Blog

TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 - Friday 27TH JAN 2017

27/1/2017

Last full day in Tamworth. Let's see how much I can cram in.

It started off with my last interview at Toyota Festival 106.1FM just after Troy Kemp (such a cool bloke to talk to, but DAMN he is tall). This interview gave me an opportunity to showcase my track 'Get Back Up'.

After the radio interview, it was a mad dash to get to my gig at Centrepoint. I ended up playing this acoustically, which gave it a cool buzz. I sold CDs, had people singing along with me. All in all ... another cool gig.

This was followed up not to long after with a show at the ABC Stage on Peel Street. Although this event wasn't performed in the comfort of an air conditioned room, people really enjoyed the show still.

Realistically, after that ... most of the hard work during this week was over. We checked out a couple for acts throughout the festival, and picked up a CD or 2, but otherwise it was time to have a drink, and reflect on an amazing week. What better way to do that than to knock into Shane Nicholson at Tamworth Hotel, just before he sings a guest spot for KB & The Flood. What a legend. I can't wait to sing alongside him at Norfolk Island in May.

Well that's it for the blogs till I get into tour or festival mode again. Thank you to the people I met on the journey. Thank you to old friends who I was able to reunite with. Thank you to the people who asked for the blog, and read our progress. Thank you to Tamworth for giving me the opportunity to sing at multiple locations, and share my new CD. And thank you finally to my wife Maree for coming with me to our second Tamworth Country Music Festival and having a great time.

See you all soon.

get_back_up.mp3
File Size:	3729 kb
File Type:	mp3

TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 - Thursday 26TH JAN 2017

26/1/2017

Another outstanding day in the Australian Capital of Country Music. This time on Australia Day.

It started of with Maree, Klein The Kiwi, and I popping into the Big Golden Guitar centre, and who do we walk into? Lyn Bowtell and her family. That woman's positivity is infectious.

We followed this up with another trip into the heart of town, where we were able to catch up with a few CMAA Academy of Country Music Senior Graduates from last year (as a few were off home shortly after). It was awesome to catch up with everyone who could make it, and I hope to see them all again sooner rather than later.

We found a few New Zealand Country Music artists in our travels as well. At one point, it seemed that the Pig & Tinder Bar was taken over. Pretty serious stuff on Australia Day.

After that, we made our way towards the Tamworth Services Club where I was asked to be a special guest artist for Luke O'Shea. He put on a really enjoyable show. It was an honour just to be asked, but it was outstanding to get huge support from the audience for an acoustic version of my new song 'Crossroads' (which was backed up by the talented Phil Doublet ... who also co-wrote the song with me). Here's some footage of my performance.

We ended our night with dinner upstairs and wandered up the road to Tamworth Hotel, where KB (Kevin Bennett) was playing with his band. It was a great night, with various artists throughout performing Australian songs (it was Australia day after all), before finishing with my favourite, 'Don't Look Back At Me'.

Anyway, I've got a radio interview in the morning, as well as 2 shows tomorrow, so I'm gonna wrap it up there today. One more full day of Tamworth, and we'll be jetting it back to the tropical sun of Dunedin ... I hope.

TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 - Wednesday 25th Jan 2017

25/1/2017

After a slow rise to the day, we cruised into the heart of Tamworth to the Fanzone stage. The intent was to just watch my fellow CMAA Senior Academy buddy (and previous Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year) Tania Cornish perform, however we ended up staying and watching the Wolfe Brothers (outstanding). We also had the opportunity to watch Warren H Williams and Dani Young, who we will meet properly in May at Norfolk Island. Fanzone also became an opportunity for our trip mascot Klein The Kiwi to have some pictures with other fellow Academy mates.

Tania was playing at The Pub a little later, so we ended up driving out there for a listen. This ended up being a bit of an open mic session, where a few fellow musicians had a go at some songs.

We couldn't stay for the whole thing, as we had tickets to see BBU (Bennett, Bowtell, & Urquhart) at West League Blazers. They were outstanding as always. Was great to see their special surprise guest Kasey Chambers up for a song too.

We were gutted we couldn't hang around to catch up with the team after their concert, but we had to race off to our next ticketed show 'The McClymonts'. Any group that performs at TRECC (Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre) is extremely outstanding (it's a huge room to fill). They were all talented musicians, and it's not hard to see why they have been able to create 5 quality albums.

