Artists

8 Ball Aitken

Straight out of the Mareeba Delta in steamy Far North Queensland, a young cowboy strides out of the banana plantations with a shiny National guitar slung over his back. Heading down the long lonesome highway to the Big Smoke of Brisbane, he sings about love, loss, rebellion, and ultimate acceptance. 8 Ball's Aitken's 'Outback Booty Call' won the 2009 Capital News Q Song Country Song of the Year Award. He has been invited to showcase at the 2010 International Folk Alliance in Memphis. 

Website: www.8ballaitken.com 

Performing at: Urban Blaze Concert

Amber Lawrence

Amber Lawrence is the Urban Country Music Festival Ambassador and counts the inaugural Telstra Horizon Award (commends the industry professionalism of a young artist), amongst her accolades this year.  Her 2nd album, When It All Comes Down, was a triple Golden Guitar finalist and the single “Don’t Do Lonely Well”, reached #1 on Country Tracks and CMC Charts. This vivacious rising star is a dazzling, charismatic performer who will appeal to all ages.

Website: www.amberlawrence.com 

Performing at: Main Concert

Amelia Richards

Born in Kempsey, home of country music king Slim Dusty, Amelia takes her inspiration from Slim. Juggling school with travelling around Australia for the past 3 ½ years, Amelia has played with some of the pioneers of Australian Country Music, putting her own stamp on the industry.

At Tamworth in January,  she was named the  National Country Junior Songwriter of the year. “It is such an honour as I am always trying to improve my songwriting and to be awarded in this way is the best feeling”.

Performing at: Town Square Stage

Sample music: Amelia_Richards_You're_Mine 

Beccy Cole

Poster Girl Beccy Cole is a mesmerizing dynamo whose infectious performance is laced with high jinx and heartbreakers.  The Wiggles' Beccy Bluegrass is a multi-awarded singer songwriter who pushes all the right buttons in an amazing live show. 

Website: www.beccycole.com 

Performing at: Main Concert

Bobkatz

Golden Guitar nominees, The Bobkatz, are thrilled with the success of their newest single “The Writer” from the album of the same name. The single took out awards at the recent Tamworth Songwriters Assoc. for “Contemporary Song of the Year” and “Country Song of the Year” for 2010. Comprising of Garry Koehler and Robert Mackay, The Bobkatz are in the process of recording their next album which is still untitled, and will contain 17 new tracks, recorded between Pacific International Music Studios 1 & 2 in Nashville TN, and Hervey Bay QLD.

The Bobkatz “Organic Country” depicts real stories of real people and real places, and is an authentic sound not to be missed......

Website: http://thebobkatz.com 

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Brendan Radford

He’s best known as one of Australia’s most gifted and in-demand musicians, who has performed and recorded with a galaxy of country stars. Now Brendan Radford’s stepped into the spotlight in his own right, with the release of his remarkable debut album, Snow.

A perceptive, intensely personal and enormously appealing album, Snow has been almost five years in the making – mainly due to Brendan’s many other musical commitments. Brendan has recently been nominated as a finalist in four categories in the Queensland Country Music Awards.

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Brendan Talay & Driftwood

Brendan Talay singer/songwriter has had years of experiencing life in the city and the Australian outback. Hailing from country NSW and spending the last 25years working and playing music around our country, Brendan is bringing to you a new contemporary country style of Original Australian music.

In 1996 Brendan represented Victoria in the TSSA songwriter’s competition and has been a regular TCMF artist for over 10 years. Now using his Blues /Hillbilly influences, he is joined with his band “DRIFTWOOD” to deliver a unique flavour of music guaranteed to make you smile. In 2010 Brendan will be releasing his first solo album with songs about life, love and loss featuring “the ROMANTIC COWBOY” single.

