Two country music divas present Two Queens of County Music

A piece of Tamworth comes to Adelaide this week when tiny powerhouse singer/performer Marie Hodson arrives to perform The First Two Queens of Country with local country music diva Amber Joy Poulton.

Marie Hodson

Marie released her Debut CD “Just About Now” in 2002. The first single, “Out Of Reach”, reached the #1 position in the U.S.A. on Cashbox Magazine Independent Country Music Chart, in August 2007. Her newest, “Read Between The Lies”, is a 13 track treasure with a wealth of great songs produced “Cowboys Love Texas” which reached No. 6 on the ECMA Charts charting at No 1 Sweden, No 2 Germany, No 9 Norway.

A combination of the success of her albums and her enchanting stage presentation has allowed Marie to become rapidly entrenched in the elite level of performers in the Country Music Industry. Quoted from December 2009 CAPITAL NEWS… “If you like your Country served ‘straight up’ MARIE HODSON will intoxicate!”

Marie is in Adelaide to perform her own material with local hotshots Amber Joy Poulton and The Holy Men, and to feature in a new production brought to the stage by Amber Joy: The First Two Queens of Country in which Marie will sing a collection of best-know Reba McEntire songs.

Amber Joy Poulton

Amber Joy, who found her feet in the Australian Country music industry with her hit show Honky Tonk Angels – the Loretta Lynn Story, is currently living her dream! Her latest release, Break Even has hit the Top 10 on the Australian Country Music Charts with the up-tempo song currently sitting at Number 9, keeping company with the likes of fellow Aussie Kasey Chambers (number 2) and American country stars Brad Paisley (number 3) and Reba McEntire (number 10).
Break Even is Amber Joy’s fourth release off her highly successful debut album Taking Goodbye, “I’ve been keeping a close eye on the song since it hit the charts and really, I’m just happy to be in the Top 30, but I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t had my fingers crossed for a Top 10 hit. It’s a nice feeling”. Her album, Taking Goodbye is no stranger to the Australian Country Music Charts with her first release Rising Star making the Top 30 and the duet with Doug Bruce, Close Enough peaking at number 13 and has clocked up a total of around 30 weeks in the charts since the album’s release in October 2009.

Amber and Marie, supported by The AMAZING Sherrah’s, present The First Two Queens of Country for the Railroad Country Music Club on Saturday May 21. The country divas will showcase their own music before performing as Reba & Loretta singing their own songs and the songs of their girlfriends: Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & more. The show is backed by rocking band The Holy Men which includes Anthony Stewart on guitars, ‘The Preacher’ Denis Surmon on bass and vox, Greg Blanch on pedal steel and Jeff Clarke on drums and vox.

What: The First Two Queens of Country supported by the Amazing Sherrahs
Where: South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron, Barcoo Road, West Beach, SA 5024
When: 7:30pm-10:30pm – approx
How: Tickets: $20. Phone: 0413 522 516 to book seats
BYO Supper. Drinks available at the bar

For information/interviews contact: Amber Joy Poulton: 0411 230 822
Released by Blue Ring Records
Ph: Denis Surmon 0416 215756; email denis@blueringrecords.com

www.blueringrecords.com

Cool Goddess sells herself to highest bidder

The AliKat Green Goddess about to go off

Adelaide boutique guitar company ‘AliKat’ is making a one-off opportunity to buy the coolest Goddess in the land when Blues Avenue launches the exotic and outlandish aluminium guitars at The Whitmore Hotel (Morphett Street, City), Sunday May 1.

The reason for the launch is the handing over of AliKat’s latest creation – the “SBJ TeleKat”, a signature model named after prominent Adelaide blues and session guitarist “Sweet Baby” James Meston.

Mestson will showcase the SBJ TeleKat with Adelaide Swing outfit Blues Avenue at a Whitmore Hotel special function featuring a “Cajun Sunday” menu all day from 1pm-8pm, with Jambalaya, Genuine Southern Fried Chicken, Creole Fish, Mint Juleps & Mojitos – Southern soul food to feed the Blues.

