OFFICIAL PROGRAM Featuring More Than 100 Individual Country Stars Dozens of Events and Activities Over Four Big Days and Nights

TAMWORTH’S COOL MID-YEAR FESTIVAL THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, JULY 7 TO 10, 2016 OFFICIAL PROGRAM Featuring more than 100 individual country stars Dozens of events and activities Over four big days and nights

Bennett Bowtell & Urquhart 2016 Toyota Star Missy Lancaster Adam Harvey Maker Karin Page

Bill Chambers Simply Bushed Alby Pool Luke O’Shea & many more

Proudly supported by

www.hatsofftocountry.com #HatsOff2016 Hurricane Falls Amber Lawrence Liam Kennedy-Clark David Carter Leave your hat on at Hats Off Bill Chambers

TAMWORTH – the setting for the 17th annual Toyota Hats courtesy of hosts John and Belinda Krsulja Off to Country Festival – is undoubtedly the hottest spot for and their award-winning team. Back in Tamworth, the beat goes talent anywhere in the nation in July. on with live music and shows on offer at 14 venues across the city. For legendary Central Coast-based singer- songwriter Bill Chambers, coming back resented by Tamworth Stakeholders Star Maker ﬁ nalist Liam Kennedy-Clark to Tamworth is always a homecoming of in conjunction with Tamworth will instruct and inspire the contingent sorts. He’ll reign supreme on Saturday, PRegional Council, Toyota Hats Oﬀ to in a week-long workshop, leading up to July 9 in the Bill Chambers Room at The Country, proudly sponsored by Tamworth graduation day, July 9, in the Peter Smart Pub on Gunnedah Rd. City Toyota, will be staged from July 7 to 10 Centre at Calrossy. The juniors’ parents Immediately preceding the Bill in Australia’s Country Music Capital. will also be schooled in various aspects of Chambers concert is the launch of Golden Guitar-winning country star the industry. 2016 Toyota Star Maker Karin Page’s Adam Harvey will stand and deliver at the Class is also very much in session new EP. Fresh from her performance at main event, the annual Southern Cross out at The DAG Sheep Station at Nundle, the AristoMedia Global Artist Party in Austereo Give Me 5 for Kids concert, in where it’s always one or two jumpers Nashville, Karin can’t wait to share her Blazes at Wests on Saturday, July 9 at colder than Tamworth. The cool climes music with fans in the country capital. 7.30pm. Now in its sixth staging, the aid the creative process, says The DAG Exceptional entertainment is the key concert raises much-needed funds for Singer-Songwriters’ Retreat founder to success at the Wests group, which the children’s ward at Tamworth hospital. John Krsulja. includes Wests’ Diggers and its sister club Being the family man he is, Harvey said Another enthusiastic cohort of across the river, Wests. he looks forward to supporting this great students will gain expert tuition at The Fabulous acts like Marie Hodson, cause every year. DAG from Golden Guitar winners and Wendy Phypers and the Cartwheels will Even before the festival begins, industry leaders Luke O’Shea, Kevin get the show rolling along in the Legends some of country’s brightest stars and Bennett, Felicity Urquhart, Lyn Bowtell, lounge at Wests before hitting the road. sought-after musicians will have been in Jeremy Edwards and Aleyce Simmonds Troy Kemp, recently returned from residence, teaching the next generation during the week-long retreat in the hills of a songwriting stint in Nashville, will of artists at the CMAA Junior Academy of gold from July 7 to 12. hold court in Diggers while Tamworth’s Country Music from July 2 to 9. Along with the lessons, there will be favourite country daughter, Ashleigh Amber Lawrence, David Carter, Simon plenty of practical “work experience” as Dallas and her hot band serve up the Johnson, Doug Gallacher, Rod Motbey tutors and students combine to present goods in Legends lounge at Wests. and recent senior graduate and Toyota showcases, served with a tasty meal, South Tamworth Bowling Club

