Festivals
Artists Keep On Coming To Tamworth ’24
The producers of the 2024 Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth have announced the second lineup of ticketed acts for the 52nd event, signaling the start of the countdown to the biggest live country music festival in the country.
Other acts taking the stage in the country music capital of Australia in January are the multi-time Golden Guitar winners and ARIA nominees The Wolfe Brothers, who play the Longyard on January 26 and the legendary Daryl Braithwaite, who play Blazes Showroom on January 27. On January 25 Toyota Star Maker Max Jackson will be present at Moonshiner’s Honky Tonk Bar. The Screaming Jets and Australian rocker Ian Moss will both play at the Longyard Hotel on January 23 and 25, respectively. On January 20, Tamworth native Lane Pittman—who just went on tour with Luke Combs—will have his one and only headline performance at the Tamworth Hotel.
The must see shows continue when on January 19, multi-award winner Kate Ceberano will play at the Longyard, and on January 25, Melbourne’s alt-rock group KINGSWOOD will play at the Tamworth Hotel. On January 22, Luke O’Shea and Kevin Bennett, the Golden Guitar winners, will perform together at the DAG Sheep Station. Alan Fletcher will also be a part of the TC Cassidy, Andy Penkow, and Donella Water performance at the Capitol Theatre.
Barry Harley, the manager of the 52nd Toyota Country Music Festival, believes there will be something for every musical taste at this amazing celebration.
“There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Toyota Country Music Festival, which features thousands of shows over the course of 10 days and hundreds of artists from a variety of genres,”
“We can’t wait to see fans and guests in Tamworth in January and are thrilled to add more incredible artists to the 2024 lineup.”
Beccy Cole has been added to the roster for Orchestral Country, a star-studded special event that will take place at TRECC on Wednesday, January 24. This event, which will be a highlight of the 2024 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival, will bring together some of Australia’s top country musicians with a 30-piece orchestra. Along with two more special guests who have not yet been revealed, other artists participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event include Adam Harvey, Fanny Lumsden, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, and Amber Lawrence!
Col Elliott, Katrina Burgoyne, Gavin Chatelier, Bryce Sainty, Darren Carr, Col Thomson, Tom Maxwell, Graham Rodger, Ash Grunwald, 8 Ball Aitken, Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers, Vixens of Fall, Tom Curtain, Kelly Brouhaha, Hayley Jensen, and Kevin Bennett and The Flood are among the other shows that have tickets available in 2024. The Louisiana Hayride Show, Homecoming with Lily Grace, The Songs and Stories of George Jones with Liam Kennedy-Clark, Women of Country with Lozz Benson, Balladeers on Darling including Anne Fraser, Jason Carruthers, Shelly Jones Band and Peter Smokie Dawson, the 2024 Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards, The Johnny Cash Tribute Show with West Texas Crude, Gunbarrel Highwaymen Final Tour with Reg Poole, Owen Blundell & Terry Gordon, the Luke Combs Tribute Show with Ross Webb & the Rusted Track, Travellin’ Still: The Songs of Slim Dusty with the Slim’s Touring Band & Pete Denahy, Keith Urban, Shania Twain and Bryan Adams Tribute Show with Craig Woodward and Ally Friendship, the 2024 Senior Academy Live, Manilla Community Choir and the ever popular Bush Poets Breakfast.
This comes after an already stellar lineup that features some of the most talented performers in the nation, such as the most successful Golden Guitar winner of all time and Australasian Roll of Renown and ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Kasey Chambers. Troy Cassar-Daley, an ARIA nominee and nine-time Golden Guitar winner Top 2023 Golden Guitar winners Adam Harvey Lee Kernaghan, multiple award winner, country music legend Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley 2023 Toyota Album of the Year and ARIA Award winner Beccy Cole Eight-time Golden Guitar and ARIA award winner Casey Barnes 2023’s Female Artist of the Year is Fanny Lumsden. John Williamson, the renowned country music artist, Graeme Connors, who will commemorate 50 years in the business in 2024, Andrew Swift, the 2023 Golden Guitar winner, and Amber Lawrence 2023 Toyota Star Maker winner Ashleigh Dallas Favourite acts include Loren Ryan, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, multi-award winner Shane Nicholson, and Melinda Schneider, the queen of country music. In addition, the highly anticipated Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, known as the “night of nights” in country music, will take place on Saturday, January 27, at the Tamworth Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC). ARIA nominee and multiple Golden Guitar Award winner Tania Kernaghan, together with 2014 Golden Guitar Award nominee Jason Owen, will host the 2024 awards.
