour.

“We want you to spend your time in Tamworth enjoying music at a festival venue; not in a hospital bed or court room,” Supt Trench said.

Festival-goers are also encouraged to be patient when they arrive in Tamworth, as a number of road closures will be in place for the duration of the event, and there could be delays.

Only vehicles displaying the appropriate council authorisation will be allowed entry into restricted areas of the CBD.

Tamworth’s population doubles during the 10 days of the festival, and police will be out in force to ensure a safe celebration for both visitors and locals.

“Community safety is our number-one priority for Operation Ashgrove, and we’ll be working hard and in large numbers to maintain the festival’s excellent reputation as a fun, family-friendly event,” Supt Trench said.

“In particular, police will be on the look-out for criminal and anti-social behaviour associated with drinking too much alcohol. This includes intoxication, brawling and under-age drinking.

“Police and council rangers will also strictly enforce alcohol-free zones, which will be in place throughout the CBD.

“Local Liquor Accord agreements will also remain in place for the duration of the festival – including a 12.30am lockout for all licensed venues; a ban on spirits shots; and no energy-drink mixers or high-alcohol pre-mixed drinks can be purchased after 10pm,” Supt Trench said.

Camping is the preferred accommodation option for thousands of festival-goers; dozens of camping sites will be operational in and around Tamworth.

Police offer the following safety and security tips for campers:
– Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;
– Get to know your surrounding campers;
– In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;
– Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight;
– Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended;
– Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent;
– Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper;
– Plan for changes in weather conditions;
– Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles;
– Report any suspicious behaviour to police.

For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.au

Special-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com.

Denham and Gunn Team Up For Tamworth Festival!

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Aussie chart toppers Jayne Denham and Benn Gunn will be joining forces for one power packed live show at the 2016 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

After seeing the first single from his new album “Ain’t Nothin But A Party” produce his first ever Number 1 and his next single about to hit the airwaves, Gunn is locked and loaded.

“It’s been an exciting year for me. I knew when we made this record that it had the potential to do well on the charts, but you are always nervous when you release it. Now getting to team up with Jayne is just the icing on the cake. I’ve always loved her style and this show is gonna be one heck of a party.” – Benn Gunn

While Gunn’s career has just risen to the next level, seasoned ABC artist and established Country star Denham has just released a new digital EP “Renegade 2 Rockin’ with Ned” containing some extra tracks to add to her latest album ‘Renegade’. ‘Renegade’ is packed full of No.1 hits and a Golden Guitar nomination for her duet with the renowned Shannon Noll. Her Latest single “Grew up round Trucks” is sure a sign of another truckin’ Classic from Denham.

“Ben & I have a similar vibe to our music so it was a no brainer for me to join forces with Benn and put on a ‘Tough Rockin Country show that I just knew our fans would love. – Jayne Denham

Loyal sponsor ‘Scuzztrans’ will be presenting the show and “Ned” one of Australia’s most awarded show trucks will be traveling with the two stars to Tamworth. Seeing the good looking Truck at Jayne’s shows has become part of the audience experience! To top it off, if you preorder your tickets & you could win a ride in Ned with Benn & Jayne after the show. See websites for details.

The show will pump at the Tamworth Services club, a venue renowned for great shows during the Festival. Ticket details are below for reference purposes.

TAMWORTH SERVICES CLUB @ SERVIES SONG HOUSE

SATURDAY 23RD JAN
Doors open 8:30pm
Show 9:00pm