Website: www.myspace.com/brendantalay 

Performing at: Next Generation Station

Caroline Taylor-Knight

Caroline Taylor-Knight is a passionate contemporary country singer/songwriter whose songs are heartfelt and soulful but can often include rocking toe tappers, taking you on an unforgettable emotional journey from tears to exhilaration. Following her beautiful debut album “Fall for Me”, Caroline’s new album “Me Again” (also produced by Duncan Wood), has already delivered two popular radio singles “Enough” and “Are You There?” and is a compellingly honest, personal, musically dynamic and optimistic album that signifies an exciting new chapter in this talented artist’s career.

Website: www.carolinetaylorknight.com 

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Casey Watt

Casey Watt is a popular young artist with a wealth of experience in live performance, playing Festivals and local Pub and Club gigs for the past 12 years.  A three time Star Maker Grand finalist and three top ten hits on Country Radio, Casey was Female Rising Star at the Southern Stars Independent Country Music Awards in 2007.  With a voice that can soothe your soul, Casey's strong and diverse vocal ability and prolific songwriting skills make her an artist not to be missed.  

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Cay Ellem

President of the North Pine Bush Poets Group, Cay is a former primary school teacher who has finally settled at Murrumba Downs.  Her interest in bush poetry developed from a meeting with a modern group of bush poets in 1999.  Since then Cay has been a regular performer at many venues and poets’ breakfasts such as Nursing Homes, Probus, Rotary and similar clubs, concerts.  Cay prefers comedy but she says “I can do serious stuff if I really have to”. 

Performing at: Bush Poets Breakfasts

Cory Hargreaves

Cory Hargreaves is flying the flag as Australian Country music’s most creative, original and groundbreaking performers in many years announcing his arrival on the music scene during the Grand Final of the 2010 Toyota Star maker Competition in Tamworth this year. Making the transition from rock to country in 2007 Cory is a born entertainer who prides himself on his songwriting which has won him many awards including the Australian Songwriters Association’s ‘Song of the Year’ in 2007. Cory delivers his music live with the same intensity and precision no matter how big or small the audience.   

Website: www.coryhargreaves.com 

Performing at: Next Generation Station

Sample music: Bluestone intro , Sweet Love Chorus 

Dane Sharp

A finalist in the Rising Star Male Category at last years Mildura Independent Country Music Awards, Dane Sharp’s star is certainly on the rise. His debut album “Nothing to Lose”, produced by Duncan Wood, has delivered five popular radio singles and three clips on CMC and Dane will soon be heading back into the studio to work on his highly anticipated follow up album. He will also be performing lots of shows throughout 2010 with label-mates Caroline Taylor-Knight, Danny Mayers and Jessica Townsend as part of the Touchwood “Come Together Tour”.

Website: www.danesharp.com 

Performing at: Songwriters Café

David Baldi

At just 17 years of age, David Baldi from Park Orchards in Victoria is the 2010 Star Quest winner. David’s songs are about Australian people and places. He is in Year 11 and studying Certificate II in Agriculture. David will spend the next twelve months as ambassador for the Australian Bush Balladeers Association, performing at major festivals such as the Urban Country Music Festival, Caboolture and other events around Australia. As part of his win, David will record a single later in the year. 

Website: www.bushballadeers.com.au/davidbaldi 

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Dean Perrett

Website: www.deanperrett.com  

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Dennis Marsh

NZ’s Best Selling Country Artist of the Year Award, Dennis Marsh has won numerous awards over the years. In 2009 he won the Variety Artist Club’s NZ Male Artist of the Year Award, and at the National Country Music Awards he won the NZ Country Male Artist of the Year for the second year running. Having released 22 albums to date, including 4 Platinum and 9 Gold, he is NZ’s top selling Country Artist of all time. Dennis’ sense of humour and unique voice, make him one of NZ’s most popular entertainers, both on the stage and off.

Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Diana Trask

Diana Traskis our ex-pat star from the 70'swhose dual success at home and in America produced no less than 18 US chart singles including Beneath Still Waters, Say When, It's a Man's World, Lean on Me and I Fall To Pieces.   Diana launches her biography "Whatever Happened to Diana Trask" at the Urban Country Music Festival before this very special concert appearance.