That show timed itself perfectly, and we had one more ticketed show to see ... Shane Nicholson at The Pub. I've been a fan of Shane's since I first heard his songs, and it was a privilege to finally see the man at work. He (his band, and many guest appearances) were great entertainers. I can't wait to catch up with him in the less hectic Norfolk Island Country Music Festival in May later this year.

One more day done, only a couple more (+ a travel day) left.

TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 - Tuesday 24th JAN 2017

24/1/2017

Today was a big day, starting with a radio interview on Toyota Festival Radio 106.1FM. I felt it went really well, talking about the CD release, previous accomplishments, upcoming gigs, and concluded with a sing through one of my new songs "I Can't Stay".

After this, we didn't have too much to do, so made an effort to watch a couple of Aussie mates perform on the ABC stage.

The day included a bit of walk through the streets of Tamworth, before we cruised into our first performance of the day ... a New Zealand Showcase at the Tamworth Services Club. The show included Lana Doublet, Phil Doublet, Sue Dyson, and me. Although it wasn't a sell out, it was great to play all my new original tracks live, as well as get an invite to sing "Miss You" with Phil.

It wasn't too long after this that I had another New Zealand Showcase event to play on the Fanzone stage (one of the biggest free public event stages in the festival). This was very well received. I did a short intervew for Kiwi Country TV, sold some CD, and made my way to a very late dinner at Hogs Breath with Maree, Lana, and Phil Doublet. Heaps of laughs, and a perfect finish to another busy day. Bring on tomorrow.

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2017 - Monday 23rd Jan 2017

23/1/2017

The weekend prior to our trip to Australia was in the lower end of New Zealand in an area called The Catlins. It was pretty rainy and miserable the day prior to leaving, however I was sure that the sun of NSW would perk up our spirits.

Our Monday started with us (Maree and I), driving the most direct route we could to Queenstown via Owaka, Clinton, Gore, Lumsden, and Kingston. There were several weather warnings in place, including flooding and wash outs, however we successfully made it to Queenstown airport for our trip.

Waiting for the flight seemed to take forever, however the delay didn't impeed on our trip. We traveled safe and sound through to Sydney with no issues. From here, it was a quick transit through to Sydney Domestic Airport, were we waited for our connecting flight. It was pretty nerve racking, as the first of my Tamworth shows started 50 minutes prior to us boarding our flight. I was beginning to think I wouldn't make it.

Turns our my worries were pointless. As soon as we landed in Tamworth, we sorted the hire vehicle, and raced to the venue where I performed 2 songs off my new album at the CMAA 2016 Senior Graduates concert. They both went very well. I was super excited to see that I made it in time.

After that, although keen to party, we both went to our motel (Stockmans Motel, Tamworth), and checked in. Turns out this was our final move for the day, and we both passed out in bed within minutes. A massive day of travel and gigging finally caught up with us, and we'd need the energy to carry on throughout the week.

Pictured top: our trip mascot Klein the Kiwi having a local refreshment at Sydney domestic Airport during our big day of travel.
Pictured below: A shot of me performing my first show at the CMAA 2016 Senior Graduates concert at South Tamworth Bowlo.

Kelvin's blog - 14 August 2016 (info on my Album Kickstarter)

14/8/2016

The following is all available at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kelvincummingsmusic/kelvin-cummings-debut-country-music-album

This Kickstarter project is to raise money to produce and release a new album of my original music. The recording will feature myself on guitar, and four of the most incredible musicians I've had the pleasure of working with: guitarist Phil Doublet, bassist Craig Reeves, keyboards and pianist Doug Wright, and drummer Marcel Rodeka. After the rehearsal process is done, all I need your help to record and finish it and release the album.

What the funds will go towards:

·        Studio time (10%)
·        Musician Fees (10%)
·        Mixing (20 - 25%)
·        Mastering (15 - 18%)
·        Photography and Videography (10%)
·        Album Artwork (5%)
·        CD Duplication costs (15%)
·        Kickstarter and Stripe (credit card) Fees (10%)

This is the minimum amount we need to raise, in order to bring you a quality recording that will be yours to enjoy, always. Any money we're able to raise above and beyond will go towards helping defray other expenses, promote the album, future touring, and other unforeseen costs.