To kick along the fun on the day, AliKat no. 005 – the Green Goddess – will be sold to the highest offer OVER $3000.00.

AliKat’s David Gartland explained: “This guitar has been called ‘The Green Goddess’ not just because of its slinky curves, but the golden locks of holographic hair running straight down the middle of the lustrous green body.

“Buy it – or any AliKat guitar – and you can have any colour you desire, choose your hardware and strings and, as with all Ali Katz guitars and basses, they are custom-built to the highest standard that your budget will allow.”

The Green Goddess can be viewed at http://www.alikat.com.au and at the Whitmore Hotel on Sunday May 1. Orders for the new guitar – or any AliKat creation – can be placed on the day, and also through www.alikat.com.au.

What, when and where: AliKat guitars will launch the “SBJ TeleKat” on Sunday, May 1 at the Whitmore Hotel, featuring a performance by Sweet Baby James with ‘Blues Avenue’ from 2pm-5pm. Table bookings for “Cajun Sunday” lunch are recommended on 8231 5533.

For more information contact: davegartland@internode.on.net
Or: james@sweetbabyblues.com

Contact Blue Ring Records: Denis Surmon: 0416 215756, denis@blueringrecords.com
www.blueringrecords.com

The SBJ Telekat - Alikat's new Sweet Baby James signature model 6-string guitar

Three hits for a Mrs, and more to come

March 24, 2011. Amber Joy Poulton, South Australia’s Queen of Country Music, has yet another chart hit on her hands, the third from her Taking Goodbye album released in 2009.

Break Even entered the Country Music Radio Top 30 last week week and has risen to No. 24. Break Even joins Rising Star (No. 26 @ 4+ weeks in the charts) and Close Enough which climbed to No. 13 (15 weeks in the charts) in a cluster of successful new country music tunes released from Amber’s debut album. [see: http://www.countrymusicradio.com.au/CT30/chart.cfm]

Filling out the accolades for the diva was Good Old Fashioned Days winning Best Traditional song for 2009, and Taking Goodbye winning Best Traditional Song for 2010. And, with a bit of luck, there’s more to come, says Amber Joy who is watching the progress of Break Even closely with an eye to yet another single release from the same CD later in the year to coincide with her (and her band The Holy Men) appearance on Cruisin’ Country leaving from Sydney in late October.

Amber Joy Poulton at Tamworth 2011

“I’m thinking of releasing the title song of the album in June and later in the year I will be looking at releasing a cover song from a new album we are currently working on.”

The new album, still waiting for the finishing touches, is a collection of country music classics to support her very popular Honky Tonk Angels show. Honky Tonk Angels is the story of Loretta Lynn and friends told in musical cabaret format. The show played to full houses in both the recent Adelaide Festival Fringe and the 2010 Festival Fringe and was a hit at the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Next for Amber and the Holy Men is a three-gig run through Country Victoria in April followed in May by a Queens of Country show at the Railway Country Music Club (West Beach).

For more information contact: Amber Joy Poulton: 0411 230 822, or amberpoulton@hotmail.com
Released by: Blue Ring Records for: Amber Joy Poulton

Cabaret Festival surprise package re-opens at the 2011 Fringe

Contemporary pop/jazz singer songwriter Robby returns to the Promethean with her band and a new show for the 2011 Adelaide Festival Fringe. My Favourite Shoes is a two hour session of uplifting music, intoxicating melodies and rhythms with Robby on piano and vocals as well as guitar (and vocals), Denis (The Preacher) Surmon on double bass and Jeff Clarke on drums, backing vox and percussion.
Hailed as the surprise sensation of the 2010 Cabaret Fringe, Robby continues to create songs that resonate with the everyday, skirting the edges of contemporary lounge jazz.