Meanwhile, registration for the 2024 Toyota Country Music Busking Championships is already open for aspiring musicians hoping to secure a seat on the Boulevard of Dreams, located along the notorious Peel Street.
The organisers of the Toyota Country Music Festival are urging buskers of all ages to sign up for the wildly popular competition.
According to Mr. Harley, “one of the most iconic aspects of the Tamworth Country Music Festival is the Toyota Busking Championships, where some of the biggest names in the country music industry, including Keith Urban and Troy Cassar-Daley, got their start.”
“There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs at the 2024 Best of the Buskers concert on Sunday, January 28, in Toyota Park, where the top ten buskers from throughout the 10-day period, as chosen by the judges, will be invited to perform.”
The opening concert of the 52nd Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival, which will take place in Toyota Park, the festival’s largest venue, on January 19, 2024, will feature a number of 2023 winners, including Andrew Swift, Lyn Bowtell, Luke O’Shea, Lane Pittman, Amber Lawrence, and many more. The event will culminate with a breathtaking fireworks display. Every night of the Festival, Toyota Park will be the site of free events, such as the perennially popular Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, Americana in the Park, Back to the Bush, Australia Day Celebrations, and Toyota’s Best of the Buskers.
Vin Naidoo, Chief Marketing Officer of Toyota Australia, stated that Toyota is honoured to be supporting such a remarkable group of Australian artists.
We still urge aspiring musicians to sign up for the Toyota Busking Championships. The talent on show never ceases to amaze, and many of the players on the current lineup got their start in the tournament.
“We’re excited to see how each performer demonstrates their skills for the thousands of attendees of the Toyota Country Music Festival in January.” stated Mr. Naidoo.
Tickets are now on sale for all shows and events, including the prestigious Toyota Golden Guitar Awards.
Stay up to date on the 52nd Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival at www.tcmf.com.au, TCMF Facebook and TCMF Instagram.
Latest News
Tanner Adell’s Summer Anthem “Cowboy Break My Heart
Country music sensation Tanner Adell is set to make waves this summer with her latest single, “Cowboy Break My Heart”, as the song has quickly become a fan favourite, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resilience with a catchy, upbeat melody.
Adell’s new track is a perfect blend of traditional country and modern pop influences, showcasing her unique style and vocal prowess. Written by Adell along with Akil “Worldwidefresh” King, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Will Weatherly, and Anthony Germaine White, “Cowboy Break My Heart” tells the story of a love gone wrong, inspired by a past relationship with a Dallas Cowboys fan. The song’s infectious chorus and relatable lyrics make it an instant anthem for anyone who’s ever experienced heartache.
The release of “Cowboy Break My Heart” comes just in time for Adell’s highly anticipated performances at the Ridin’ Hearts festival in Sydney and Melbourne. Fans are eagerly awaiting her live renditions of the new single, which promises to be a highlight of the festival. Adell’s energetic stage presence and powerful vocals are sure to make her performances unforgettable.
Produced by LVRN Records, the single marks a significant milestone in Adell’s career. Her debut performance of the song at the BET Awards earlier this year was met with widespread acclaim, further cementing her status as a rising star in the country music scene.
As Adell prepares to take the stage at Ridin’ Hearts, “Cowboy Break My Heart” is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, resonating with fans across Australia and beyond. With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and catchy rhythms, the song is a testament to Adell’s talent and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Festivals
The Countdown Is On – 2 Weeks To Ridin’ Hearts ’24
With only 2 weeks to go until Ridin’ Hearts Festival makes its anticipated return to Sydney and Melbourne, the annual music event reveals a raft of new on-ground experiences and activations to knock the boots off any country music lover.