Diana will be performing a guest appearance of 3 songs at the Main Concert.

Website: http://dianatrask.com 

Performing at: Main Concert

Doug Stuart

From standup comedy to cabaret performer with full show band, Doug epitomises the phrase `all round entertainer’. As a stand up comic his quick mind and brilliant timing will have you in tears and crying out for more. Doug Stuart has entertained people from Hawaii USA to Bluff, New Zealand. Crowd involvement is Doug's specialty, with radio microphone and guitar, Doug is able to wander amongst the audience with side splitting results. His comedy songs must be seen and heard to be believed. 

Website: www.dougstuart.com.au 

Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Dusty Fraser

Dusty writes and sings about life growing up in droving and stock camps in Western Queensland, listening to Slim Dusty and penning bush poems for the high school paper. The multi-nominated performer has one of the most recognisable voices in country music through his national breakfast show on country music radio station 98.9FM.  Dusty’s indigenous heritage also allows him to perform the stories of the Bidjara people of the Carnarvon Ranges.

Dusty has recorded with Golden Guitar winners Tanya Self, Michael Fix and Nomanee, Olivia-Jane Crick, has toured with Jimmy Little, is a regular performer on the Graham Rodger and Keith Jamison shows as well as at a number of major festival across the country.

Website: www.myspace.com/dustyfraser 

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Ellie & Reggie 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 bring to the show a variety of popular country songs as well as their comedy routine.

Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Graham Rodger

Born and raised in the rural town of Gympie in south-east Queensland. Graham Rodger has established himself as one of the most respected and talented cutting edge Australian country music artists of the twenty-first century. He's released seven albums and has collected a swag of major awards. He's also been a Golden Guitar finalist six times making him in the Top Five Artists in his category. Graham regularly tours Australia for the major Festivals - often taking his music to the outback in the tradition of the early Australian pioneering entertainers - and plays to packed houses wherever he goes.

Website: www.grahamrodger.com.au 

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Greg North

Greg’s a two-time Australian bush poetry champion whose quirky humour and bent for accents make him unique among bush verse entertainers.  Discovered wandering in the Blue Mountains, he will have you wondering which voice is really his. Known for his rendition of 'The Man From Snowy River' in 14 different accents, the voices and characters in his poems and yarns could be the result of medical experimentation or maybe he's just a freak of nature. 

Website: www.gregorynorth.com.au  

Performing at: Bush Poets Breakfasts

Harmony James

is inspired by the isolation of wide open spaces and travelled many a country road working in remote locations.  A multi 2010 Golden Guitar finalist and upcoming Queensland Country Music Awards' finalist, Harmony was the first Australian to win the Country division of the International Songwriting Competition with the title track of her debut album, Tailwind.   Other hits include Fly and Pretty and the 2nd most played Country Tracks songs in 2008 & 2009 were Somebody Stole My Horse and Precious Little respectively.

Website: www.harmonyjames.com 

Performing at: Main Concert

Jason Kemp

Raised on the Banks of the "Rivertown" of St George, music has always been a large part of Jason’s life. At sixteen he started touring, attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival and at eighteen managed "Full Steam Ahead Studios " in Brisbane,  producing tracks for emerging and established acts.

His debut album "This Dance" produced fifteen radio singles and four music videos. Jason is currently signed to Nashville based Publishing PIM and has a new, album titled “Rivertown” which will be released mid 2010.

Website: www.jasonkemp.net 

Performing at: Beaut Ute Competition

John Williamson

John Williamson celebrates an incredible four decade career this year with many musical milestones along the way - Old Man Emu, Rip Rip Woodchip, Raining on the Rock, True Blue, Galleries of Pink Galahs, Cootamundra Wattle, Hillbilly Road and Island of Oceans.  This Mallee Boy has a ute load of accolades and will Sing You The Outback with his iconic and romantic ballads under a Chandelier of Stars.