Kelvin Cummings Bio

Kelvin Cummings has lived and breathed country music all of his life. This urban singer/songwriter puts an honesty and energy into every performance. He won the 2016 Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year months after winning the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards in 2015, and has featured in several New Zealand television appearances.

He is influenced by the honesty of country ballads, as well as the showmanship of artists such as Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, and Garth Brooks.

After graduating from the CMAA (Country Music Australian Association) Academy of Country Music in 2016, he has been working towards the release of his original Album (with the help of Kickstarter).

How to donate (or pre-order your album)

Visit http://bit.do/kckickstarter or www.kelvincummings.com (and click on the KC Album Kickstarter link)
Choose the amount you wish to donate
Log in to Kickstarter
Pay with your credit or debit card
Sit back, relax, and get your reward once the album is finished

THE REWARDS FOR YOUR DONATIONS

Pledge $15 or more - Come, Dig it all
Download the album in your choice of high quality file formats - before the official album release date

Pledge $25 or more - Let's Get Physical
Get a physical copy (signed, if you want!) of the new album delivered to your doorstep (or wherever you get your mail)
+ Personalized thank you!
+Download of the album ahead of the release date

Pledge $40 or more - Twice as Nice
New CD + my first record, Kelvin Cummings "I Want You To Be Happy" + Digital download pre-release

Pledge $50 or more - 1 Video Song + CD
Exclusive YouTube video of one song from the album (directly posted online for you) + CD + Digital download

Pledge $75 or more - 3 in 1!
3 copies of the new CD
+ exclusive YouTube video of one song from the album (directly posted online for you)
+ digital pre-release download

Pledge $100 or more - All Exclusive Video
All the exclusive video of the sessions + behind the scenes footage!
+ new CD and digital download!

Pledge $125 or more - How Embarrassing
The camera isn't always kind, and I've got the pictures to prove it. I'll send you a few of my selfie (and other) photo flops for your amusement.
+ All the rewards at the $100 level!

Pledge $150 or more - Skype session
Shop Talk: A one-hour Skype lesson/session of your choosing: talk vocals, guitar, writing, discuss philosophy, etc. You decide!
+ digital download

Pledge $250 or more - Music Scores
Sheets/scores for the tunes on the album (exclusively available through this Kickstarter)
+ All the $100 level rewards!

Pledge $500 or more - Come see us + Album cred!
Two reserved seats for our CD release show (or another show of your choice), and meet the band! AND your name in the 'Thank You's' of the album liner notes!
+ 2 signed copies of the new Album and pre-release download
+ All videos!
(note: your travel costs not included)

Pledge $1,000 or more - Song Request
Pick a song/piece! I will write and record/video an arrangement the song you choose (some conditions apply!).
+ All the rewards at the $100 level!

Pledge $1,250 or more - House Concert
House Concert!
Live concert at your home (within 400km of Dunedin NZ).
+ All the rewards at $100
Please contact me if you're considering this option so we can discuss details

Thank you for your support.

Kelvin's Blog - 14 August 2016

14/8/2016

WINTER KC WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Shannon Clarke (NZ) on winning a up close and personal in-house/backyard concert. All she needed to do was like and share Kelvin Cummings Music online. Because of the large number of likes, we also have runner up prizes of KC t-shirts going out to Arna Stoupas (Australia) and Doug Blakie (NZ). Well done to everyone, and we look forward to rewarding you all for your support again in the future.

KELVIN CUMMINGS ON KICKSTARTER

We've been talking it up all year. The new album, this time with fresh original songs, as well as a couple that have become Kelvin Cummings trademarks. But we need your help.

Please donate what you can to this cause. This album will not get created without your support, so visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kelvincummingsmusic/kelvin-cummings-debut-country-music-album with an open heart.

MORE LIVE SHOWS ANNOUNCED

We are pleased to announce a number of upcoming dates in New Zealand venues. You can find out about these via "Kelvin Cummings Music" on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER. If you want Kelvin to play in and around your town, contact us athttps://form.jotform.co/40021845427852.

KELVIN CUMMINGS MUSIC - LIVE FACEBOOK QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Kelvin will be having a live Q&A session on Facebook next Sunday (21st August 2016) from 8pm (New Zealand Time). He will also play a couple of his original tracks acoustically for you (likely to feature in his upcoming album). If you want a glimpse of these new tracks, or you have a question you'd liked answered by the man himself, tune into Kelvin Cummings Music on Facebook this Sunday (8pm New Zealand time).

