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.

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.

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.
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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. 

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

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.

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 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). ​

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. 

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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. 

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. 

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

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.
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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