GLENN JONES *

Glenn grew up in the bush and listening to our early CM stars and was inspired by his guitar-playing father to explore music. Known mostly as a singer of bush ballads, Glenn’s tastes have broadened over the past 20 years. His collection of awards is ever growing, with five in the past five years at the Bungendore Bush Ballads Awards. After 17 years with Selection Records, Glenn moved on to form his own label Jonesysings. Jonesy the album was released in September 2003 resulting in Glenn receiving his first Golden Guitar nomination. His latest album, Something of a Privilege, was released in 2006.

* ADAM KILPATRICK

With a lot of talent and a big personality, a true entertainer “The Big Man” Adam spends much of the year on the road. From the Toyota Muster and Tamworth to some of the smallest pubs and festivals in Australia, Adam performs at them all. Adam has won many awards for his vocals and songwriting at festivals all over Australia and is a graduate of the 2002 College of Country Music.

AMBER LAWRENCE *

After releasing her long awaited debut album The Mile in July 2007, things have gone from good to great for singer/songwriter, Amber Lawrence. Amber hit #1 on the CMC charts with her clip Things That Bring Me Down as well as securing #3 on the Country Tracks Top 30. She also had huge radio and video hits with follow up singles Gonna Fly and Good Girls. Amber was a 2008 Golden Guitar finalist in two categories - female artist and Maton new talent of year. From entertaining the troops in East Timor to shows with Chic Frontier and The McClymonts, 2008 has seen Amber tour extensively and grow her fanbase.

* JIMMY LITTLE

The legendary Jimmy Little began his recording career in 1956, firstly with Regal Zonophone and then with Columbia before signing to Festival Records in 1959. His song Royal Telephone topped the pop chart in 1963, selling more than 75,000 copies. With his effortless, silky smooth vocal style, Jimmy began adopting a more traditional country sound as the decade progressed. Through six decades, Jimmy has produced wonderful music, and his most recent efforts, 1999’s Messenger, 2001’s Resonate and 2003’s Down The Road saw Jimmy attracting wide cross-over audiences. He truly is the Gentleman of Australian country music. He was inducted into the Australian Country Music Roll of Renown in 1994.

KOREY LIVY *

“That’s the way we do it round here” says Korey Livy, candidly speaking about his life, love and home. It’s also the title of his new album. This father of six from Albury NSW lives and breathes family and CM. In 2007 Korey began collaborating with Roger Corbett at The Valley Studio, resulting in an album jam-packed with energy and emotion. Korey’s ability to sing you a story and make you laugh or cry is a real testament to his amazing life experiences and skill as a singer and songwriter. From the first track to the last, Round Here is a rollercoaster ride every way you hear it.

* KAREN LYNNE

Karen has delivered seven quality albums, ranging from Labour of Love in 1988 through to the 2008 release, Long Journey Home. This latest CD is her second in collaboration with respected singer/songwriter Pat Drummond. An aficionado of bluegrass music, Karen can often be found working with Acoustic Shock, a band of exciting bluegrass musicians, with her soaring vocals out front. Karen has won numerous accolades for her singing and songwriting and continues to be a much sought after act at festivals and special events around Australia. She was inducted into the Hands of Fame in 2008.

CAMERON MASON *

Cameron released his debut album, Born Country, and is enjoying the audience response to his solo shows. At 18 Cameron signed a publishing deal with Nashville’s Loosends Music. His band appeared at Festivals and shows all over Victoria and supported US singer/songwriter Don King on his Australian tour. Cameron formed Runaway Train, which won the Battle of the Bands in Tamworth, and received a Golden Guitar nomination. He had a hit single with Nothin' That A Little Bit Of You Can't Cure and has shared the stage with Lee Kernaghan, Jimmy Little and Adam Harvey.

* TOM MAXWELL

A 1995 Toyota Star Maker finalist, Tom has carved his own niche in Australian Country Music through successful touring, recording and interacting with his fans. He’s won a number of awards, ranging from Bungendore’s Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards to the top five of the Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth. From his home base at Moonbi, Tom travels the countryside promoting his seven successful albums, the latest of which is appropriately titled On The Road, Volume 2. He was inducted into the Avenue of Honour and Rocky Page Hall of Fame in 2008.

NEIL McARTHUR *

Neil is a very popular bush poet and his verse and humour have entertained audiences across Australia. He is one of the compere's at the Poet's Breakfast at Mildura and has received wide praise for his performances.

