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: [email protected]