New Zealand Country Music Awards

By Ruth Ellen Gruber

This report on New Zealand's Country Music awards says that the awards this year had a "southern twang" -- but they were talking about the southern part of South Island, not Dixie. Makes me wonder what a southern New Zealand twang sounds like.

The National Country Music Awards had a southern twang when gongs were handed out at New Zealand country music’s most prestigious event in Hamilton last night. 

Gore golden girls The Heartleys won the Music Group/Duo of the Year award while Wanaka-raised musician Jody Direen won the NZ Horizon Award. 

Kayla Martin and Taylor Cairns grew up together in Southland and launched their career as the The Heartleys by winning the 2008 New Zealand Gold Guitars Award. 

The duo, who released their second album Talk To Me in June, beat Kylie Austin and Trevor Stevens and the Coalrangers. 

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Country Music -- New Zealand Awards

By Ruth Ellen Gruber

Heads up! the New Zealand Country Music Star Awards are today!

New Zealand -- Gore Country Music Festival

This a geographical stretch, but here's news of a country and western music festival on New Zealand's south island, the Gore Country Music Festival. According to the article on the 3news web site.

Gore has long been New Zealand's home of country music. Today’s crowds were not disappointed by the talent on display, despite the shortage of genuine looking cowboys.

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The Festival web site notes that since 1976 the event has culminated in the New Zealand Gold Guitars award:

This event attracts artists from around the world and continues to grow in stature and popularity. Audience levels reach over 5,000 and the entries in all sections and events total 700 competitors. Visitors to Gore leave with fond memories of the ‘Southern Hospitality’ and along with the locals, just soak up the Country Music atmosphere.

The festival begins on Monday prior to the weekend with a walk up concert and the week continues with inductions into the Hands of Fame, Songwriting and the NZ Country Music Awards for the RIANZ Best Country Album and APRA Best Country Song finals.

The NZ Gold Guitar Awards are held annually on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Queen’s Birthday Weekend. Each day auditions are held in two venues. At the auditions judges choose finalists in the various sections. The Junior and Intermediate finals are held on Saturday night and the senior final night is Sunday. The 40 Plus finals are held prior to the Professional Artists Showcase concert on Sunday afternoon at the end of the auditions.

The New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards are open for artists who have not recorded a product for sale. Contestants may enter as an individual, in a duet and/or as part of a group. Contestants compete in either the junior, intermediate, senior or 40 Plus sections, depending on their age. There are a variety of sections, including male and female solo, gospel, traditional, country rock, duet, yodeling, vocal group, group NZ composition and instrumental.

New Zealand -- Bust Them Broncs Down Under

Shades of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman....

It's reported that some 5,000 people attended the rodeo in Waimate, New Zealand....now in its 53rd year...

(OK, OK, their movie, which I haven't seen and based on the trailer and reviews I doubt if I will, is "Australia, " not "New Zealand", but Australian rodeo cowboys took part in this event.......)

TEST OF WILLS: Ashburton rider Brad Caley was holding on tight during the Open Bareback event at the Waimate Rodeo on Saturday.

About 200 riders from New Zealand, Australia and Canada showcased their skills with a stand-out performance from Lawrence rider Simon Roughan in the Open Saddle Bronc.

Weekend visitors were also entertained by steer wrestling, craft stalls and plenty of tasty tucker.

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Crisis Cancels a NZ Country Music Awards Show....

Here's a little note from Down Under:


Country music awards canned for this year


14.10.2008

Nathan Crombie

The Wairarapa Country Music Club has canned their celebration awards this year after more than two decades of annual hoedowns and showdowns in Masterton.

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