Alan Jackson returns to Australia this September/October

Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and Foxtel’s Country Music Channel (CMC) are thrilled to announce that American country music superstar, Alan Jackson, will be returning to Australia for a limited number of concerts in late September and early October 2013.


Jackson, whose first visit to Australia in 2011 was the fastest-selling country tour in Australian history, will play Arena concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as make his first visits to Townsville and Deniliquin to headline the CMC Rocks North QLD and Deni Ute Muster festivals.
“I’d always heard great things about Australia, and everybody was right – it’s a beautiful country and the people are really nice,” Jackson says. “I really enjoyed my first trip, and I’m glad to be going back to play for the folks down under who love country music.”

Alan Jackson’s first ever Australian tour in 2011 sold out in minutes, prompting organizers to quickly add additional shows. “Worth the wait? Most definitely,” said AAP of Jackson’s 2011 concerts, while the Melbourne Herald Sun noted “[Jackson] can just about walk on water for his millions of fans”. The Brisbane Courier Mail headlined their review, “Country Charm From a Master.”

Alan Jackson is one of the world’s most successful and respected singer-songwriters and in the elite company of two other legendary artists, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. All three of them have written and recorded more than 20 US #1 hits. Jackson has sold close to 60 million albums worldwide, and scored nearly 40 Top 10 hits in Australia, with 15 #1s including Good Time, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, Little Bitty and I’ll Go On Loving You – each spending a month at the top of the Australian music charts.

Jackson will be joined on the tour by special guests Sara Evans (USA) and Morgan Evans. Sara Evans is a platinum-selling CMA and ACM Award-winning American country singer with a string of #1 hits including Born to Fly and her most-recent album, A Little Bit Stronger. (*Sara Evans will not be performing at the Deni Ute Muster.)

Newcastle singer/songwriter Morgan Evans is the reigning CMC New Oz Artist of the Year, with three #1 singles and two acclaimed EPs under his belt. His as yet untitled debut album will be released shortly before the tour commences.

ALAN JACKSON AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS GO ON SALE *WEDNESDAY 29 MAY AT 9.00AM

Thursday 26 September
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Friday 27 September
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Saturday 28 September
CMC Rocks North QLD Festival, Reid Park, Townsville
Tickets available from www.cmcrocks.com.au

Tuesday 1 October
Allphones Arena, Sydney NSW
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Friday 4 October
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Saturday 5 October
*Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin NSW
Tickets available from deniutemuster.com.au
*ON SALE NOW

For more information go to:

www.alanjackson.com

www.chuggentertainment.com  www.entertainmentedge.com.au

CMC Rocks North QLD 2013! Alan Jackson headlines first artist announcement

Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and Foxtel’s Country Music Channel (CMC) are thrilled to announce that USA country music icon, Alan Jackson, will be headlining the CMC Rocks North Queensland 2013  festival at Reid Park, Townsville, on Saturday 28 September.
International artists, Sara Evans (USA) and Corb Lund (CAN), will be joining him, along with National artists, Jasmine Rae, Morgan Evans and more to be announced.

Alan Jackson (USA) is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He’s in the elite company of Lennon and McCartney among artists who’ve written and recorded more than 20 US #1 hits.

Jackson has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, and has scored nearly 40 Top 10 hits in Australia, with 15 #1s including “Good Time,” “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” “Little Bitty” and “I’ll Go On Loving You” – each spent a month at the top of the Australian music charts.

“We’re thrilled to bring one of the very biggest country music superstars to North Queensland for the first time,” said promoter Rob Potts. “I’m a huge Alan Jackson fan myself and this will be a once in a lifetime experience for local fans.”

“North Queenslanders turned out in record numbers for CMC Rocks in 2010, so we’re excited to be bringing this festival back this September,” said promoter Michael Chugg.