KELVIN’S WEEKLY BLOG – 9 MAY 2016

9/5/2016

Last tickets of virtual concert at StageIt.com

This Thursday (9pm NZT) I am playing my last event before leaving New Zealand for the Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year Awards.

Tickets are now incredibly limited for my show, where I'll share my new and exciting music cowritten with award winning Australasian artists Kaylee Bell, Kevin Bennett, and Phil Doublet.

Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/KCTTEOTY, and be rewarded with a personal shot out ... and an unplugged demo track of my new sound. Don't miss out.

Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year Entrants 2016

Next week I'm proud to fly the New Zealand flag at this prestigious event. As well as entertaining against Australasia's finest, I have the chance to song write in one of the most beautiful and best kept secret places in the world.

There will be three judges on the panel, one New Zealand, one Australian and one Norfolk Island.

I'll keep you all up to date via via the Kelvin Cummings Music Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and blog at www.kelvincummings.com.

KELVIN’S WEEKLY BLOG – 25 APR 2016

30/4/2016

SORRY FOR GOING MISSING

I know it's been a while since I posted to you last, however it hasn't meant I've been slacking off. Far from it! Today I'll let you know what I've been up to for the last 3 weeks, and give you the scoop on the next bright things to expect in your future.

SONGWRITING WITH PHIL DOUBLET

It's no secret. I hugely respect the skills of Christchurch born award songwriter Phil Doublet. He is potentially one of the best guitarists in the country, and is humble to go with it. While working it Phil, we were able to refine one of my songs that just had a little something missing with it, as well as create a second track with a theme which was close to both of our hearts. I now therefore have an additional couple of songs to potentially drop onto this upcoming EP, as well as originals with a cool ... almost Texan Bluesy type feel. You'll be able to hear these songs at a live solo performance online (StageIt.com) or in person soon.

SONGWRITING WITH KAYLEE BELL

Another day, another cowrite ... This time with the beautiful and talented Kaylee Bell at the gorgeous Vines Winery in Waimate.

If you're not familiar with who Kaylee is, she has won the prestigious Toyota Star Maker in Tamworth, Australia (previous winners KEITH URBAN, LEE KERNAGHAN) picked up Best Female Country Artist at the NZCM Awards in 2013/14 and the Tui Award for Best NZ Country Album 2014 with HEART FIRST. She is truely one of New Zealands best and most beautiful exports.

It was incredible to have her come with a very clear concept of sound for our song write. She had seen me win the New Zealand Gold Guitar awards last year with Randy Houser's "Like A Cowboy", and was very keen to create a song with me that had the same punch and appeal. We definately got that with our song "Get Back Up". I found myself singing it for day's after (not getting tired of i). We've found it's appropriate key, it's been played and well received live in a couple of smaller shows, and will definately be recorded/produced. I will drop it in the 2016 New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards Grand Final concert this year for you. I know you will all love it. This song is epic

KARL BROADIE ... LEGEND

Although it's been a month of highs, it has also been a month of tragic loss.

The wonderfully talented songwriter, and all round great guy has died. Karl Broadie was a tutor of mine at the CMAA Academy Of Country Music this year, and was in my mind one of the most gifted songwriters. Although I only knew him this year, I consider him to be a dear friend, and hearing about his passing after a rapid cancer was identified a couple of months ago, was a huge shock to both me and the world.

Karl, you have left us with so many wonderful memories. We all feel blessed for having you in our lives.

TRANS-TASMAN ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 2016 IS ALMOST HERE.

Less than a month away till Trans Tasman Entertainer Of The Year, and I'm getting excited to perform. After a little bit of digging, I looked into my fellow compeditors for the event. The Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year Entrants for 2016 are...

Representing New Zealand:
Phoebe Ball – Waikato Country Music
Gina Keating – Easter BOP Country Music
Zara Buckton – Tauranga Star Awards
Kelvin Cummings – Gore Golden Guitar
Tegan Reid- Auckland

Representing Australia:
Jasmine Atkins – CCMA National Talent Quest
Mathew Pratt SA Champion of Champs
Sam Maddison – Gympie Music Muster
Judah Kelly- Charters Towers
Mikara Grant Freeman- Qld Champion of Champs

For those people who don't know, there will be three judges on the panel, one New Zealand, one Australian and one Norfolk Island. It is a wonderfully fair competition and I wish all of the contestants the very best.