All you need to know about Robby and her band – My Favourite shoes
Promethean Theatre, 116 Grote St, Adelaide, SA
When: 5pm Sunday 27 February 2011
Price: $25 (+ bf), Concessions available $20
Tickets: Fringe Tix: 1300374643

Also at the Adelaide Fringe… more friends of Blue Ring Records:

Friday, February 25 Amber Joy Poulton and the Holy Men present Honky Tonk Angels – the Loretta Lynn Story at the Quality Hotel Adelaide (North Adelaide) ‐ in the Wakefield Room.
Honky Tonk Angels is a musical cabaret treat and has engendered quite a following since it premiered at the 2009 Cabaret Fringe. Available tickets are few – if you want to see some cracking country music cabaret with a rockin’ band and snappy dialogue – you’d better get cracking!

And… until March 13 The Fab 4 will be performing a new show at the 2011 Fringe Festival called ‘Beatle Soup’. The show focuses on the early days of the Beatles when they were broke, overworked and underpaid, struggling through 8 hour gigs in Hamburg, Germany in 1962. The Beatle Soup season will be performed at The Cavern Club, Nth Terrace and tickets are on sale now from both the Cavern and Fringe Tix.

Friday March 4 Amber Joy Poulton and the Holy Men return to the Old Adelaide Quality Hotel for the second and final showing of Honky Tonk Angels – the Loretta Lynn Story. But you’d better hurry. It’s almost sold out!

see also: http://www.blueringrecords.com

Mike Rann needs more cheese

Rannie seems hard-pressed to make a smile these days, especially with the absence of Foliate; what he needs, says Hot Damn TamElvis, one of the dead living Kings of Rock and Roll, is more cheese!
“And I should know,” says the former King of Rock and Roll and now purportedly dead celebrity, “Back before Mr Rann became king of the county he called in The Fat Elvises as cheese advisers. You can see from the picture we’re giving Rannie the gorgonzola right up the ol’ Västerbotten – and didn’t it do him some good?

“Now I’m set to have a big resurrection for my birthday party on January 8 but… I felt a little poorly since my supposed death many years ago. However, I was not gonna let my flaming star go dull just because I was a ragged and skanky ol’ skellington so I just piled on the cheese to make the party zing.
“When someone as cheesy as I am needs more cheese I know exactly where to look, says Hot Damn TamElvis. “My agent Major Tom went out and hired me the second biggest cheese outside of Grosslands – Chad Romero.
“That’s right, folks… between Me and Chad I reckon we’re gonna turn the Governor of Hindmarsh Hotel into a giant swiss cheese fondue spa party.
“There’s gonna be me and all my multiple personalities that have emerged since my purported death in 1977 and there’s gonna Chad Romero and the cheesemaids or the cheesemakers or whatever and there will be sody pop and root beer and real happy but incredibly cheesy good times – providing I don’t ‘purportedly die on the dunny again. My doctor – that’s Doctor Nick, the guy who kept me high for nigh on twenny years – has warned me to lay off cheese ‘cause my arteries shrivelled up more than 30 years ago but who’d take advice from a quack who tipped a quart of Quaaludes in your cokey-cola!
“Now I’m still a little bit dead so I might not have got everything as right as I ought to but I can tell you this; If Mike Rann wants to be the Big Cheese for ever he’s gonna have to get along to the Governor of Hindmarsh Hotel on January 8 to get a mighty big serve of the Fat Elvises and the Chad Romero’s Cheesy Cabernet Cabaret.

The FAT ELVISES Celebratin’ the King’s birthday… with a twist! King-size rockin’ comedy with ample sideburns, jumpsuits and jivin’ performing with Chad Romero’s Cabernet Cabaret at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Sat, January 8, 8.30pm
Tickets $17 ($22 at door) but you’d better pre-book NOW!!!!
Phone The Gov: 8340 0744; see: http://www.thegov.com.au/gig-guide.html
Pre-booked tickets $17 ($22 at door)
See: http://www.blueringrecords.com/content/view/106/64/

Boxing Day Test – not the one you’re thinking of

Junglebean brings you a ‘Boxing Day Test’, a hard-hitting play about family, loss and how what we perceive as children can change us as adults.

‘Boxing Day Test’ was written by award-winning South Australian director and playwright, Michael Hill; the script was shortlisted for the Jill Blewett Playwrights Award in 2002 (under the title Poor Brother).