“I am delighted Alan Jackson is coming to Townsville,” said Mayor Jenny Hill. “People across the north – from Mount Isa to the Gulf, from western towns and the cane-growing centres along the coast, will flock to the home of the Cowboys – for what will be an incredible event. Come to CMC Rocks North Queensland – and see Alan Jackson rock the jukebox!”

Jackson’s first Australian Tour in 2011, including his headlining show at CMC Rocks the Hunter, sold out Nationally in minutes! Yes, minutes!

“Worth the wait? Most definitely.” said AAP; while Melbourne’s Herald Sun noted “[Jackson] can just about walk on water for his millions of fans”; and Brisbane’s Courier Mail headlined their review, “Country Charm from a Master.”

Sara Evans (USA) has come a long way from singing with her family’s band as a child in Missouri. The ACM Top Female Vocalist and platinum-selling singer-songwriter has built a stellar career in the sixteen years since the release of her debut album. Number #1 hits, including Born to Fly and last year’s smash, A Little Bit Stronger, have made Sara a firm fan favourite. This will be her long-awaited first visit to Australia.

Australia is a second home for Corb Lund (CAN). One of Canada’s coolest, most-respected and awarded country and roots artists, Corb is well-known as a whiskey-and-hockey-loving singer-songwriter. His often quirky, laconic lyrics belie the  electricity of his on-stage performance and chemistry with long-time band, the Hurtin’ Albertans.

Corb’s new Canadian #1 album, Cabin Fever, is a ‘must-have’ CD, helping to consolidate his ever-growing Australian fanbase, since his first trip here ten years ago.

In the five years since the release of her debut self-penned single, Jasmine Rae has become one of the most acclaimed artists in Australian country music. Both her debut album, Look It Up , and second album, Listen Here, received ARIA nominations for Best Country Album; yielding three #1 singles and videos each, including her #1 duet, I’ll Try Anything,  with US music star, Joe Nichols.
This unique and compelling singer-songwriter, with the soulful, powerful, bluesy voice, won the fan-voted CMC Oz Artist Award 2012, as well as the prestigious, peer-voted CMA Global Artist Award 2013, for her success both here and Internationally. Jasmine is now ready to release her long-awaited, third album in August.

Newcastle singer-songwriter and reigning CMC New Oz Artist of the Year, Morgan Evans, has racked up more career milestones than most – three hit EPs,  four #1 videos, CMAA nominations, National Tours with Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn and Gary Allan – and now, his Nashville-recorded debut album is set for release in the lead-up to this festival.

As a newly-recruited CMC Rocks television presenter and live-performance favourite, Morgan has become synonymous with his love and passion for the music, feel-good songs and high-octane, roof-raising concerts.

Now in its sixth year, the CMC Rocks festival brand has established itself as the biggest International Country and Roots Festival brand outside of North America. Both CMC Rocks the Hunter (in the Hunter Valley, NSW) and CMC Rocks North Queensland (in Townsville, Qld) draw fans from all states and territories in Australia, as well as from overseas. The inaugural CMC Rocks North Queensland festival was held in 2010 and featured International headliner, Tim McGraw (USA).

More artists for CMC Rocks North Queensland 2013 will be announced soon.

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER - REID PARK, TOWNSVILLE

9 Hours of Non-Stop Music – 1.00pm-10.00pm

 TICKET PRICES

Adult – General Admission (15+ Yrs): $169.00*
Junior – General Admission (4-14 Yrs): $89.00*
*Plus payment processing and transaction fees (where applicable). 

Free admission to children under 4 years & accompanied by an adult.

TICKETS ON SALE 9AM WEDNESDAY 29 MAY

Book at: cmcrocks.com.au or through select Ticketek outlets. Check website for details.

Creedence legend sings Alan Jackson's praises

Alan Jackson recently recorded a duet on John Fogerty's new album Wrote A Song for Everyone. The two collaborated on a new version of the Creedence Clearwater Revivial classic 'Have You Ever Seen The Rain?'