2 TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 Visit Barraba Go gold panning Don Costa Troy Kemp

Explore Sheba Dams

Brendan Nawrocki Adventure Playground

Alby Pool Marie Hodson

becomes “classic country central” during Hats Off , showcasing the talents of crowd- pleasers Alby Pool, Sandra Humphries, Anthony Taylor and many more in its Wendy Phypers classic country lineup. The monthly CCMA Jam will herald the start of Hats Off activities at the bowlo on Wednesday, July 6 at 7pm. Sandra Humphries Popular with audiences of all ages, Simply Bushed is tipped to draw large crowds once again to the Tamworth Services Club dance fl oor over two big their salute to leading country ladies nights, while Golden Guitar winner Luke Patsy Cline and Brenda Lee, before taking O’Shea will share some heartfelt story- the show on tour to Queensland and songs of Australia and its people in a beyond with a hot band in tow. special dinner show at North Tamworth It wouldn’t be Hats Off to Country Ryan Sampson Bowling Club. without the ever-popular Don Costa The Bligh St bowling club is also the presenting two shows daily at Tamworth launching pad for a new tribute show, Shoppingworld. The shopping centre Nawrocki, who kicks off Hats Off nice devised by Werris Creek songstress Marie king will also appear at the newest live and early on Tuesday, July 5 with a Hodson. Hodson and Victorian Golden music venue in town – the Cattleman songwriters’ round. Guitar winner Wendy Phypers (The Steakhouse, along with Cassidy-Rae The award-winning Cascada Sparnetts/The Cartwheels) will present Wilson, Ryan Sampson and Brendan Restaurant on the Sydney Rd, South

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 3

Tamworth Regional Playground Rachel Summerell

Adam Eckersley Band

Hopscotch Cafe Missy Lancaster

Tamworth, is open from Tuesday to Saturdayand will bring to you some great talent over Hats Off . Rising star Rachel Summerell and Tamworth’s favourite duo – Two Gals – will appear at the restaurant on Saturday night. Why not book a table for dinner? View Viper Creek Band their menu on the website. Tamworth’s pub scene is well and Go microlighting truly buzzing with live music. The This midyear festival in the Country Golden Guitar-winning Adam Eckersley Music Capital is a seasonal favourite for Band will perform at The Albert, along those who prefer enjoying their country in with the lovely Brooke McClymont as cooler conditions than the 40-degree heat special guest artist. of Tamworth in January. Rising star Missy Lancaster, a grand Tamworth Stakeholders’ chairman Max fi nalist in Toyota Star Maker this year, Ellis said the organisation’s partnership will deliver her sassy style of country at with council could only serve to grow the The Post Offi ce Hotel, where Tamworth winter festival. Songwriters’ Association members “I’m delighted that Tamworth Regional Visit AELEC perform throughout the day. Council is now working closely with Mike Vee and The Viper Creek Band Tamworth Stakeholders on Hats Off to will be heard cranking out the tunes from Country,” Mr Ellis said. sister” to the much larger January event. The Longyard Hotel, while those keen to “We are certain now, that after 17 “Isn’t it extraordinary that Hats Off , see Chad Morgan immortalised in bronze years, the future is secured and we can which really pales into insignifi cance will be at Southgate Inn for a bronze look forward to Hats Off becoming bigger compared to January, can still boast bust fundraising event, hosted by the and better. It’s another great reason to more artists than any other festival in Australian Bush Balladeers Association. draw people to the home of country music Australia,” Mr Harley said. Along the Armidale Rd, you’ll fi nd the in Australia.” Hats Off (or on, it really doesn’t Oasis Hotel – a true haven for those with a Tamworth Regional Council country matter), as long as you make tracks for penchant for traditional and bush ballad- music unit manager Barry Harley said the Tamworth in July for Toyota Hats Off to style music with an atmosphere you just success of Hats Off was something quite Country 2016 – and don’t forget to bring can’t beat. remarkable, considering it’s the “baby your winter woolies with you!

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 5 6 TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 Country Music Trail highlights: Artist Guitar Wall at the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre Gallery of Stars Wax Museum Galaxy of Stars Roll of Renown Take a walk up Tamworth’s lovely tree and café-lined Peel Street and spot the plaques in the pavement celebrating Golden Guitar winners. Legends of Country Music Bronze Busts Country Music Hands of Fame Australian Country Music Hall of Fame incorporating The Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame and Walk a Country Mile Interpretive Exhibition

Galleries and Museums: Tamworth Regional Gallery and Tamworth Library Weswal Gallery The Gamilarart Cooperative and the Gomeroi gaaynggal Aboriginal Art Gallery Nundle Art Gallery, Volcania Art Glass and Nundle Woollen Mill Fuller Gallery and Claypan (Barraba) Tamworth Regional Craft Centre Calala Cott age Tamworth Powerstation Museum The Powerhouse Motorcyle Museum The Collectors Museum Manilla Heritage Museum Nandewar Historical Society Museum (Barraba)

Mount Misery Gold Mine (Nundle)