* SARAH McMONAGLE

Having grown up with American bluegrass and Australian Country Music influences, when mixed with her Irish heritage it’s no wonder Sarah McMonagle has such a unique musical sound. Sarah first took to the stage to sing with her dad and sister at eight, and she’s never looked back. Sarah has had years of involvement in Brisbane CM clubs and competed widely on the talent quest circuit. Sarah is a graduate of the 2007 CMAA Australian College of CM and a 2007 Toyota Star Maker Finalist, and released her self titled EP in early 2007.

MARKUS MEIER *

Markus took out three sections at the 2006 Adelaide River Country Music Festival, NT and when representing the Territory at the CMAA Australian College of Country Music, his talent caught the eye of Garth Porter. In January 2007 his EP Matilda Road was released with the single and video clip gaining much attention. In August his debut album Raindance followed with three singles reaching the top 10. He was named Capital News Male Rising Star at the 2007 Independent CM Awards at Mildura and was the ambassador at the Urban Country Music Festival in May 2008.

* IAN MUIR

Gold Coast-based singer songwriter Ian Muir has enjoyed considerable success with his albums. Ian received high recognition of his songwriting talents at the 2002 TSA/South East Queensland Awards including a win in the Modern Music section with About Us. He followed that with his win in the Country Album category at the Queensland Recording Association's Sunnie Awards. Ian is the popular host of the Morning and Evening Walk Up Country at MIldura Gateway Tavern during the Mildura Festival. A new album will be a highlight for 2009, recorded in Canada with highly acclaimed guitarist/producer Jason Barry, will include songs written or co written by Ian.

SLIM NEWTON *

Slim is a West Australian who became famous when he recorded span class="emphasis">The Redback On The Toilet Seat for Hadley Records in 1971, earning three gold records and a Golden Guitar at the inaugural (1973) Golden Guitar Awards. He travelled briefly in 1972 with the late Tex Morton and did many Australia-wide tours with the Rick & Thel Show until 1987. He was presented with a Living Legend award at Kempsey in 1997 and the Pioneer Award at the TIARAs in Tamworth in 1999. These days Slim is involved with the Tex Morton travelling museum with Trevor Day and Noel Smith of Dingo Track Records. His latest recording was produced by son Steve in late 2006.

* JOHN O'DEA

Singer, songwriter, performer John is based at Orroroo in the upper north of SA. He has performed in the mid, upper north and outback areas of South Australia for many years. With the release album If Stones Could Talk, John gained recognition for his songwriting, storytelling and performing. In 2005 and 2006 John won the Frank Harding Award of Excellence at the SA Country Music Awards at Barmera. He has also picked up a number of awards for his songwriting and has two albums released If Stones Could Talk and his latest, Old Rusty Ute. A four-track EP, Australia’s Heart and Soul, was released early in 2008.

JULIE PERANDES *

The Tamworth festival 2006 saw Julie Perandes from Brisbane take out the winners place at the Australian Bush Balladeers Star Quest 2006. Her Star Quest single Me And Moonlight was released to radio in January when she graduated from the CMAA Australian College of Country Music and also released her debut album, Waiting For The Rain, recorded and produced at Kross Kut Records by the Lindsay Waddington. The first single and tile track achieved strong national airplay, and Country Music Capital News summed up Julie’s new release admirably Waiting For The Rain is a great debut album and presents a true young bush balladeer.”

* REG POOLE

Reg is known as the “gentle giant of Australian CM” and is one of the most decorated artists in the business, earning an OAM for services to CM and the community. His accolades include his elevation to the Roll Of Renown, three Golden Guitars and more than 30 years of recording, 24 albums, and in 2008 Reg’s name appeared in the Victorian edition of Who’s Who. He was cast as the “Silver Haired Showman” in John Williamson’s Quambatook, the Musical. His style is unmistakably and unashamedly Australian. Reg appears regularly with Owen Blundell.

PETER PRATT *

Peter Pratt has been songwriting and performing professionally since 2001 when he graduated from the CMAA Australian College of CM. Peter has numerous award wins and finalist berths, including CMAA Independent entertainer of the year and three Golden Guitar finalist placings. He has scored two top 10 hits, and his vocal style is reminiscent of the early western crooners, with an unmistakable Australian quality, Peter Pratt has created his own unique sound drawing from his love of music, the land and country lifestyle around him.