Directed by Duncan Graham, ‘Boxing Day Test’ stars Nic English, Patrick Frost, Renee Gentle and Tim Overton and is brought to South Australian audiences by local independent company Junglebean, the collective brainchild of AC Arts Acting grads Nic English, Renee Gentle and Tim Overton.

Boxing Day Test opens at the Bakehouse Theatre (255 Angas Street, Adelaide) from November 25 – December 11.

Michael Hill has recently directed God of Carnage for the State Theatre Company of SA starring Kim Gyngel. Among his recent directing credits are Waiting for Godot (State Theatre); Lion Pig Lion, (State Theatre) and American Buffalo (Bakehouse Theatre). He is also a performer in Geek-a-billy band pan!c and was a singer/guitarist in The Grouse and The Range Rovers.

For information see: http://www.lowdown.net.au/Article/JunglebeanbringyouaBoxingDayTest
See: http://www.bakehousetheatre.com/
Contact: Michael Hill: 0411 841645
See also: http://www.blueringrecords.com/

Mike Hill playing his guitar and singing while parasailing

Stop! There’s a Poster Thief About

“Someone in Adelaide is secretly amassing a collection of band posters – in pristine condition,” said Susan Skujins, Entertainment Manager of the Wine Underground music venue in Pirie Street.
“Almost every week band posters have been spirited off the windows of the venue, sometimes within a day of them being posted,” she said. “I am expecting them to turn up in a ‘Poster Exhibition’ or even on eBay.
“There have been posters removed after a gig for band signings, and we encourage that, but the ones that puzzle me happen usually within 24 hours of the posters going up, and it’s being done completely undetected,” she said.
“I think it’s a token of respect to the bands whose posters are souvenired,” Susan said, “… and some of the posters are fantastic, really worth keeping but it’s a bit of a pain having to request a new batch when the first lot go missing.
“I only hope we get an invitation to the ‘showing’ at some future date when the thief reveals him- or her-self.”

The Wine Underground features Old Skool Rock ‘n’ Roll next Sunday , November 7, with The Cat’s Pyjamas. Live music starts around 5 pm.

See: http://www.blueringrecords.com
CatsLogoButILIkeIt

No time for The Blues for Jimmy 2-hats

There will be no time for The Blues this weekend for Sweet Baby James Meston.

Australian Blues Ambassador - 'Sweet Baby' James Meston

James Meston, better known as blues guitarist “Sweet Baby” James, will be wearing a different hat this coming weekend when the Adelaide Entertainment Centre presents the Double M Fest on Sunday October 31, which celebrates the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.

James will adopt an ‘off-stage’ capacity as the festival’s Event Manager.

A ‘degree’ student in Event Management, James has been on the project virtually since its inception.

“This show presents a fantastic line-up of young and exceptional talent,” James said.

“Double M Fest is set to be an absolutely electrifying concert event which will showcase the talents of Stan Walker (multi-platinum solo artist, Australian Idol), Paulini (Australian Idol, Young Divas, Solo Artist), The ‘Da Klinic’ Breakdance Crew and the finest performers from Catholic Secondary Schools across SA.

“Stan Walker was the winner of Australian Idol in 2009 and has since gone on to move to the forefront of the Australian pop music scene,” James said. “He has had numerous Top 5 singles in both Australia and New Zealand and earned the admiration of international superstar Michael Buble.”

“The amount of work required to get the show up and keep it rolling towards the ‘big day’ is mind-boggling,” James said. “But the big reward is having the opportunity to work with young performers who have such amazing talent and infectious enthusiasm for what they do,” James said.

“And being involved in planning an event of this size certainly helps you feel more kindly towards managers of music events of the kind we (Sweet Baby James and Rob Eyers) have been playing at around Australia and overseas over the years.

The Double M Fest incorporates 2 main stages, sideshows, food, stalls and 3 and a half hours of non-stop entertainment.