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 7

Artist Guitar Wall Hands of Fame Park

Missy Lancaster The Long & Short Of It The Postie – your

new local favourite Big Golden Guitar

Located in the heart of Tamworth’s CBD, The Post Office music took fl ight. Hotel caters for a range of clientele wishes and requests, Missy recalls this time of her life: “Playing guitar, singing and learning songs from hearty meals to live music on weekends and vibrant became my absolute favourite thing to do. Wednesday trivia evenings. That was it … I was addicted to music,” she said. In October 2015, Missy travelled he Fitzroy St-based establishment Ball Aitken and Louise Adams have all hit to Nashville to write and record her has been at the heart of live the stage throughout the years. second EP with acclaimed songwriter Tentertainment for the past fi ve years, The hotel has also given home to great and producer Lindsay Rimes handling since its refurbishment and change of talent throughout the Hats Off to Country production. Lindsay has a long list leasehold in August 2011. Festival, presenting many gifted musicians of credits, including songwriting and The warm and inviting surroundings during this ever-popular local winter production for gold and platinum artists have added a new and lively feel to music event. such as Tina Arena, Lee Kernaghan, The Tamworth’s CBD, creating a social hub for The Postie has a close correlation with McClymonts, Troye Sivan, Reece Mastin, locals and visitors alike. the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association Taylor Henderson, Shannon Noll and The hotel combines the charm of (TSA), playing host to the Songwriters’ Timomatic. country hospitality with the buzz of a Sessions for the July proceedings. Highlights of the trip included co-writing thriving metropolitan venue, to off er the It has seen such revered artists as with Stephen Barker-Liles (Love and Theft), perfect venue for the most discerning of The Long and Short Of It, Brothers 3 and Jason Duke (Kelsea Ballerini), Matt Scullion patrons. Be comforted through the winter Allison Forbes grace The Post Offi ce stage. and Morgan Evans, along with performing at chills by a cosy fi replace, natural timber This year we look forward to artists the famed Bluebird Café. surroundings and fl ooding natural light. from the TSA playing throughout Saturday The Post Offi ce Hotel is Tamworth’s And, when the warmer months greet from 10.30am. local hub for social, family and music us, enjoy sipping on cocktails in the change Showcasing the evening for the Hats events year-round. to balmy nights with the large street-front Off weekend will be Sydney’s newly-signed Through continually supporting the openings creating an alfresco appeal. Sony Music artist, Missy Lancaster. rising Tamworth music scene – its artists The hotel’s past Tamworth Country At just eight years of age, Missy and its festivals – as well as bringing Music Festival line-ups have been a huge experienced her fi rst taste of live national and international stars to the success, showcasing a range of artists performance when she joined Luke O’Shea local stage, the Postie provides the place from near and far. on stage for a rendition of True Blue. to be for great food, country service and Celebrated artists such as Mustered This led to singing and guitar lessons top entertainment in a friendly and vibrant Courage, Jayne Denham, Murphy’s Pigs, 8 and, by her mid-teens, Missy’s love of atmosphere.

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 9

2016 Toyota Star Viper Creek Band Bowen & Clare Maker Karin Page Brian Howard

Becci Nethery Matt Scullion Chad Morgan

Entertainment and Bill Chambers food you just can’t beat

Whether you’re a local or have travelled to Tamworth for this venue for some cool country from Bill year’s Hats Off to Country, you won’t want to miss the great Chambers – the bloke the music room is named after. line-up of entertainers across The Pub Group venues. If you’ve never caught a Bill Chambers Session during the January festival, do yourself a favour and make 3pm Saturday, t might be cold outside but some of the sidekicks Dubby and Big Al. July 9, a date at The Pub. hottest acts in country music will take to Just as The Pub cranks into gear with If you like your country original, you IThe Pub Group stages. Howdy’s Hoedown, the Viper Creek Band can’t go past Songwriters Over Lunch at Tamworth entertainer Mike Vee gets will take the stage at the Longyard Hotel the Longyard Hotel from 11am on Sunday, the ball rolling on Thursday, July 7 in the in the front bar. followed by another crop of great writers front bar of the iconic Longyard Hotel From 1pm on Saturday at Southgate Inn, from high noon. from 6pm. the Australian Bush Balladeers’ Association Then at 3pm, former Tamworthian At 6.30pm on Friday, July 8 Becci presents a fundraising concert to help get and now Newcastle resident, singer- Nethery has chosen the Family Hotel’s Aussie legend Chad Morgan “busted”. songwriter Matt Scullion will hold court in Honky Tonk Bar to launch her new album. Host Lorraine Pfi tzner will introduce a the front bar of the Longyard. Compere Ray McCoy from 88.9FM will swag of beaut performers keen to see the The Pub Group is famed for its introduce special guests before Becci Sheik from Scrubby Creek immortalised entertainment, as you can see from the takes the stage to showcase songs from in bronze so he can join his mates in abovementioned line-up – but it’s almost the new disc. Bicentennial Park. as famous for its food and hospitality. From 8pm on Friday, The Pub on Fresh from her exciting, action-packed You can always purchase a nourishing, Gunnedah Rd is the place to be for some Nashville trip, 2016 Toyota Star Maker hearty meal at The Longyard, The Family down-home, genuine country music, Karin Page will entertain one and all at Hotel, Southgate Inn and The Pub. courtesy of Tamworth broadcaster and The Pub from 12.30pm at The Pub. The friendly service you receive from fi refi ghter, Brian (Howdy) Howard, and his Stick around at the 99 Gunnedah Rd staff is an added bonus.

