Sunday in the Park - Fagan Park that is!
The Festival kicks off at 9:30am with the following artists in 2 great venues:
In the 'Big Top' in Fagan Park:
GALSTON COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2008 POETS BREAKFAST ARTISTS with our POETRY DIRECTOR -
GRAEME JOHNSON 'THE RHYMER FROM RYDE'
Graeme Johnson has become one of the most widely respected & lauded Poets participating in the genre of Australian Bush Poetry in 2008. He has received over 120 awards for his spoken & written work over the last decade or so & produced 2 books, 2 cassettes & 3 CDs in his 12 years in this field of endeavour.
He has been accredited by the Australian Bush Poets Association as one of the top writers of Bush Verse in the land and as such, has judged at many individual State titles over the years as well.
In 2007 his wins included 2 x 1sts, 3 x 2nds, 2 x 3 3rds & 3 x HC over both written & spoken word competitions. The highlight being announced the winner of the annual Henry Lawson Adult Literary Awards (Written Section.) An award much sought after by the cream of Australia's versifiers. He won the accompanying Spoken Word section, "The Leonard Teale Award" in 2006.
A versatile & engaging character, you'll find Graeme controlling the mayhem in the "Big Top" on the Sunday morning of the Festival proper.
The Rotary Club of Galston is very grateful to have such a person as Graeme as Director of Poets, a job he takes very seriously. Many thanks for your long hours of hard work on behalf of the Festival.
Contact details Tel: 0419-415-137
To find out more about Graeme, visit his website: www.therhymerfromryde.com
MILTON TAYLOR
Milton Taylor is one of the true "Living Legends" of Australian Bush Verse. A man who has won the Australian Bush Poetry Champoinship on no less than an incredible 9,YES 9 occasions!!!!
A performer without peer in this modern day, Milton Taylor's Showmanship is unparalelled, his professionalism polished and his character, well 'easy going'. A real Aussie character and larrikin to boot, Milton Taylor takes us back to the 'droving days' so to speak, to experience the Australia of our forefathers in verse. Droving stock, living tough, the value of mateship and patriotic love of the land are all evident in Milton's stories of the Bush.
No slouch with modern material either, Milton can have 'em "layin' in the aisles" with laughter one moment, crying with compassion the next.
DO NOT MISS, Mr. Milton Taylor.
Tel: 02 6359 3374 Email miltonpoet@yahoo.com.au Web through Restless Music Publishing
BERNIE KELEHER
Although Bernie Keleher is a relative newcomer to the genre of Bush Poetry, his happy disposition and performing style have already been attracting lots of positive attention. So have his performing skills.
In a relatively short period of time, he has garnered awards in competitions such as the Queensland Bush Poetry Championships, "Oracles of the Bush", Bundaberg Poets Muster, North Pines "Camp Oven" Festival, the Royal Brisbane Show and the Bobby Miller Memorial Trophy event to name a few. Bernie brings a fresh approach to the Bush Poetry scene with his original works and vibrant performances.
Tel: 0434 168425 Email bernieandchriskeleher@hotmail.com
Website www.myspace.com/berniekeleher
JUNE REDMOND
No, we haven't forgotten about the ladies. June Redmond comes from Blacktown in the Western Suburbs and is mighty proud of it. So much so that she'll tell anyone who listens. She reckons a Poet's Breakfast is the best place to do it too. She recently starred in the "Poette's" sessions at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which showcased the best female performers in the land. June is a jovial easy-going sort of girl, who's just, well, real friendly. Come and say G'day!
Tel: 02 9621 8476 Email junred@optusnet.com.au
Website N/A
... and on MAINSTAGE in FAGAN PARK:
Victoria Baillie
Victoria Baillie is a vibrant young performer who captures an audience’s attention with her talent and unique style. Her musical achievements and highlights have seen her travelling throughout Australia. She began singing at the age of 3 and has continued performing regularly ever since, occasionally as a duo with her sister, Barbara.
2008 looks set to be an exciting year, with her new single ’Melt’ (written by sister Barbara Baillie), gaining great radio support – it’s a contemporary track that displays Victoria’s energy and maturity.
http://www.victoriabaillie.com/
Rachel Richards - Bush Balladeer Star Quest Winner 2008.
Born 1974 in Mount Gambier SA. Rachel was introduced to Bush Ballads by good friend Bazza Salkeld and for the last 6 years has called Brisbane her home.
Rachel loves to write and perform Australian Bush Ballads. In 2007 Rachel was a Grand Finalist in Star Quest, and this year, she was the winner!
Visit www.bushballadeers.com.au/richards.htm to find out more about Rachel.
Peter Denahy
I live in Victoria and play violin, guitar, some accordion, a splash of mandolin and a hint of mouth harp. I also lay claim to being possibly the worst banjo player I've ever heard. I have a very nice banjo, though. I write most of my own songs and most of the time gig on my own. There are two reasons for this. One is, I like the freedom and the other is I can't afford any players. If this bio doesn't tell you much about what I play musically, (and it doesn't really....let's be honest) have a listen to my songs on my MySpace site. They tell the real story - Pete
Jonah's Road
Sydney based band, Jonah's Road, has developed a significant following in the Australian music scene over the past few years. The contemporary sound is a feature gaining them many new fans and the respect of their peers thanks to fantastic live shows, tight vocal harmonies and great songwriting.
To find out more about Jonah's Road, visit their MySpace site.