Phone: (08) 8301 6629
email: James.Meston@ceo.adl.catholic.edu.au
See: http://www.myspace.com/sbjandrobeyers
See: http://sweetbabyjames.limewebs.com/index.htm
See: http://www.blueringrecords.com

Walkin’ the Line takes a run up to the Murraylands

Walking the Line – Australia’s Number 1 Johnny Cash Showband featuring Rohan Powell as Johnny Cash and Amber Poulton as June Carter is sharing the bill with a long list of entertainers at the Murraylands Music Festival held in Tailem Bend on October 29, 30 & 31.

The walking the Line Band featuring Rohan Powell and Amber Poulton

“Johnny” and the Walking the Line Band hit the main stage on Saturday October 30 at 1.00 pm; “June” joins them for a rousing June and Johnny duet set at 5.00 pm.
Amber Poulton – now a rising star of country music – will perform a set of her own material earlier in the day.

Amber Joy Poulton

Growing interest in Amber’s projects – both her own music and Honky Tonk Angels – the Loretta Lynn Story, and the continued interest in the Walking the Line show have led to Rohan, Amber and band being invited to perform on the bill with Kenny Rogers at the Festival Centre in January.
“We’ll be just back from Tamworth a few days before,” Amber said, “… so we’ll be in match condition for the Kenny Rogers show. Rohan and I will be using the opportunity to showcase some of our own tunes as well as rolling out a few gems from both our cabaret shows.”
“For a sample of what to expect in January, take a nice drive to Tailem Bend for the festival and join the crowds; we’ll be doing the whole June and Johnny show. And the Murraylands Music Festival is a lot of fun, offering a top line-up of great musicians and entertainers.”
The Murraylands Music Festival features Australia’s best professional artists as well as a talent quest that is run in conjunction with the South Australian Council for Country Music.
Over the last few years the festival has been a catalyst for a number of young performers who have gone on to win state and national awards as well as performing with Australian identities.
Supported by the Coorong District Council, the 3 day festival is held in the main street of Tailem Bend and provides music, activities for children, showcases local produce and is fully catered. This year’s list of entertainers features:
Black Hats
Jim Hermel
Rustlers
Phil King & friends
Amber Joy Poulton
Graeme Hugo
John O’Dea
Johnny Cash/June Carter Show
The Beggars with Trev Warner

The Beggars

Sandra Humphries
Bones and Bristles

Information: The Murraylands Music festival is held in TAILEM BEND MAIN STREET on 29th, 30th & 31st October.

A WEEKEND PASS for a 3-Day Wristband will be available
(and concession for seniors/Friends of Country Music members). Students gold coin entry
No eskies on Saturday/Sunday and BYO chair – there’s a lot of music to hear!

For more live music and entertainment news see: www.blueringrecords.com

I Know it’s only rock and roll…

But I like it!
Dancing is the new social phenomenon, with many old styles making a comeback and competing with newer forms of synchronised rhythmic callisthenics. Just Google ‘dance classes Adelaide’ to see the plethora of results even for this joint! However, sticking to the basics, Swing is big; so is Blues Dancing and Rock and Roll. Which brings us to the Cat’s Pyjamas…

On Sunday October 16 the Wine Underground (121 Pirie Street, Adelaide) presents an afternoon of Rock and Roll with the Cat’s Pyjamas. Come and see some of the city’s finest Rock and Roll dancers cut the rug, or get involved and join in the fun. The Cat’s Pyjamas plays rock and roll – as it should be played – from every decade since R-O-C-K was born. Live music starts around 5 pm. Chairs provided for those who burn out!
See http://www.blueringrecords.com.

Church City Blues has served up a feast of blues dancing gigs and classes, but the gig we are promoting is on Saturday October 16 at CUSHDY (279a Hindley St, Adelaide (Upstairs – (12.30pm til 3.30am-ish) featuring SWEET BABY JAMES & ROB EYERS playing some awesome live tunes till early in the morning.
A few borrowed words about Blues Dance: Drawing influences from Balboa, Lindy-Hop, Hip-Hop and Ballroom, Blues Dancers utilise what they can from wherever they can to create a dance that feels good. Because that is what Blues is about. The journey and movement, as well as the destination.
Go here: http://churchcityblues.com/index.html for information and registration.