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 11

Luke O’Shea Allison Forbes Explore the Nundle Woolen Mill

The DAG, Nundle

Bennett Bowtell ALeyce Simmonds & Urquhart The DAG, Nundle The DAG: an experience, not merely a venue

WARM your soul with open fires, great food and an amazing line- Songwriters’ Retreat Showcase on up of entertainment at The DAG Sheep Station, Nundle during Sunday from 4pm till 8pm, which will include a barbecue buffet. this year’s Hats Off to Country Festival. Songwriters attending the 2016 retreat include Hayley Marsten, Brendan Smoother, Rhiannon Cooke, Tanya he DAG will celebrate its 8th Hats annual Singer Songwriters’ Retreat, now in Cornish, Allison Forbes, Natalie Henry, Oﬀ to Country in 2016 with a special its fourth year. Tori Forsythe, Emma Dykes, Katie TChristmas In July menu, featuring a The retreat runs for five days and Hindle, Brett Clarke, Paul Crowder, feast of ham, turkey and Christmas pudding. five nights and gives artists the chance Jacob Ridgeway, Janaya Lamb, Kayla Guests will enjoy an intimate show with to immerse themselves in the craft of Mahon (NZ), John ‘K’ Krsulja, your host what promises to be one of the biggest songwriting, workshops and performing from The DAG, and many, many more. line-ups yet seen at The DAG. together with their peers and mentors. For information and to be a part of Entertainment will be featured on Songwriters will have the opportunity this very cool event call The DAG on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, as to co-write with some of Australia’s 6769 3486 or visit www.thedag.com.au The DAG opens its doors with two special finest award-winning artists. Tables of 8, 10 and 12 are available Songwriters Showcases from 11am till For a chance to see some of and children are welcome (kids’ prices 2.30pm featuring Luke O’Shea, Felicity Australia’s rising stars from the 2016 available). Urquhart, Kevin Bennett, Lyn Bowtell, Singer Songwriters Retreat, artists The DAG Sheep Station, Nundle is Aleyce Simmonds and Jeremy Edwards. will perform before both showcases not just a venue, it’s an unmissable These amazing artists will be at The from 10am Live On The Deck and will experience! DAG to tutor songwriters attending the feature with their tutors, in a special

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 13

Adam Harvey

Troy Kemp Ashleigh Dallas You get twice the enjoyment with the Wests’ group

The Wests Entertainment Group incorporates Wests (West Tamworth’s favourite girlpower duo, Two Tamworth League Club) and Wests’ Diggers. These sister clubs Gals will appear in Legends lounge to wind up the Hats Off to Country Festival. provide you with two convenient locations and great entertainment Banjos Restaurant and Neros Café for you to enjoy, all in warm, air-conditioned comfort. at Wests off ers casual-style dining in comfortable surrounds. Downstairs at Diggers is the Star Maker Café, which has n Friday, July 8 Marie Hodson, do our very best to raise as much money quick and easy, wholesome snacks as well Wendy Phypers with The as possible for such a worthy, important as delicious coff ee. OCartwheels will perform free from cause,” he said. Upstairs is Smoky’s Bar & Grill, 8.30pm in Wests’ Legends lounge. “I really like the fact that all the money a brilliantly-themed country-style For our footy fans, enjoy the live raised will stay in Tamworth and help out restaurant devoted to Australian country football games from 7.30pm on the big the local hospital.” music legend, Smoky Dawson. screens in Scores Bar across the river Showtime will be 7.30pm, with tickets One of the best things about dining at at Diggers. available from the ticket box at Wests, by the club is meals and drinks are always Headlining at the Wests Entertainment phone on 6765 7588 or via the website, at club prices and there’s a selection of Group for Hats Off to Country, highly wtlc.com.au sensibly-priced bottled wines. acclaimed country music star Adam Outside in the Legends lounge will be It has been a busy time at Wests over Harvey is bringing Harvey’s Bar into Blazes Tamworth’s newest Golden Guitar-winning the past month with Scully Park Regional on Saturday night, July 9, with all ticket sweetheart, the delightful Ashleigh Dallas, Sporting Precinct holding its fi rst major sales going to Give Me 5 For Kids. performing with her band from 8.30pm. NRL/CRL event, the Country vs City origin Give Me 5 For Kids is a Southern Cross In Scores Bar at Diggers from 8.30pm, game on May 8. Ten initiative, raising funds for the local Troy Kemp will team up with good friend With a crowd of 8,317 in attendance hospital by enabling them to purchase and guitar virtuoso Jeremy Barnes. and live broadcasting by Channel 9, it vital equipment required to assist sick Together Troy and Jeremy wrote and certainly was a day to remember! kids where it really matters. produced most of the songs on Troy’s The new hotel adjacent to the club is Adam said he’s really excited to latest album, Against The Grain. Then on progressing well, with completion expected be back in Tamworth for the Hats Off Sunday at 2pm the pair will come back in December. It will have a 4/4.5-star rating Festival”. and perform some more great country with 52 rooms and come under the Accor “I have been involved with Give Me 5 music for all to enjoy. And it’s all free! Group properties. It will be known as the For Kids now for several years, so we will Sunday afternoon at Wests from 2pm, Mercure Tamworth.