Website: www.johnwilliamson.com.au 

Performing at: Main Concert

Joshua Talbot

Joshua Talbot is a well known and much loved judge, teacher & dancer amongst the line dance community. With a few hits around Australia such as “Never Loved before” and “Cha Cha Smooth” & “Bridges to your Heart”, Joshua is fast tracking to a high choreography status.

He is in high demand for judging and workshops around Australia, New Zealand and England. He is very sort after and attracting hundreds of dancers to workshops/socials he conducts. Joshua has a lot to give, his charm and charisma is known and loved by all that meet him. He is a fun and energetic gentleman.

Performing at: Line Dancing Workshops and Socials

Kasey Chambers (and band)

Kasey Chambers is all about family and an awesome performer.  Her set is filled with hits plus a surprise or two and the band includes Rattlin' Bones partner Shane Nicholson and 'Poppa Bill' Chambers.  Rattlin’ Bones exceeded Platinum sales, won the ARIA for Best Country Album and a whopping 5 Golden Guitars in 2008.  Last year, Kasey produced her children's album with Bill (and the family brood of next generation singer songwriters) and a book, Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill & The Little Hillbillies.   Kasey is a delight and comes to the Urban Country Music Concert straight off the back of the Lyle Lovett tour.

Website: www.kaseychambers.com 

Performing at: Main Concert

Kate Cook

26 year old Kate Cook made her public debut on Australian Idol, sailing her way into the top 6 finalists. Her likeability on stage and her unique husky tones soon won her the favour of judges and fans alike.

Her single “Make you Stay” was released in February of this year. Kate has been busy writing and performing since she left Australian Idol, and is looking forward to releasing an album of original music by the end of this year. Kate is loaded with talent, committed with determination and driven by heart, guaranteeing audiences a real treat!

Performing at: Next Generation Station

Katrina Burgoyne

Katrina is a 21 year old national and international award winning singer/songwriter who is determined not to be ignored in the Australian music industry. A prolific songwriter with an interesting voice of unique quality, she is the “full package”. In March 2009 Burgoyne was awarded an APRA Professional Development Award. The $12,000 grant sent her to Nashville, TN USA, where Katrina spent a month writing for her much anticipated debut album due to be released in 2010. We welcome Katrina’s return to the festival.

Website: www.katrinaburgoyne.com 

Performing at: Next Generation Station

Sample music: Perfect.mp3 

Kimberley Bowden

2009 proved to be a real springboard for Kimberley Bowden, with the release of her debut self-titled EP in January, which highlights Kimberley’s stunning vocals and her musical diversity and songwriting talents.

The release “Do I” then saw her amongst the finalists in the Rising Star female category at the Southern Stars – Australian Independent Country Music Awards.  The single “Do I” also made it to #5 on the KixFM Country Top 20 Countdown. At the end of 2009, Kimberley released her second radio single “How do you know” which gained tremendous airplay around Australia.  

Performing at: Next Generation Station

Liam Brew

In one short year Liam has realised his dream of being named Toyota Star Maker, seeing the release of his debut album, Wild Heart and touring with some of his musical heroes including Adam Brand, James Blundell and The Sunny Cowgirls to name a few.

Liam’s 2nd single, Doghouse has just been released to radio with a clip debuting on CMC in coming weeks. 2010 will once again see Liam touring the country and performing at some of Australia’s biggest country music events starting with Urban Country Music Festival.

Website: www.myspace.com/liambrewmusic 

Performing at: Urban Blaze Concert

Luke Austen

Luke Austen is a multi-talented singer songwriter from Brisbane and this year's Toyota Star Maker.  After touring the country as a member of the top bands, most recently as Troy Cassar-Daley's bass player, Luke steps into the spotlight with his solo career and an EP No Stranger To The Rain. 

Website: www.myspace.com/lukeaustenmusic 

Performing at: Main Concert, Urban Blaze Concert

Mary Finch

These days Mary does not perform much poetry but she still judges it occasionally.  In an earlier life, Mary spent six years full-time study at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (giving us a fair indication her first love is singing).  From her comprehensive formal training she gained a large variety of musical skills that are useful in poetry as well.  