* DAVE PRIOR

Over the past 35 years Dave Prior has carved a career in the commercial radio industry as an announcer, program director and general manager, managing several stations. During his radio career his love for Country Music kept him busy as a performer, promoter and host of various syndicated programs. Now he’s old enough to know better, he’s performing full-time at festivals, bush events, and hotels across the country. Dave’s new comedy album Big Fat Bastards Like Me has been selling well. He was kept on the hop at Tamworth 2008 performing in 12 shows and is currently regularly working the Sydney club scene.

ANITA REE *

Anita was the winner of the 2003 Bush Balladeer Star Quest, and is a terrific example of a growing number of talented ladies in the bush ballad field. Her album Bush Girl’s Heart, offered a great collection of genuine Australian story songs, and she quickly made her mark as one of Australia's best songwriters and performers. Her songs tell stories of Australia and are reflections from her own experiences and observations. Bush Girl’s Heart secured several 2007 awards nominations including two Golden Guitar finalist berths. He latest single The Auctioneer is the first single off her new album Story Songs that features 8 songs from Anita’s own pen, two songs from Chris Pritchard and two covers from two of Australia’s best ballad writers.

* RACHEL RICHARDS

2008 A.B.B.A. Bush Balladeer Star Quest RACHEL RICHARDS is a genuine Aussie character - 10 years ago she began travelling around Australia on various construction jobs as a crane driver, working with her husband Dave and two small children. Rachel was introduced to the world of the bush ballad about 5 years ago, felt a real connection to the music and its Australian stories, and found it was clearly her “natural” style. She released her debut album I’m A Country Girl in January, and also in June released the radio single Beautiful Dreams, a new recording sponsored by the A.B.B.A.

GRAHAM RODGER *

Graham is a multi-award-winning songwriter and recording artist. Among his many wins have been 15 TSA awards, two TIARAS, and Heritage Song of the Year in the 2007 Australian Independent Country Music Awards at Mildura. He has also received 100-plus finals nominations, including five in the Golden Guitars. Recently Graham had his first hit single with Woman On The Land, from his sixth album, Thunderbolt. He has released seven albums and two DVDs. His latest album is The Fire Within Me. Already one of the songs, A Saddle For A Throne, took out the 2008 National Songwriting Contest of Australia, and the radio single Give This Hug To Daddy became another Top 30 chart success.

* GAIL SMITH

Gail began her singing career in the early '90s enjoying success on the talent quest circuit including the Victorian Champion of Champions in 1997. After receiving excellent reviews for her debut album The End Of Time, Gail's 2003 album Good To Be Here took her to another level. Produced by Roger Corbett, the songs have a pure country including the very successful radio single's Murray River Girl. In 2007 Gail released her new self-titled EP which included the radio single Storybook which gained her a Songwriter Award nomination at the 2008 TIARA Awards.

LUCKY STARR *

Lucky Starr is one of the founding members of the Australian Pop Music Industry. A regular on television shows such as Bandstand, Six O’clock Rock, Mavis Bramston, Revue 60 – 61, In Melbourne Tonight, Sing Sing Sing, plus many other entertainment shows. In 1962 Lucky recorded a hit record I’ve Been Everywhere, which to date still remains one of Australia’s all time favourites. The record received the highest accolade in the music industry, the Platinum Award. 2002 and 2003 saw Lucky touring with Long Way To The Top, an Arena Spectacular which toured Australia’s capitals and regional centres. The show featured the cream of Australia’s entertainers from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Lucky’s style ranges from Rock & Roll, to Country through to Jazz and is in fact similar to the late great Bobby Darin. These days his polished performing style has him working full time in the business he loves.

* CRAIG STEWART

Craig was described in Capital News as “one of the most listenable singers to emerge since the turn of the century”. His self-penned debut album, The Spirit Of Australia, reflects his commitment to tell Australian stories in song in the style of his musical heroes, Graeme Connors and John Williamson. Craig has twice been a Toyota Star Maker and Maton Talent Search grand finalist, a Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year, TSA and Victorian Country Music Awards finalist and is an Australian College of Country Music graduate. His latest album is Bellbirds & Blackboys.