Here's what Fogerty had to say about the experience:

I’m a huge fan of Alan’s, and have been one for a long, long time. He always seemed tied to that Golden Age when lots of country records were also rock & roll record — starting with “Blue Suede Shoes.” Alan’s sound is rooted in that golden age. In my mind, everyone would approve — the great country artists and the great rockers. I was a little intimidated, but it turned out I didn’t have to worry – he liked me too. I had lived in Nashville for a year around the turn of the century, and we recorded in this place I had passed many times called The Castle just south of Nashville. That’s where Alan made his sound. He had his producer Keith Stegall there. This was his team and cats like Brent Mason. We did “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” and I’d see his mic technique, and his sound sent chills up my spine. It blew my friggin’ mind to be there getting that Alan Jackson sound.

www.americansongwriter.com/2013/05/john-fogerty-breaks-down-wrote-a-song-for-everyone-track-by-track

Morgan Evans releases new single and video 'Carry On'

NEW SINGLE CARRY ON AT RADIO APRIL 11, 2013

AWARDED 2013 APRA/AMCOS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD & WINS 2013 CMC NEW OZ ARTIST OF THE YEAR

 

Morgan Evans will release his new single Carry On, a follow up to the #1 Country Airplay single While We’re Young, on April 15.
Carry On is the second single from Evans’ While We’re Young EP, which was recorded and produced in Nashville by friend, musician and established artist in his own right, ex-pat Jedd Hughes. All five tracks on the While We’re Young EP were written or co-written by Evans.
The release is hot on the heels of a very successful fortnight for Evans, after he was awarded one of eight APRA\AMCOS 2013 Professional Development Awards. Selected from 200 entries, the awards are chosen by 40 judges, including Jason Mraz (US) and Josh Pyke .
Also new to Morgan’s mantelpiece is the 2013 CMC New Oz Artist of the Year, which he was awarded at the recent Country Music Channel Awards. These fan-voted awards coincide annually with the CMC Rocks The Hunter Festival, where Morgan was joined on stage by Kasey Chambers to perform his new single, Carry On.
2013 has begun with a massive bang and the next chapter awaits.

Jasmine Rae Receives CMA Global Artist Award

ABC recording artist Jasmine Rae has been awarded the prestigious CMA (USA) Global Artist Award. The award was presented to Jasmine backstage at the CMC Rocks the Hunter festival by The Band Perry and CMA Board International Director Rob Potts. 

Previous Australian winners of the award include Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, The McClymonts, Tommy Emmanuel and Troy Cassar-Daley. 

The Global Artist Award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist -- originally signed outside of the United States - in both furthering the popularity of country music and bringing attention to the country music format in their foreign based territory. 

‘It’s such an honour to be recognised by the CMA,” said Jasmine. “They play such an important role in making Country Music great. I'd also like to thank country music fans all over the world for their passion and support.” 

Jasmine Rae is a two-time ARIA nominee and the 2012 CMC Oz Artist of the Year. Her first two albums have yielded five #1 singles and she was the first Australian artist to reach a million plays on MySpace. She also has over a million plays on YouTube. 

Jasmine has just returned from Nashville, where she recorded her third studio album with producer Luke Wooten (Dierks Bentley, Kellie Pickler). The album is due for release in August this year. 

For all media enquires please contact:
National Promotions Manager - ABC Contemporary Music Nicole Stringer (02) 02 9207 0600/ nicole.stringer@umusic.com

Springsteen checks out the Zac Brown Band

The Zac Brown Band made their first concert appearance in Australia last night at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. They blitzed through a raucous set, wowing not only the crowds, but a special fan watching from the side of stage.

Ashbury Park NJ's own, Bruce Springsteen, the most iconic musician of the past four decades, had taken up position in the wings and checked out the Zac Brown Band's set. His saxophone player, Jake Clemons, even stepped out on stage and joined them for a song.