Landing at Sydney Showground on Saturday 2 November and Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens on Sunday 3 November, Ridin’ Hearts dials up the southern charm in 2024, with festival favourites from 2023 along with a slew of brand-new delicacies to sink your teeth into.
Line Dancing makes a hotly anticipated debut in 2024, as Cowboy Disco groovers Country Club host line dancing sessions throughout the day in Sydney and Melbourne. Festivalgoers can prepare to kick up their heels, as they’re guided through two-step routines choreographed to the hottest country hits.
The new Lone Spur Tent, home of Line Dancing, will also host the Silent Disco featuring a playlist of the best new country tunes on offer plus all the classics, curated by Filtr’s Trending Country Playlist. The just-announced winner of Ridin’ Hearts’ Ridin’ Starts emerging talent initiative – Michael Honan – will make his festival debut in the Lone Spur Tent at 3:20pm. Michael impressed with his deep gritty vocal, and is sure to leave a swag of new fans in his wake!
Introducing 2024’s hottest new drinking hole, the Bulldust Bar! For anyone that fancies a taste of the signature Ride ‘Em Gambler cocktail and a game of corn hole in between sets from Cooper Alan, MacKenzie Porter and more, Bulldust has you covered.
No festival is complete without amazing food, and Ridin’ Hearts is well and truly delivering this November. In true country style, some of the best BBQ around will be available on site, with burgers, brisket and more to satisfy every craving. Special mention goes to the iconic Mary’s, who will be providing their mouthwatering must-try burgers to GA and Diamond Club ticket holders in Sydney.
Introducing another festival gem in 2024; the Sparkle Station, your one-stop glitter shop! From face gems to beard glitter, it’s guaranteed to make your photos shine.
After completely selling out of merch last year, the team at Ridin’ Hearts has expanded their official merchandise line, with even more on offer in 2024. Keep an eye out for the team favourite cow print baseball cap!
Take a stroll down Lasso Lane in between sets, to explore market stalls from independent vendors offering handmade items and chic Western fashion. You can even brand your own hat with Brixton! And don’t miss out on the iconic Aussie Footy Shorts stall, popping up in Melbourne.
Artist signings will let you get up close and personal with your favourite Ridin’ Hearts performers. Check out the timetable for Sydney and Melbourne, to make sure you snag your place in the queue!
Ridin’ Hearts is excited to announce Motherland as the official charity partner for 2024! This incredible organisation is a national charity that advocates for the emotional wellbeing of rural mothers in Australia and delivers services that help build resilience and improve mental health outcomes.
A raffle will take place in both Sydney and Melbourne, to help raise vital funds to keep Motherland making a meaningful impact, with epic prizes including a Maton guitar signed by the Ridin’ 2024 lineup, Luke Combs tickets and more..!
The Ridin’ Hearts Diamond Club will take the festival experience to the next level, offering perks to enjoy the festival in style including an exclusive bar and seating, phone charging facilities, premium toilets and powder stations to help keep the country glam on point!
With so much to explore in 2024, the just revealed Ridin’ Hearts site map is the ultimate festivalgoers guide to all the weekend’s highlights, from market stalls to the sparkle station, delectable eats and more. Keep it handy to navigate your way through the ultimate country festival experience. Check out maps for Sydney and Melbourne now.
Complete with a star-studded lineup of country music’s hottest local and international acts – featuring headliner Riley Green (USA) alongside artists sure to get you two-stepping and yeehawing; Cooper Alan (USA), Josh Ross (CAN), MacKenzie Porter (CAN), Tanner Adell (USA), Casey Barnes (AU), Austin Snell (USA), Bella Mackenzie (AU) and DJ Konsky (AU), Ridin’ Hearts 2024 is not to be missed!
Take a look at playing times for Sydney and Melbourne and plan your day!
Tickets are on sale now at ridinhearts.com and frontiertouring.com/ridinhearts.