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 15

Buddy Bishop

See Oxley Lookout Gary Brown Geoff Brown

Sandra Humphries Anthony Baylor Alby Pool Leave your hat on – or off – at the bowlo Scenic Tamworth, NSW

It’s that time of year again – yeeha – Hats Off to Country at Join the fabulous house band of Tomi South Tamworth Bowlo. Grasso (pedal steel), Brad Bergen (drums) and Greg Franks (bass), who will provide the cool backing for Alby Pool, Anthony Taylor, his year’s line-up at the Margaret country hits with his hot band from 7.30pm Sandra Humphries and more as the club St bowling club is the biggest ever on Friday. Some say he’s Australia’s answer bids farewell to the midyear festival. Tfor Tamworth’s midyear festival. to Garth Brooks – and how right they are! You’re always assured of a warm and Showcasing the old and the new of Coming all the way from South Australia, friendly country welcome from the South Australian country music is what the Sandra Humphries, one of the favourite Bowlo management and staff . bowlo does best! South Bowlo acts from January, will pack her Drinks are at club prices and in case you Get your Hats Off mojo happening winter woollies for her Hats Off appearance haven’t heard the latest – there’s a new café on Wednesday with the regular CCMA at 7pm on Saturday. eatery that’s the talk of the town. Showcase and Jam at the bowlo, which The entertainment just keeps on coming In addition to the fabulous Chinese starts at 6.30pm. and Sunday is a beauty, starting with a restaurant at the bowlo, Café South off ers Then on Thursday, in the same timeslot, real touch of nostalgia at 2pm when the pizzas, light snacks and delicious meals for legendary country entertainer Alby Pool will Capital Country Music Association salutes members and guests. deliver all the country classics you know local legends Gentleman Geoff Brown, Gary Find out more at and love. Brown and Buddy Bishop, all of whom are www.southbowlotamworth.com.au and Alby was responsible for luring former now in hillbilly heaven. click on the Hats Off link or like South North Queenslander Anthony Taylor back Don’t think the party’s over when this Bowlo on Facebook, which you can fi nd to the bowlo a few years ago and he’s now a great show concludes as there’s a big bowlo at the following link: www.facebook.com/ regular fi xture – in January and July. bash to send off happy Hats Off patrons SouthTamworthBowlingClub Anthony will stand and deliver the from 4pm onwards.

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 17 OFFICIAL PROGRAM * Denotes ticketed show/admission price (all others are free)

SATURDAY, JULY 2 7.30 The Long & The Short Of It Duo 9am CMAA Junior Academy to July 9 with Alyssa Brache, Cattleman Steakhouse Campbell Landrebe, Cassi Hilbers,, Chloe Warrick, 7.30 TSA Songwriter Sessions Open Mic Night Ebony Wickham, Finnian Johnson, Grace Gladwin, Upstairs, Tudor Hotel Harriet Kelly, Heath Milner, Jack McDougall, Jaydin 8.30pm Tommy Miller Shingleton, Kasey O’Donoghue, Keely Johnson, Laura Back bar, Tudor Hotel Lowe, Liam O’Donoghue, Logan Hoswell Mackenzie 9pm Musos’ Jam Timms, Maddison Collier, Matthew Munro, Michelle The Albert Hotel Hendriks, Rory Phillips, Savannah Tindiglia, Shalani FRIDAY, JULY 8 Thomas, Sophia Chesworth, Tyler Paterson, Tyson Lucas 8.30am Wild Bill Davey’s True Grit Breakfast Show and Zoey Mills. Tudor Hotel Gallery of Stars Wax Museum TUESDAY, JULY 5 9am opens Big Golden Guitar 6.30pm Brendan Nawrocki and guests: The Songwriter’s Round 10am Australian Country Music Hall of Fame opens Cattleman Steakhouse 561 Peel St (Cnr Peel & Murray Streets) WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 * 11am Don Costa 9am Gallery of Stars Wax Museum opens Tamworth Shoppingworld Big Golden Guitar * 1pm Don Costa 6.30pm CCMA Showcase and Jam Tamworth Shoppingworld South Tamworth Bowlo 2pm Country’s Leading Ladies Patsy Cline and Brenda Lee - Marie Hodson and Wendy Phypers, THURSDAY, JULY 7 with the Texas Troubadours 9am Gallery of Stars Wax Museum opens North Tamworth Bowling Club Big Golden Guitar 6pm Marc Jackson 10am Australian Country Music Hall of Fame opens The Pig and Tinder Box 561 Peel St (Cnr Peel & Murray Streets) 6pm The Long and Short Of It Duo * 11am Don Costa Oasis Hotel Tamworth Shoppingworld 6.30 Becci Nethery Album Launch w/ guests Emma Jene, * 1pm Don Costa Phoebe Jay and Ian Burns. Compere Ray McCoy Tamworth Shoppingworld Family Hotel - Honky Tonk Bar 2pm Songwriters’ Retreat through to July 12 7pm Lyn and Phil Manning and the Oasis Band The DAG, Nundle Oasis Hotel 6pm Mike Vee 7.30 Anthony Taylor Front Bar/Deck, Longyard Hotel South Tamworth Bowlo 6pm Christina George, Wayne Elliott and the Oasis Band * 7.30 CMAA Junior Academy Graduation starring Zoey Mills, Oasis Hotel Ebony Wickham, Matthew Munro, Jaydin Shingleton, 6.30 Alby Pool Alyssa Brache, Cassi Hilbers, Jack McDougall, Logan South Tamworth Bowlo Hoswell, Campbell Landrebe, Tyler Paterson, Maddison