Performing at: Bush Poetry Competition

McAlister Kemp

McAlister Kemp is the bringing together of two talented artists in their own right – Drew McAlister and Troy Kemp. The duo met when both were cast to perform in “Aussie’s Walk The Line – A Tribute to Johnny Cash”. The pair found that not only did they gel as songwriters but their voices blended effortlessly as a duo.

McAlister Kemp recorded their debut album in late 2009 with the current single – All Kinds of Tough – sitting high on the charts. Their songs touch on the core issues faced on a daily basis by everyday Australians – they also have a larrikin side.

Website: www.mcalisterkemp.com.au 

Performing at: Burbs 'n Bush Party

Megan Cooper

Megan Cooper is a singer/songwriter who mixes stories of a suburban heart with a dash of salt, humour and intoxicating melodies. A blend of barefoot country, bluegrass and rootsy blues, Megan’s songs are inspired by everyday experiences, a slightly left of the middle perspective and the tradition of story telling.

2010 has already proved to be quite the year for Megan. She was a finalist in Toyota Star Maker and the MusicOz awards and the single She Travels North, from her debut EP North is receiving great reviews and airplay across the country. 

Website: www.myspace.com/megancoopermusic 

Performing at: Next Generation Station, Songwriters Café

Melissa Partridge

Youthful passion combined with respect for country music’s best loved traditions have quickly propelled Melissa Partridge from a talented vocalist to an established award winning singer songwriter. Melissa has preformed and toured alongside some of the legends in Country Music in America, Australia and all parts of New Zealand.  In 2003 Melissa attended the Camerata Country Music school in Tamworth.  Melissa has won many awards including the NZ Gold Guitar Awards and the Tui for the RIANZ Best Country Music Album “Melissa” in 2008. 

Performing at: Next Generation Station, New Zealand Showcase

Michelle Little

Michelle Little is a classically-trained, diva inspired, honky tonk lovin' vocalist with more than 15 years of performing and song-writing experience. Her latest recording, “Hear Me Now” boasted 5 co-writes and self-penned songs with the first single from the album, 'Free To Be Me' earning her nominations at the Northern Territory Awards, Tamworth Songwriter’s Awards(TSA’s) and the Tamworth Independent Artists Recognition Awards (TIARA’s).

Michelle has been working on some new material which she will be performing at the Urban Country Music Festival Songwriters Cafe.

Website: www.michellelittle.com.au 

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Mickey Pye

Hailing from Oberon in NSW and raised on Slim Dusty and Elvis Presley, Mickey Pye is pushing Australian country-rock with his high energy music and impressive guitar chops. Winner of the Gympie Muster's Maton Talent Search and Tamworth's Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year in 2009, Mickey has just released his debut single and video clip 'Got the Feeling’. A graduate of the CMAA College of Country Music and a JMC Academy scholarship winner for three years running, Mickey is doing his bit to attract new audiences to country music with his contemporary country style likened to that of Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. 

Website: www.myspace.com/mickeypye 

Performing at: Next Generation Station, Town Square Stage

Peter Coad & Coad Sisters

Multi talented musicians and songwriters, Peter, Virginia and Lynette Coad started performing together in 1991 and now have over 20 years experience working in the music industry.

Their show features traditional country style music, ballads, original songs, yodelling, Irish and other influences, with a bit of bush poetry and comedy thrown in as well. The Coad Sisters won several award nominations with ‘The Road We Travel' and Peter's latest solo, 'Outback Chapters' is receiving excellent airplay across Australia.

Website: www.bushballadeers.com.au/coad.htm 

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Peter Smith & Lana Ross

When you combine a rural upbringing in a picturesque country valley with an inherent musical talent, it’s no wonder singer/songwriter Lana Ross has something special to offer country music. Residing in the small sugar-growing town of Marian in Queensland, the naturally-gifted country singer/songwriter draws her inspiration from her country roots and variety-filled life, churning out some spine-tingling lyrics about love, life family and the sugar cane farming way of life.