Festivals
Groundwater Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Amazing Festival
The Groundwater Country Music Festival, held this past weekend on the stunning Gold Coast, once again solidified its reputation as one of Australia’s premier country music events. Celebrating a vibrant blend of both Australian and international country music talent, the festival drew thousands of fans for three days of high-energy performances, community spirit, and a celebration of all things country.
Now in its 10th year, the festival has become a much-anticipated fixture on the Australian music calendar, offering a unique mix of beach culture and country music that continues to attract new fans alongside devoted regulars. From October 18th to 20th, Broadbeach came alive with performances across multiple outdoor stages, with both the music and the ocean providing a picturesque backdrop.
This year’s lineup showcased some of the brightest stars in country music, including both homegrown talent and international acts. One of the weekend’s standout performances was delivered by Australian country music star Kasey Chambers, whose unmistakable voice and captivating stage presence brought the crowd to its feet. Chambers performed a set filled with hits spanning her career, including fan favorites such as “Not Pretty Enough” and “The Captain.” , as well as tracks from her new album “Backbone”. Her heartfelt delivery and ability to connect with the audience demonstrated why she remains one of Australia’s leading country music artists.
Other notable Australian acts included the rising star Brooke Schubert who delivered an electrifying performance that blended modern country with rock influences, sending waves of energy through the crowd, especially for her infectious new single “When I’m Drinkin’ I Smoke”. Shannon Noll also brought his powerful vocals and infectious energy to the stage, giving fans a thrilling live experience. His compulsory performance of “What About Me” is always a crowd favourite, encouraging festival-goers to sing along under the balmy Gold Coast skies.
The international roster didn’t disappoint either. Americana icon Jim Lauderdale, known for his traditional country sound and engaging stage persona, treated fans to a series of hits that reinforced his reputation as a world-class performer. His blend of heartfelt ballads and upbeat country anthems added an international flavour to the festival, further enriching the experience for attendees.
One of the festival’s highlights came from the emerging talent showcased throughout the weekend. Rising stars such as Josh Setterfield and Kora Naughton demonstrated the strength and diversity of Australia’s next generation of country musicians. Naughton, performing tracks including her new single, impressed with her storytelling ability and stage confidence, while Setterfield’s soaring vocals added a powerful edge to the event.
The Groundwater Country Music Festival is not just about the music, though. The festival fosters a strong sense of community, with local food stalls, artisan markets, and beachside activities creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Attendees were seen enjoying laid-back picnics on the beach, while others danced barefoot in the sand, embodying the spirit of the festival, where the beach meets the beats.
“Every year this unique country festival beside the beach gets better giving the tens of thousands of fans that turn out each of the three days an unforgettable live country music experience,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said.
“The Gold Coast has such a vibrant and diverse calendar of annual events and Groundwater Country Music Festival has been a staple on that calendar for the past 11 years, attracting a dedicated community of country music fans from across the
country and overseas to the city every year. That’s great news for local businesses with the festival expected to generate more than $11 million for the Gold Coast economy this year.”
Festival Director Mark Duckworth said this year’s lineup lived up to its promise of delivering a special experience for both the country faithful but also festival goers discovering country music for the first time.
“I don’t think you could have been in Broadbeach over the past three days and not fallen in love with country music,” said Mark. “The energy of country music really took over the Gold Coast this weekend showcasing an incredible and diverse lineup of homegrown and international artists, delivering something very special for everyone. The beachside line dancing was new to our program this year and proved a huge hit with country fans of all ages, as did the corn hole and country markets.”
Despite the large crowds, the festival remained a well-organized and safe event. Security and crowd management were effective, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. Local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafes, restaurants, and shops buzzing with activity throughout the weekend.
As the final notes of the festival rang out across the Gold Coast, it was clear that Groundwater had once again succeeded in delivering an unforgettable weekend. The festival not only brought country music to the beach but also cemented its place as a unique and essential part of Australia’s music festival landscape. Fans will no doubt be counting down the days until they can return for next year’s event, when Groundwater CMF returns from 17 to 19 October 2025.
, and fans will be once again ready to celebrate their love of country music in the sun-soaked paradise that is the Gold Coast.