Roxburgh A&P and Cavalcade
It’s not often I get the opportunity to sing my songs to a serious country crowd, but that’s what occurred when I hit the stage at the Roxburgh A&P show. This event is tied in with the Roxburgh Cavalcade, where a number of horses, carts, and riders travel to the regions from throughout the country. It was awesome to see a few familiar faces while I was playing. I felt it quite rewarding in the sense that the audience built up hugely when I sang, and many congratulated me on my show at the end.

​All of this was topped off with a “feel good moment” on my way back to Dunedin to play a wedding, as I pulled over to help a family of Asian drivers try to get their rental car fixed … and when this didn’t work (as I’m no mechanic), I worked as a translator between the daughter of the Asian family and the rental company.

Music at school
One of the things that makes songwriting a challenge to me is finding the hours to get creative while I’m teaching. For those of you who may not know, I am the Head Of Music at East Otago High School (a decile 5 High School in Palmerston Otago … 40-50mins North of Dunedin, New Zealand). This year I feel blessed with a form class who are really REALLY keen on music. This means that I will very likely be able to get creative. There may even be the possibility to have my students write and/or alongside me. What a rich and rewarding life I lead.

Twilight Entertainment Party
One of the music talent agencies I get work through had their managing director celebrate her birthday. As part of this, she hosts an annual music festival type event, which brings in large number from throughout the world. My band “Idol Frets” featured as one of the acts. She said (which was supported by others at this year’s party) that she wanted us to play longer, as she loves the entertainment value we put into our performances. It’s always rewarding to hear positive praise like that.

Preparation for Norfolk Island
I’m in prep mode for Norfolk Island. I’ve selected my songs, sent my charts to the backing band, and have sorted the logistics that are required for a successful trip in Norfolk Island to complete as the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year. I’ll keep you all in the loop, however I want to issue a big thanks to Renny Hantler for his support in letting me know what’s required (in addition to his charting my previous songs). I look forward to performing in what I have been told is a beautiful area of the world.

​Thieves Alley solo show
It was such a great day. Thousands of people shopping for random crafts and stuff, as well as watching a line of performers on 3 different stages throughout the day. Normally Princes St is one of the quieter stages, but I felt this year we put the other stages on their place. Although it wasn't without its challenges (as I broke a guitar string the 2nd song into my hour set, playing a string down for the remainder of my show), it was a great opportunity for Dunedin to set my big contemporary country sound. Thank goodness for backing tracks fattening out the sounds. Thank you to Rotary for the invite to play, The Hits radio station for MCing the stage, and Strawberry Sound for running the audio. 

Cavalcade in Roxburgh this weekend
I look forward to seeing anyone involved in the Roxburgh Cavalcade this Saturday at 2pm. After the huge line of horses and carts cruise into town, I'll play from 2pm for a half hour version of my big sound set. I know you will all appreciate a song and dance with me after what would've been a huge trip. 

Back with Idol Frets
I'm 3 weeks into gigs with my band Idol Frets, and loving the return. Often playing dance covers for musicians can be soul destroying, but I get a huge sense of reward from seeing all of these full dance floors. In the last few days, I've played a live streamed backstage concert, a pub gig, a festival, 4 weddings (including a Hungarian based wedding, a Australian based wedding, a Kiwi country based wedding, and a Gay wedding). It's exhausting, but so so so much fun. 

Songwriting 
It's interesting coming into a new frame of mind with songwriting, as this wasn't one of my strengths before CMAA Academy this year. I'm loving every minute of it though. One thing it has done is get my guitar out a lot more. Each evening I've been jamming though ideas and tunes, often with Maree beside me on the couch. She's even picked up her guitar for a jam/sing from time to time, which is a big thing for her. Songwriting isn't only helping my music career develop, it's making my marriage stronger than ever. 

My first live NZ solo show for 2016 - Thieves Alley Festival Dunedin

​It’s exciting to be back in New Zealand, sharing my music with the world. The first live public opportunity is a solo show as part of the annual Thieves Alley Festival in Dunedin this Saturday (13th Feb). If you are keen to see what this award winning up-and-coming contemporary country singer/songwriter can do, come see me live in the Octagon from 2:15pm (on the Princes Street Stage). I’d love to see you all there.  

Goldfields Cavalcade 2016 Kelvin Cummings Show in Roxburgh.

I’m privileged to say that I will be playing a half hour set of my original and contemporary country music at this years Goldfields Calvalcade in Roxburgh from 2pm on Saturday 20th February. This is the pinicle of what is an incredible annual event, which takes a full week for riders to complete (starting from as far a field as Outram, Waikaka, and Tarras … just to name a few). Thank you Gore Country Music Club for the invite to perform. I know you will be proud to what you hear.
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Kelvin's Interactive Backstage Show

Thank you to everyone how signed up to my debut online streamed concert last Thursday. It was awesome to play and sing for you in an intimate setting. Because of the success of this first show, I will be staging the first Thursday of each month. This means that the next show will be 9pm (NZL) 3rd March. Book your spot out of the limited spaces available at https://www.stageit.com/kelvin_cummings/chill_out_with_kelvin_and_his_new_country_music_sound/53305. Keep an eye on my facebook page for any updates before the show. See you all there (or whoever can book their seats first.
 

​Tamworth
What can I say? The Tamworth experience was absolutely incredible. Everything from the two weeks straight after New Year’s Eve with my new lifetime friends at the CMAA Academy of Country Music through to playing a variety of shows during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. It was all incredible. I mentioned it several times while I was there that I have never felt so at home outside of New Zealand as I was made to feel during my time in Tamworth. I look forward to see you all again in the years to come.

​Live Online Streamed Concert
During the Academy, Amber Lawrence introduced us all to a great online concert site. It excited me so much that I decided to stage my own show, in which I will include some of the new songs that I wrote this year. This will be this Thursday at https://www.stageit.com/kelvin_cummings/kelvin_s_interactive_backstage_show/53060 (9pmNZL,7pm Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra, 6:30pm Adelaide, 6pm Brisbane, …). I’d love for you all to book a spot. All proceeds from this online gig will go towards my new EP. 

​Award winner … again
I was really fortunate to win the CCMA (Capital Country Music Association) National Talent Quest Male Vocalist of the Year award while in Tamworth. Thank you very much to all my support crew, and the CCMA people involved in staging this event. 

​Trans-Tasman Entertainer Of The Year – Norfolk Island
As I finished in Tamworth, I refocus on the next few months. This includes a trip to the Norfolk Island based Trans-Tasman Entertainer Of The Year in May. It is exciting to represent both my music as well as New Zealand on an international stage. Stay tuned into my blogs to hear about my preparations and progress.

​Weekly Blogs
Speaking of blogs, as I’m back into teaching at East Otago High School, gigging in the weekend, songwriting, plus more … my blogs will need to be a little bit more manageable. I’m still really keen to keep you updated with everything, so as a result, I will be going weekly with these blogs. This will be supported with a monthly newsletter. With my Facebook updates each date, the weekly blog, and monthly newsletter, you will be in the front seat there with me, as I target the Country Music scene both in New Zealand and Internationally.