ROLAND STORM *

The Australian Country Rocker at the keyboard has proved to be a firm favourite in no less than 25 countries around the world, with a career spanning from the 1960's through the millennium and a repertoire of songs in the hundreds. Roland has enjoyed great success with an extensive recording catalogue, including a Gold Record for his biggest hit Rolling With The Flow. TV in the 1960s introduced Roland to Australian Rock with shows such as SIX O'CLOCK ROCK and THE JOHNNY O'KEEFE SHOW. He also became a regular performer on Reg Lindsay’s ADELAIDE COUNTRY & WESTERN HOUR and COUNTRY HOMESTEAD.

* CAMILLE TE NAHU & STUIE FRENCH

Award winning duo Camille Te Nahu and Stuie French have reaped plenty of success with their two albums, Without You and Recovered. Camille’s superb vocals and the brilliant musicianship and production talents of Stuie have garnered a series of chart hits including the #1 smash Wives Don’t Like Old Girlfriends, and a host of awards and nominations along the way including 3 TIARA Awards, 2 Golden Guitar nominations and a win for Group/Duo in the 2006 Australian Independent Country Music Awards, and 2 finalist nominations in the same awards in 2007.

GINA TIMMS *

Tasmanian-born Gina made her first appearance at the age of nine in her hometown of Burnie where some locals collected a whole $46 and Gina thought she’d hit the big time. Since then Gina has won numerous awards. She was the first Tasmanian to become a Star Maker Grand Finalist in 1992 (then again in 1994) and was Tasmanian winner of 2005 Telstra Road to Tamworth. Gina leads the Country Entertainer of the Year judging panel in Tamworth each year. Her new six-track CD, It’s Time, was released in January 2008.

* THE HARMONATORS

The HARMONATORS (Rae Moody and Liz Kinninmont) have been steadily gaining momentum over the past 5 years, performing throughout Australia and winning fans with their distinctive harmonic rhythm, natural affinity with audiences and songwriting talents. But 2008 has been the real kickstart for the duo, starting with the release of their single Don’t Come Back in February, their album Here And Now in March, and the latest radio single Tomorrow Never Knows in June. Here And Now is impressing fans and the Australian country music industry alike with its maturity, diversity and modern take on country music. The Harmonators are two city girls who have their feet firmly planted in country.

COL THOMSON *

Col is one of the true wandering troubadours - he travels to Country Music Festivals around Australia in his familiar 30 foot motorhome. Col's 2006 album Australia's Own has 12 new original songs on it that he wrote himself including two successful radio singles, The Key and the title track. Col gives the fans what they want and enjoy, and says that it is a huge privilege to be able to make a living doing what he loves best in this great land. A singer/songwriter with 17 years experience as a full-time entertainer, Col has worked professionally at most major clubs, festivals and venues. He recently released a set of four CDs made up of various recordings he has made through his career appropriately titled the Col Thomson 17th Anniversary Collection.

* RODNEY VINCENT

Singer/songwriter, storyteller and compere, Rodney is an all-round entertainer. He has been special guest to many performers – Col Elliott, the Four Kinsmen, Delltones, Platters, Elvis to the Max, Bobby Vee – and has toured and recorded with Gene Pitney. Not only was Rodney honoured to work with such a great international artist but received the rare opportunity to write and record a song with Gene called What a Big Surprise. The song received an enormous amount of airplay and interest all around Australia.

STEVE VIRTUE *

Classically-trained, Steve has devoted more than 20 years to his musical career including a good deal of production work for artists including Dave Pincombe and Jimmy Little. He released his own debut album In Voice And Song in 1992. Steve is a regular favourite at the Mildura Festival.

* SALLY-ANNE WHITTEN

Sally-Anne is a highly acclaimed singer/songwriter with her list of achievements including a TIARA, and grand finalist placings in both the Golden Saddle and Toyota Star Maker. Her approach to CM is bold and unique often described as a stunning blend of country and soul. Along with her band of renowned musicians she has headlined at CM festivals in Australia and Europe and been a support for Keith Urban. Her two CD releases Changed & Different and On The Inside have won fans all over the world and spots in the Top 30 on CMC and radio. Sally-Anne has a new album planned for 2008.

CHOOKA WILLIAMS *

Chooka has a natural vibrato quality voice of strong country and has become very in demand around the Adelaide Country Music Circuit and beyond. A regular at the ‘Alcheringa Shindig’, Mildura & Barmera Country Music Festivals, Chooka has become a regular face. His willingness to always lend at hand at fundraisers right across the State has see him become a favourite and respected performer not only with audiences but also with his many associates in the Country Music Arena.