Pat Drummond
Pat Drummond is an Australian Singer / Songwriter. His highly original music crosses the genres of country, folk and rock and roll and his musical career spans three decades. Based at Leura in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, his style is a cross between songwriting and journalism. His well documented songs about real people and places are drawn from interviews gathered on his erratic tours across Australia and present a composite picture of that country and her people.
The Rotary Club of Galston is very grateful to have such a person as Pat as a Director of our festival, a job he takes very seriously. Many thanks for your long hours of hard work on behalf of the Festival.
To find out more about Pat Drummond, visit his website: www.patdrummond.net
Nicki Gillis
2007 COOPERS GOLDEN SADDLE AWARD WINNER, 2007 OPEN ALBUM OF THE YEAR & IND FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR - HORSHAM CM AWARDS 2006, OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION to BLUES/JAZZ MUSIC – BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSIC AWARDS
“Nicki Gillis is an artist on the move …an artist of quality and class.” Bob Anthony Jnr, Editor Country Update An extraordinary vocalist with the ability to capture her audience’s attention and mesmerise them with every note. Her music comes from the heart and brings with it a soulful understanding that draws her audiences near. Originally from Western Australia, her commitment & passion led her to the East Coast. A stream of notable achievements including 1996 Gympie Muster Winner, and 2002 headliner at the World Women’s Hockey Championships captivating her audience of over 10,000 plus via satellite to viewers in 16 countries. 2005 was a strong year for Nicki, with finalist berths in - Rising Star Female Finalist at the Australian Independent Country Music Awards, TIARA Awards for Songwriting, Top 10 in the Golden Guitar Awards for Best New Talent & Top 10 for Bluegrass & Traditional at the VIC & Nat. CM Awards.
To find out more about Nicki Gillis, visit her MySpace site.
Steve Passfield
Winner of the 36th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, Golden Guitar for Instrumental Of The Year. Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Awards (The TIARA’s) Barry Thornton Memorial - Instrumental of The Year and Nominated for Male Vocal in the TIARA’s. Nominations for Best Bush Ballad, Best Male Vocal, Best Song, Best Album and Most Promising Future Star in the People’s Choice Awards and won the Most Promising Future Star! . . Steve Passfield is a multi talented singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer.
To find out more about Steve Passfield, visit his website & his MySpace site.
Carter & Carter
Since their introduction into Country Music in 2000 Carter & Carter continue to make Australian music history and throughout their reasonably short yet highly successful career so far, it is not unusual for Carter & Carter to do something that stands them ‘ahead of the rest’. After winning double TSA Song Salute Awards in Tamworth in January, and Merelyn winning both the Victorian and National Female Vocalist of the Year at the Victorian & National Country Music Awards held in Whittlesea in February, and following two national number one radio hits on the Top 30 Country Music Charts in 2007 (Runaway and The Best Things in Life Are Free), April 2008 sees Carter & Carter release Slow Dancing at Midnight from their current album Leap Before You Look.
To find out more about Carter & Carter, visit their website: www.carter-carter.com & their MySpace site.
The BordererS
Multi-Award winning Scottish / Irish / Australian band The BordererS formed in 1994 and have released 8 albums, 4 EP's, 2 kids albums and been included on 17 compilation albums all around the world. The Borderers pride themselves on their independent spirit – running their own indie record label – Celtic Records – which to date has released eight Borderers cds and a number of DVDs which have combined sales of in excess of 60,000 units. This indie approach paid off recently when the band won the Independent Music Award in the US for "Sinner and The Saint" in the Gospel Music category. The song now goes out to 11 million people via Borders Bookstores and eMusic.com
To find out more about The BordererS visit their website: www.theborderers.com.au & their MySpace site.
Caitlin Harnett
Caitlin Harnett, Australian Singer/Songwriter, from Richmond NSW has had a great 2008. She has just returned from the 16th Apollo Bay Music Festival as winner of the Young Songwriter Award and in January secured a Top 8 spot at the Telstra Road to Tamworth Grand Final. Caitlin impressed the judges and large crowd with her self penned tracks "I'll Keep Moving" and "Running in Circles". The judges commented that she "ticks all the boxes" and her "original songs are as good as many established artists" high praise for this young artist.
Caitlin has a natural stage presence that draws you in and a beautiful voice that compels you to listen. Her moving lyrics and vocal style capture the audience attention from the first note, showing a depth and feeling well beyond her years. Read more about Caitlin at her website: www.caitlinharnett.com
DOOZI DO’Z ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT THE KIDS TIME
THE BILLY CAN CLANG KIDS SHOW with DARRYL BOWEN & THE GOOD FOLK
Darryl Bowen has been entertaining audiences for many years with Aussie Folk and Ballads.
When Darryl gets a guitar in his hand you know to get ready for some good toe tappin’ music.
The Good Folk, Lydia Clare and Nick Alias join him on percussion, Kevin Adams on Bass,
Barbara Webb on violin.
Something all the family will enjoy, lots of fun to be had, come this band of merry folk.
MICK GRIFFIN
Entertainer extraodinaire, known to many as ‘Mick Didge’, a festival favorite who
captivates the audience with stories and tunes didgeridoo style!
THE DOOZIES
In ‘The Scarecrows of Nurture Glen”
Laugh dance and sing along with Stan the Scarecrow Man, Sal his Scarecrow Gal, and their friends from Nurture Glen. In this fun and interactive musical show to entertain and delight the kids.