After the show, Zac and Bruce hung out and chatted backstage.

Come and see what got the Boss's attention at the Deni Blues & Roots Festival this weekend, when the Zac Brown Band plays the main stage at 3.00pm on Saturday.

Get tickets to the festival, which also features Santana, Chris Isaak, Jason Mraz, Bonnie Raitt, Status Quo, Jimmy Cliff, Newtown Faulkner and Tony Joe White, here.

Morgan Evans is the CMC New Oz Artist of the Year

This evening, Country Music Channel (CMC) announced the winners in the CMC Music Awards 2013 at a special event held at The Great Cask Hall, Hope Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley, to launch the annual roots and country music festival, CMC Rocks the Hunter.

The CMC Music Awards celebrate country music in Australia and allow fans to the opportunity to vote for their favourite artists in five categories, as well as honouring one artist with the CMC Lifetime Achievement Award. This was the biggest year of voting in the history of the Awards.

Rising star, Morgan Evans, was awarded CMC New Oz Artist of the Year. Already he has racked up more career milestones than many performers manage in a lifetime – including award nominations, a number one single and number one video, as well as touring performances with Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn, Thirsty Merc, Shannon Noll and more. Morgan is set to perform at CMC Rocks the Hunter 2013 tomorrow as well.
 
Since joining forces six years ago, The McClymonts, sisters Brooke, Sam and Mollie, have taken the country music world by storm and tonight they were crowned CMC Oz Artist of the Year – Australia’s favourite country artist. With their exquisite three-part harmonies, soaring vocals and stunning onstage presence, it’s not surprising that the trio has become the hottest recording and touring act in Australian country music.

Country music king, Keith Urban, won two Awards, with CMC viewers voting him CMC International Artist of the Year and his music video for the Golden Globe-nominated song, For You, the CMC International Video of the Year. While the immensley popular duo, McAlister Kemp, were awarded CMC Australian Video of the Year for the title track to their sophomore album, Country Proud. They take to the main stage at CMC Rocks the Hunter 2013 tomorrow night.

In the final award of the night, icons of Australian country music, The LeGarde Twins were honoured with the CMC Lifetime Achievement Award. This Award recognises artists who have had an impact on Australian country music beyond their own careers. In 2013, CMC pays tribute to the road paved by Tom and Ted LeGarde who were the first Australian country music exports to the US.

With a career spanning seven decades, The LeGarde Twins were Australia’s youngest professional riders in rodeos before being signed to the fledging Rodeo label in 1950. They toured the country, releasing a number of singles over the years before leaving for North America in 1957 where they hosted their own TV series in Hollywood before settling in Nashville. Their career has seen them tour Australia, the US and the UK, release numerous albums, be inducted into the The Country Music Hands Of Fame in Tamworth and host a variety of TV shows. In January 2011, The LeGarde Twins’ previously unaired Country Style program, which was filmed in 1964 in Sydney, had its world TV premiere on CMC.

Celebrating their 83rd birthday today and in Australia to perform at the festival, Tom and Ted were elated at receiving the award and being back in their homeland saying, “How wonderful it is to be back to the land of the Southern Cross after 21 years. The land and people we love the most. We’re here to rock at CMC Rocks The Hunter. Let’s make it one big party. We’re ready. Join us.”
The brothers the closed the show with a very special performance.

Hosted by O’Shea, guests included artists Chris Young (USA), Stephen Barker Liles (Love & Theft), McAlister Kemp, Morgan Evans and Peter McWhirter. The event also included performances by Baylou and Adam Brand and Jasmine Rae.

The CMC Music Awards have struck a chord with viewers as it gives country music fans nationwide the opportunity to vote for the Australian country artists they think deserve to be crowned this country’s favourite. The 2013 were staged in conjunction with the sixth annual CMC Rocks the Hunter roots and country music festival, taking place this weekend from today to Sunday March 17.