KELVIN CUMMINGS TRANS-TASMAN ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR PRESHOW
(ONLINE STREAMED CONCERT)

I want to share new and exciting music which I wrote with award winning Australasian artists Kaylee Bell, Kevin Bennett, and Phil Doublet.

As well as sharing my awesome new original tracks, I want to give you an acoustic preview of the type of songs I'll be singing at this year's as I represent NZ in the Norfolk Island Country Music Festival's Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year 2016.

Only 100 tickets available for this unique online show, so share this with your nearest and dearest. This may be by last "STAGEIT" show, so don't miss out.

SIGN UP AT: https://www.stageit.com/…/trans_tasman_entertainer_of…/55201

REWARD: Not only will the top supporter get a personal dedication for the last song, but I will flick them a free acoustic demo of one of my new tracks (email required).

WHEN:
2:00am May 12 PDT/Pacific Daylight Time (LA, USA)
9:00pm May 12 New Zealand Standard Time
8:00pm May 12 Norfolk Island Time
7:00pm May 12 Brisbane QLD, Sydney NSW, Canberra ACT, Australia Time

TICKET PRICE: Pay What You Can | Only 100 tickets available

KELVIN’S WEEKLY BLOG – 4 APR 2016

4/4/2016

GUEST APPEARANCE FOR CROMWELL COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

I was welcomed to play the special guest spot at the Cromwell Country Music Club, yesterday at Cromwell Town & Country Club, Melmore Terrace, Cromwell. It was a sensational afternoon of entertainment.

There were heaps of incredible moments throughout the show, however one of my highlights was having a New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards catch up with Dusty Spittle (one of the original committee members who created the original Gold Guitar Trophy in the first place).

Thank you to everyone on the Cromwell CMC committee for bringing me in. Thank you to the backing band for playing as well as tight as you did. Thank you especially to everyone to coming down, buying my CDs, singing along with me, giving standing ovations, and asking for the repetitive encore performances. I can't wait to come back and play for you all again soon.

Book Kelvin Cummings for your event

Sign up for Kelvin's monthly newsletter

DO YOU HAVE A GROUP, ORGANISATION, CLUB, ETC ... AND WOULD LIKE ME TO PLAY???

I am always keen to play anywhere. If you and your group/club/etc would like me to perform my music for you, simply contact me via the my easy online booking page. You may find that it is more affordable for me to perform for you than what you think.

Additionally, don't forget that it's free to sign up to my monthly newsletter. Just click on the link above, and all the rest will sort itself.

GOLD GUITAR AWARDS 2016

It's that time of year again.

The 2016 New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards will be held from Friday 3rd June - Sunday 5th June 2016 following a week of country music celebrations, including the NZ Country Music Awards, MLT Songwriting Awards, various concerts & busking competitions.
Every year for the last 42 years Gore has hosted the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards. This event attracts artists from around the world and continues to grow in stature and popularity.
Audience levels reach over 5,000 and the entries in all sections and events total 700 competitors. Visitors to Gore leave with fond memories of the ‘Southern Hospitality’ and along with the locals, just soak up the Country Music atmosphere.
This year the festival begins with the Gore Gold Guitar Young Ambassador show, Songwriting and the NZ Country Music Awards for the RIANZ Best Country Album and APRA Best Country Song finals then the week continues with a walk up concert and inductions into the MLT Hands of Fame Show.
The NZ Gold Guitar Awards are held annually on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Queen’s Birthday Weekend. Each day auditions are held in two venues. At the auditions judges choose finalists in the various sections. The Junior and Intermediate finals are held on Saturday night and the senior final night is Sunday. The 40 Plus and 60 Plus finals are held prior to the Professional Artists Showcase concert on Sunday afternoon.
Contestants may enter as an individual, in a duet and/or as part of a group.
Contestants compete in either the junior, intermediate, senior or 40 Plus and 60 Plus sections, depending on their age. There are a variety of sections, including male and female solo, gospel, traditional, country rock, duet, yodeling, vocal group, group NZ composition and instrumental. High quality bands provide backing for contestants. See the rules for details of the conditions of entry.

For more info on booking your entry into this competition (one that has helped me develop into the person I am today), visit http://www.goldguitars.co.nz

Homestay accommodation available. Contact: goldguitarsaccommodation@gmail.com