18 TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 Collier, Grace Gladwin, Savannah Tindiglia, Keely * 1pm ABBA presents Chad Morgan’s Bronze Bust Johnson, Laura Lowe, Finnian Johnson, Harriet Kelly, Fundraiser Sophia Chesworth, Shalani Thomas, Kasey O’Donoghue, Featuring The Manning Family, Greg Bain, Patti Morgan, Mackenzie Timms, Michelle Hendriks, Heath Milner, Rory Ged & Trudy Hintz, Graeme Double Day, Big Al, Phillips, Tyson Lucas and Liam O’Donoghue Emma Jene, Kate Hindle, Rodney Walker, John Brand Calrossy School Hall and surprise guest. 7.30 Ryan Sampson Southgate Inn Cattleman Steakhouse 1pm Don Costa 8pm Howdy’s Hoedown with Dubby and Big Al Tamworth Shoppingworld Bill Chambers Room, The Pub 1.30 One Non-Blonde 8pm The Viper Creek Band Tudor Hotel Front Bar, Longyard Hotel 2pm Bob Easter 8pm Simply Bushed Oasis Hotel Lounge, Tamworth Services Club 3pm Bill Chambers Sessions 8.30 Marie Hodson with Wendy Phypers and The Bill Chambers Room, The Pub Cartwheels 3pm Wayne Elliott Legends Lounge, Wests Oasis Hotel 8.30 One Non-Blonde 4pm Rob Breese Tudor Hotel Oasis Hotel 9.30 Hurricane Fall 5pm Sally-Anne Whitten The Albert Hotel Tudor Hotel 5pm Christina George SATURDAY, JULY 9 Oasis Hotel 8.30am Wild Bill Davey’s True Grit Breakfast Show 6pm Rex Baldwin Tudor Hotel Oasis Hotel 9am Gallery of Stars Wax Museum opens 6pm Rachel Summerell and Two Gals with Carolyne Morris Big Golden Guitar and Wendy Wood – Dinner Entertainment 10am Australian Country Music Hall of Fame opens Cascada Restaurant 561 Peel St (Cnr Peel & Murray Streets) 6.30 Luke O’Shea Stories – dinner and show 10am TSA All Day – songwriters on stage until 5pm North Tamworth Bowling Club Featuring John Seers, Vicki Walsh, Weeping Willows, 6.30 Melissa Robertson – dinner entertainment Marcus Greene, Aimee Hannan, Bowen & Clare, Frog And Toad LeAnne and Kate King, Ian Burns, Rachel Summerell, 7pm Sandra Humphries Duncan Hill, Wendy Wood, Gordon Station, Becci South Tamworth Bowlo Nethery, Kylie Adams Collier, Kathryn Luxford, Shelly 7pm Graeme Doubleday and Big Al with the Oasis Band Jones Band, The Long and Short Of It Duo, Melissa Robertson and Emma-Jene Oasis Hotel Post Oﬃ ce Hotel 7.30 ADAM HARVEY GIVE ME 5 FOR KIDS FUNDRAISER 10am Songwriters Live on the Deck Blazes Showroom, Wests The DAG, Nundle 7.30 Don Costa 10am Greg Bain Cattleman Steakhouse Oasis Hotel 8pm Simply Bushed * 10am FREE Amber Lawrence Kids Concert Lounge, Tamworth Services Club Tamworth Regional Playground 8pm The Viper Creek Band 11am Don Costa Front Bar, Longyard Hotel Tamworth Shoppingworld 8.30 Allison Forbes hosts the Alt Country Showcase 11am The DAG Showcase: (includes Christmas in July meal) featuring Andrew Swift, Ben Bunting, Brad Butcher, with Luke O’Shea, Kevin Bennett, Jeremy Edwards, Lyn Cameron Milford, James Van Cooper, Tori Forsyth and Bowtell, Felicity Urquhart and Aleyce Simmonds Natalie Henry The DAG, Nundle Tudor Hotel 11am Two Gals 8.30 Ashleigh Dallas Band Oasis Hotel Legends Lounge, Wests Noon Graham Howle 8.30 Troy Kemp Oasis Hotel Scores Sports Bar, Diggers 12.30 2016 Toyota Star Maker winner Karin Page 9pm Missy Lancaster Bill Chambers Room, The Pub Post Oﬃ ce Hotel 1pm Trevor Coombes 9.30 Adam Eckersley Band featuring Brooke McClymont Oasis Hotel The Albert Hotel * 1pm Dare2Dance Linedancers 18th Birthday Social Tamworth Tennis Club