(Yodelling) Pete Smith is a vibrant, dynamic performer and writer of Australiana and Bush Ballads. Mix in a good dose of Hillbilly Yodelling, Whip cracking and you have a hard act to follow. With many award winning recordings to his credit he has just released his sixth album.   

Website: www.lanaross.com , www.petesmithshowman.com 

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Quinny

Ian Quinn (Quinny) has a lifetime of tales to tell. For over 20 years he has written about what makes Australia and Australian’s special. His contribution to Australian country music has quietly earned him a reputation as Australia’s songman with awards and accolades to support it.

2009 saw Quinny take a new direction in his career, entering  the realm of country music with the defining ‘career album’ The Quinnie. This album is like a loaded camera full of snapshots of where and what Australia is today. It’s a measure of great Australian songwriting and production.

Website: http://ianquinn.net 

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Rob Black

Described by Lee Kernaghan as “One of the hottest singer/guitarists to rock Australian country since Keith Urban”, Rob Black has performed to rave reviews at all the major festivals across the country. With three successful releases from his first album, Regular Guy, Rob is set to launch his next album at the Urban Country Farewell concert. After spending time in Nashville writing with some of country music’s best, Rob has put together an incredible TV, radio and internet campaign to share this album with his legion of fans.

Website: www.robblackmusic.com 

Performing at: Urban Country Farewell Concert

Rod Dowsett

Rod Dowsett singer/ songwriter has written all 10 tracks on his new emotionally charged cd “STRING OF HEARTS”. His music is raw – it’s OUTLAW music. Fine Hand crafted Alternative Australian Country music with nothing to hide. Rod tells it how it is, real life stories.

If you enjoyed the lyrical content of Rhyme or Reason then you wont be disappointed with” STRING OF HEARTS” filled with life’s journey’s , that some of us  live and others dream about. Rod’s lyric’s paint pictures, sit quietly turn up the stereo and feel this unique album as it touches your every emotion. Rod Dowsett has a fresh sound, most importantly it’s his own and he isn’t trying to be anybody else.

Website: www.roddowsett.com  

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Rod Dowsett

Rod Dowsett singer/ songwriter has written all 10 tracks on his new emotionally charged cd “STRING OF HEARTS”. His music is raw – it’s OUTLAW music. Fine Hand crafted Alternative Australian Country music with nothing to hide. Rod tells it how it is, real life stories.

If you enjoyed the lyrical content of Rhyme or Reason then you wont be disappointed with” STRING OF HEARTS” filled with life’s journey’s , that some of us  live and others dream about. Rod’s lyric’s paint pictures, sit quietly turn up the stereo and feel this unique album as it touches your every emotion. Rod Dowsett has a fresh sound, most importantly it’s his own and he isn’t trying to be anybody else. 

Website:  

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Rory O'Donnell

Rory is an acoustic guitarist currently living in the Caboolture region. With a playing style often described as Soothing, Relaxing and Celtic, Rory has been compared to the likes of Tommy Emmanuel and Phil Keaggy by reviewers local, and from around the world (garageband.com).

Rory has played on over 15 albums, and has recorded two of his own. The latest, titled ‘Just As I Am’ is a 13 track Gospel Instrumental work. The album was recorded with simplicity in mind, resulting in a sound which is raw, and real, but not compromised.

Website: www.roryodonnell.com.au 

Performing at: Next Generation Station

Rose Carleo

Described as one of the brightest new stars in Australian music, Rose Carleo is riding high on the success of her debut album, Everything I Need. Her accolades include the TIARA for Vocal Collaboration of the Year with ‘Sometimes You Just Know’, a duet with Drew McAlister, 2009 Southern Stars Independent Country Music Awards Finalist for Female Vocalist of the Year and 2008 CMAA Golden Guitar Finalist. Produced by Brendan Radford, Everything I Need showcases Rose’s powerhouse vocals and songwriting skills, and has spawned several successful singles. 

