Hamilton to host National Country Music Awards

Hold on to your Stetson and tighten that string tie – country music stars from around Australasia are heading to Hamilton for the National Country Music Awards at Founders Theatre on August 11.

Nominees were decided on earlier in the year with votes recorded from 68 countries.Three individuals were nominated in both the Best Male and Female categories as well as in the Duo/Group category.

Country music singers including Jody Direen, Matt McNeilly, Kylie Price, Aly Cook, Katie Thompson, The Coalrangers, Eddie Low and Craig Adams will be making the journey from the South Island, while Kylie Austin and Trevor V Stevens are representing the North Island.

Although singer Craig Adams is now based in Christchurch, he still remembers singing in the Morrinsville Country Music Club.
“The talent in New Zealand is starting to grow.  I’m looking forward to singing with some of the local and national talent,” he said.
This year’s special guest performer is rock’n’roll survivor Tom Sharplin, while Shane Hale will act as master of ceremonies for the night.
Australian’s Telstra Award Winner Andrew Redford will also appear at the awards in his first trans-Tasman show.

Other performers include South Otago’s  2011 Horizon Award Winner Vickie Evans, Wellington’s Jenny Blackadde,r and Hamilton’s Joy Adams.
The country music awards begin from 7.30pm at Founders Theatre in Hamilton.