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 19 Did you have 1.4 million people walk through your business last year?

July 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016 thenortherndailyleader.com.au has had: 1.4 MILLION unique visitors 11.5 MILLION page views Talk to us today about how you can capture our online audience

[email protected] Phone: 02 6768 1200 SUNDAY, JULY 10 1pm Greg Bain 9am Gallery of Stars Wax Museum opens Oasis Hotel Big Golden Guitar 1pm TSA First the Song - Songwriters Over Lunch with 10am Australian Country Music Hall of Fame Bowen & Clare, LeAnne King and Katie King 561 Peel St (Cnr Peel & Murray Streets) Goonoo Goonoo Room, Longyard Hotel 10am The Long and Short Of It Duo 2pm CCMA Tribute to Tamworth pioneers the late Buddy Oasis Hotel Bishop, Gentleman Geoﬀ Brown and Gary Brown 10am Wild Bill Davey’s True Grit Breakfast Show South Tamworth Bowlo Tudor Hotel 2pm Troy Kemp 10am Songwriters Live on the Deck Scores Sports Bar, Diggers The DAG, Nundle 2pm Two Gals 11am Don Costa Legends Lounge, Wests Tamworth Shoppingworld 2pm Graeme Doubleday and Big Al (Double Trouble) * 11am The DAG Showcase: (includes Christmas in July meal) Oasis Hotel with Luke O’Shea, Kevin Bennett, Lyn Bowtell, Felicity 2pm Matt Scullion Urquhart, Jeremy Edwards and Aleyce Simmonds Front Deck, Longyard Hotel The DAG, Nundle 2.30 Allison Forbes 11am TSA First the Song – Songwriters Over Lunch Tudor Hotel with Ian Burns, Rachel Summerell and 3pm Bob Easter Kylie Adams-Collier Oasis Hotel Goonoo Goonoo Room, Longyard Hotel 4pm Retreat Showcase featuring 2016 Retreat tutors Luke O’Shea, 11am Samantha Bellamy Kevin Bennett, Jeremy Edwards, Felicity Urquhart and Lyn Oasis Hotel Bowtell, Aleyce Simmonds plus retreat-goers Allison Forbes, Noon TSA First the Song – Songwriters Over Lunch Billie-Rose Copeland, Brendan Smoother, Brett Clarke, Cassidy with Aimee Hannan, Gordon Station and the Gaitor, Emma Dykes, Hayley Marsten, Jacob Ridgeway, Janaya Shelly Jones Band Lamb, Jemma Beech, Jessica Baker, John Krsulja, Kate Hindle, Goonoo Goonoo Room, Longyard Hotel Kayla Mahon (NZ), Katherine Waria, Kerrie Garside, Liona Noon Lyn and Phil Manning Brooks, Lola Brinton, Mags Stewart, Michelle Russell, Natalie Oasis Hotel Henry,Paul Crowder, Renae Nawrocki, Rhiannon Cooke, Ryan 1pm Don Costa Cornish, Sharna Burcher, Sue Dorahy Tamworth Shoppingworld Tanya Cornish, Tony Kennelly and Tori Forsythe. Includes a BBQ dinner The DAG, Nundle 4pm Hats Oﬀ to Country Roundup Showcase with Alby Pool, Anthony Taylor, Sandra Humphries and more plus the house band – Brad Bergen (Drums), and Greg Franks (Bass) Tomi Grasso (Pedal Steel), South Tamworth Bowlo 4pm Patti Morgan and Lynette Guest Oasis Hotel 5.30 Trevor Coombes and the Oasis Band Oasis Hotel

N.B. Program correct as at June 17, 2016 All care is taken compiling the program but some shows and events may be subject to change

Come join us here at Award Winning Cascada Restaurant on Saturday 9th July for a great night of live entertainment & ﬁ ne food. The place With special guest artists Singer to be this & Songwriters: Hats Off • Rachel Summerell to Country • Two Gals (Carolyne Morris Festival & Wendy Wood)

Places are limited so call us now to secure your spot. 502 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth T: (02) 6765 4007 Don’t forget to ask our staff about our annual Christmas in July festivities.

TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016 21 Hats off to Country 2016

The Services Group is a proud supporter of The Hats Off To or return at 8.30pm to hear local Dale Duncan Country Festival with great acts appearing at both of venues the as he entertains you for FREE. Tamworth Services Club and the North Tamworth Bowling Club. On Saturday, July 9, enjoy a beautiful dinner and show with Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea as he shares his stories through song. The two course dinner and the star will e are focused on making your night from 8.30pm. One of the best country/ cost just $40 so book now to ensure a table. festival enjoyable and we off er bush bands in Australia. With great meals available, cold drinks Wboth FREE entertainment and From 2pm on Friday, July 8 take a trip down and SUPER entertainment get out of the also some of the best ticketed shows on off er. memory lane at the North Tamworth Bowling chair and come visit us over the Hats Off To At The Services Club the awesome Club with the authentic sounds of Marie Country Festival. SIMPLY BUSHED return and as always will get Hodson and her Patsy Cline Show. Book early PS: See you back in January 2017 for the you pumped up on both Friday and Saturday or buy tickets at the door for $20. Stay around annual Tamworth Country Music Festival

Handy numbers and contacts in the Contacts country music capital

Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, 561 Peel St, Tamworth 02 6766 9696 www.countrymusichalloff ame.com.au Bicentennial Park, Kable Ave, Tamworth Big Golden Guitar Tourist Complex, The Ringers Rd (off the NE Hwy) 02 6765 2688 www.biggoldenguitar.com.au Capital Country Music Association (CCMA) 0419 998 386 www.ccma.net.au Cattleman Steakhouse, 599 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth 02 6765 7922 www.sundancepark.com.au Country Music Capital News, 92a Brisbane St, Tamworth 02 6768 5800 [email protected] Destination Tamworth, 2 The Ringers Rd 02 6767 5300 www.destinationtamworth.com.au ENREC Studio, Egret Place, Calala 02 6762 8072 www.enrecstudio.com Hats Off Festival Co-ordinators – Tamworth Country Music Stakeholders Group 0419 998 386 Longyard Hotel, The Ringers Rd, South Tamworth 02 6765 3411 www.thepub.com.au North Tamworth Bowling Club, 22-26 Bligh St, Tamworth 02 6766 1987 Oasis Hotel, 583 Armidale Rd, Tamworth 02 6766 3391 Post Offi ce Hotel, 8 Fitzroy St, Tamworth 026761 3322 South Tamworth Bowling Club, 11-23 Margaret St, South Tamworth 02 6765 5766 www.southbowlotamworth.com.au Southgate Inn, 16 Kent St, Tamworth 02 6765 7999 www.thepub.com.au Tamworth Recording Suite, 0408 255 908 Tamworth Regional Council, 02 6755 5555 Tamworth Services Club, 199 Marius St, Tamworth 02 6766 8166 www.tamworthservicesclub.com.au Tamworth Taxis, 02 6766 1111 Tamworth Visitor Information Centre, The Ringers Rd (off the NE Hwy) 02 6767 5300 www.destinationtamworth.com.au The Albert Hotel, 211 Peel St, Tamworth 02 6766 6363 The DAG Sheep Station, Crawney Rd, Nundle 02 6769 3486 www.thedag.com.au The Family Hotel, corner of Belmore and Bridge Streets, Tamworth 02 6765 7722 The Goodies (Good Companions Hotel), 9 Brisbane St, Tamworth 02 6761 2733 www.thepub.com.au The Northern Daily Leader, 92 Brisbane St, Tamworth 02 6768 1200 [email protected] www.northerndailyleader.com.au The Pig and Tinder Box, 429 Peel St, Tamworth 02 6766 1541 www.thepigandtinderbox.com.au The Pub, 99 Gunnedah Rd, Tamworth 02 6765 5655 www.thepub.com.au Tudor Hotel, 327 Peel St, Tamworth 02 6766 2930 Wests (West Tamworth League Club), Phillip St, West Tamworth 02 6765 7588 www.wtlc.com.au Wests’ Diggers, Kable Ave, Tamworth 02 6766 4661 www.wtlc.com.au

22 TOYOTA HATS OFF TO COUNTRY TAMWORTH 2016 | #HatsOff2016

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