Website: www.rosecarleo.com  

Performing at: Burbs 'n Bush Party

Roz Pappalardo & Wayward Gentlemen

Roz Pappalardo, Women in Docs’ singer/guitarist, has another pair of boots. Her side project, The Wayward Gentlemen, allows her to indulge her inner country-rock cowgirl. Drawing on influences ranging from Lucinda Williams to Ryan Adams, Roz as a solo act melds her effusive stage presence and endearing songwriting with some good honest country–style secret herbs and spices. And a cheeky dash of the T-hormone!

Roz released her debut solo album, “This Lifeboat”, (2009), to fabulous reviews and immediate airplay on national radio stations across Australia.  The film clip to the record’s opening single, “I Say Fall”, is aired extensively on CMC.

Website: www.myspace.com/rozandthewaywardgentlemen 

Performing at: Urban Country Farewell Concert

Ruckus

Ruckus evolved over five years ago as a result of various previous line-ups. Founding member and guitarist, Mick Abrey had previously played in bands with Sandie Himbury (vocals), Marcela Taylor (violin), Kevin Lumsden (bass) with our latest addition Greg Ratton (drums). The current line-up has been solidly performing their material to a growing army of "Ruckettes" whose support has elevated the bands reputation way beyond our current epicenter - Melbourne and outer regions!!! Our material features an eclectic mix of southern rock and country with a growing list of "home-made" originals.

Performing at: Burbs 'n Bush Party

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: Songwriters Café

Sarah McMonagle

Sarah McMonagle’s debut album “Tea on Tuesday” is receiving rave reviews throughout the country music industry. After winning a Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Award (TIARA), graduating from the CMAA College of Country Music in 2007 and twice a Toyota Star Maker Finalist, Sarah exceeded all expectations.  In 2009 Shock Publishing selected her song “These Girls” for the TV hit series the Saddle Club. Full of homespun stories, “Tea on Tuesday” is winning Sarah countless fans in the country music world.

Website: http://sarahmcmonagle.com 

Performing at: Next Generation Station, Songwriters Café

Sharon Smith

Current Star Quest winner for 2009, Sharon Smith’s road to success has been long and varied. It was in 2001 that Sharon started singing at festivals such as Tamworth and other Country Music Shows and developed a strong sense of self.

In 2005 Sharon toured with Keith Jamieson, Alisha Smith and Jeff Brown through parts of NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and back to Queensland.  With the release of her new album, The Road of Life in August 2009, Sharon has travelled widely to promote the album with much success.

Website: www.myspace.com/sharonsmithmusic 

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Simone Elias

Simone began performing in Cairns at the beginning for 2005. Her first CD, “Beyond Innocence”, was launched in October 2006. Since then she has played support roles for Daryl Braithwaite, Jackie Marshall, any many more. After receiving the Port Fairy Folf Festival’s Best New Talent award in March 2007, Simone’s sights are now set on the national festival circuit. The beginning of the 2008 saw Simone move down to Brisbane and explore new and exciting realm of music opportunities. Look out for her new EP, “Borrowed Wings”.

Website: www.simoneelias.com 

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Sista Burley

At only 19, Katrina Burley has made an impact on the country music scene and is showing no signs of slowing down just yet! Winner of  the 2009 Voice of Urban Country Talent Search, in January she took out the Tamworth Aristocrat Country Music Entertainer of the Year – quite an achievement. Her twin sister Rebecca has been by her side every step of the way, with their duo "Sista Burley" making it to the top 15 of the TSA and CCMA songwriters awards with their latest single "Rainy Afternoon". The girls are fulfilling their dreams and hope to show Caboolture what they have to offer at this year’s festival.

Performing at: Burbs 'n Bush Party, Next Generation Station

Steven Jaymes

After 5 albums and 2 world tours, Steven Jaymes is back with his band, bringing his unique form of music and phenomenal line up to Australia. With a musical style and voice that often draws a Don Henley and Jackson Browne comparison, Steven Jaymes is a songsmith in the classic mould of songwriting and storytelling. “Stevens new Album Things Get Better is like chocolate; warm, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth and very addictive. Steven’s voice brings out every nuance of the silky melodies and lyric’s. The songs are beautifully crafted and anything but clichéd”. 

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Tracey Davis & Bushfire

Tracey Davis and Bushfire is a four piece band that has been together for 7 years. They hit the airwaves with their first Album and following single, It’s Hot, going on to win the Scenic Rim Music Video Awards in 2009. A second single followed Horses and Harleys, with two video music clips on CMC.

Tracey on Bass and Lead Vocals, Dave Luxmoore on guitar /fiddle, Rob Davis on banjo and Phil Eizenberg on guitar, they perform at many Festivals. The band came second in the Toohey’s New Country Music Band Search at Tamworth in 2009.

Website: www.traceydavis.com.au  , www.bushfireband.com.au  

Performing at: Next Generation Station, Urban Country Farewell Concert

Sample music: It's Hot mp3

Trevor Tolton

In 2007, young Trevor Tolton picked up a guitar for the first time, and since that year, his life has been a rollercoaster ride full of experiences. In January 2009, Trevor made it through to the grand final at the 2009 Bush Balladeers Star Quest, impressing fans and fellow musicians. The Australian Bush Balladeers Association then awarded Trevor a scholarship to attend Camerata at the Australian College of Country Music in 2009. Trevor took much away so much from his '09 Camerata experiences and continues to make an impact in the country music industry.

Website: www.myspace.com/trevortolton 

Performing at: Bush Balladeers

Troy Cassar-Daley

Troy Cassar-Daley blitzed the CMAA Awards this year, taking home 6 Golden Guitars for his 6th studio album I Love This Place.  An evocative and versatile singer songwriter with a truck load of other awards, Troy is also a multi-finalist in the upcoming Queensland Country Music Awards.   He brings compelling story telling, fine musicianship, an abundantly positive outlook and a Big Big Love for Bluegrass, to the Arena stage.

Website: www.troycassardaley.com.au 

Performing at: Main Concert

Vaughan Jones

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, specializing in contemporary piano and keyboards and currently writing, recording and touring with some of Australia's top artists. Born in Queensland, raised in Texas, and now back home again, such is the story of the past 35 years of this talented musician. In June 2007, Vaughan found his permanent spot as keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist for multi ARIA and Golden Guitar winner, Troy Cassar-Daley, and as such, continues to tour much of the time.  Vaughan also supported John Fogarty on his Australian tour in July 2009.

Performing at: Songwriters Café

Wally Finch

A multi award winning performance Bush Poet well respected by his peers throughout Australia, Wally is a writer, amateur historian organiser and judge of Bush Poetry competitions.  His work on Arena Spectaculars contributed to reversing dwindling numbers at Agricultural Shows. He wrote scripts and performed at the head of casts numbering an average of 300 singers, dancers, musicians, technicians.  As well as large casts, these spectaculars also involve sheep, cattle, brumbies and well trained horses. 

Performing at: Bush Poets Breakfasts

Whisky Ridge

The Whiskey Ridge has a strong reputation as being one of the top bands performing through out Queensland. This 5 piece band features some of best musicians in the business - Rob Stevenson Keyboards - Dallas Southam Guitars/ Pedal Steel - Darby Burger  Bass - Laurie Keating Drums - Gary Vann Fiddle/Mandolin. 

Performing at: New Zealand Showcase

Youth on Stage

Students at Morayfield State High School study a country music unit as part of the school's Music Industry Course.  Students involved in the technology section of the course will assist with the sound and lighting for the performances. Several of the performance students will present the songs they have been working on at Youth on Stage.  Students are required to prepare all components of their performance from appropriate song selection to group selection and discussing their tech requirements with the technology students.  Performers include duets (Ashlee Robinson and Ashleigh Brooks) and group performances (Crystal-Lynn Small, Amelia Baker, Crystal Nye and Kris Gilland).  Bribie High student, Hannah, will be performing one of her own songs.

Performing at: Next Generation Station