Latest news with #CountryMusicHonours
Otago Daily Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Music festival one of many stops on working holiday
Country music enthusiasts, musicians and other festival-goers have rolled into Gore for its country music festival, and so too have its volunteers. Working holidaymakers Sally Laws and Kevin Jackson are two of those volunteers and have parked their 7m retro house bus at Gore's A&P Showgrounds to help out at the 11-day Tussock Country music festival. Mr Jackson, originally from South Africa, has a background in engineering and is translating those skills into helping festival trustee and sound engineer Jeff Rea with sound. Ms Laws, from the United Kingdom, has been on the doors of events and working at the festival's merchandise stand inside the St James Theatre. The couple both have working-holiday visas and have been travelling the country and working seasonally. Over summer, they ran a small family campsite at Lake Benmore, which was in a beautiful part of the country that they really enjoyed, Ms Laws said. The pair also picked hops in Wai-iti, near Nelson, and after the festival they are going back up to the top of the South Island to Richmond, to work in a tree nursery. The pair had heard good things about that area in the winter and were looking forward to less rain, as that could be a problem for a house bus. The damp was more of a problem in their Nissan Civilian, she said. "Cold is fine, damp is less fine." Ms Laws said they both worked the Country Music Honours event that kicked off the whole festival and the Late Night event on Saturday and were looking forward to the busking competition and Gold Guitar Awards in the coming days. Her favourite of what she had seen was the honours event as they had no idea what they were getting into when they signed up and the show gave some good history and background to the festival. She also really loved seeing Tami Neilson, getting to know volunteers, hearing the different types of songwriting that New Zealand had to offer and trying the St James' ice cream. There were quite a few festival-goers at the showgrounds where they were staying, she said, as well as rugby practices and children doing cross-country, an amusing snapshot of Gore life. They had been well looked after by the grounds caretaker, Dawn Ross, who had given them a nice camping spot and was checking on them, and they had even bumped into each other at the festival.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Legendary Artist Willie Nelson Congratulates Tami Neilson In Beautiful Tribute Video
In a special addition to Gore's annual Country Music Honours on Friday 23 May, audiences witnessed the emotive debut of the Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music in Aotearoa. The inaugural recipient of this award was the acclaimed Tami Neilson, who was recognised for her outstanding impact and unwavering dedication to the country music scene - in front of a sold out theatre in NZ's country music capital. The Honour took Neilson by complete surprise as she stood on stage to watch a beautiful tribute video featuring Jesse Mulligan (RNZ), the Topp Twins, her Canada-based brother Todd Neilson, and the one and only Willie Nelson. Overcome with emotion during her acceptance speech, Neilson bid farewell to her fake lashes mid-sentence as she thanked the country music community for decades of support. The video opened with artists and industry members describing Tami's voice in a few words, such as 'rich and captivating' (Teresa Patterson, Head of Music, NZ On Air) and 'lungs of gold,' (award-winning songwriter Ebony Lamb). The Topp Twins, Dame Jools and Lynda Topp, reminisced on their instant love of Tami's music and the pride they feel in watching her climb the ranks and keep the door kicked open for the emerging artists behind her. In the tear filled theatre, Tami watched the video conclude with the whakatauki 'ka mua ka kite a muri,' from fellow country artist Nicola Mitchell, just before Tami's songwriting hero Willie Nelson appeared on screen to offer the English translation; Those who lead, give light to those who follow. The Honour followed a huge week for Neilson, with the announcement of her nationwide Neon Cowgirl tour and her new single 'Borrow My Boots' being added to rotation on NZME's new country music radio station; iHeartCountry New Zealand. Despite being one of the most significant figures to ever emerge from country music stages in Aotearoa New Zealand, this is the first time Tami's music has been playlist on commercial terrestrial radio in New Zealand. A moment that marks the beginning of a new era for an artist who has fiercely carved her own path in the music industry for over thirty years. The Country Music Honours are delivered by the NZ Songwriter's Trust, which is led by Gore local Vanessa Harvey. The Honour for Contribution to Country Music fills an important gap in the local music industry, acknowledging those both on and off the stage who have contributed to the growth of the country music genre. Vanessa shares, 'This recognition for Tami is well overdue and we feel so privileged to have had her in Gore for the Country Music Honours this year. New Zealand audiences and artists have been inspired and uplifted by her for decades and there is nobody more fitting for our first Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music.' The Honours are rapidly becoming a calendar staple for many music lovers and are one of over 70 events in Gore's 10 day Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival - held in Gore in late May each year. The Country Music Honour for APRA Best Country Song was awarded to Holly Arrowsmith for 'Blue Dreams' and the Country Music Honour for the MLT Songwriting Award to Nicola Mitchell, Byllie-Jean Zeta, and Em-Hayley Walker (Theia, Te Kaahu) for their waiata 'Wā/Time'
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Holly Arrowsmith wins Best Country Music Song
music national 41 minutes ago Last night the APRA Country Music Honours were held in Gore, bringing the country's - best country crooners under one roof. The award for the Best-Country-Music-Song was awarded to singer/songwriter Holly Arrowsmith for her song Blue Dreams. The track delves into life as a first-time parent, surviving those early days of chronic exhaustion while managing the burden of responsibility and bringing life into such a turbulent world. Holly speaks to Mihi Forbes.
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Neilson awarded Country Music Honour
Performing at the Country Music Honours last night in Gore are (from left) Maia Fletcher, Nicola Mitchell and Liv Cochrane. PHOTOS: ELLA SCOTT-FLEMING A piece of country royalty was beamed into Gore last night. Willie Nelson was on screen at the St James Theatre via video to end a touching six-minute tribute to Tami Neilson. She received the inaugural Country Music Honour for contribution to country music in New Zealand. Top country music artists from across the country gathered for the Country Music Honours event, beginning the 10-day Tussock Country festival. During the proceedings, two songwriting awards were announced. South Island songwriter Holly Arrowsmith was presented with the Apra Best Country Music Song Award for the title track from her 2024 album Blue Dreams. The new mother, whose album delved into life as a first-time parent, was thrilled to win. The Country Music Honour for the MLT Songwriting Award, which is for unreleased originals from New Zealand, went to Gore's own Nicola Mitchell, alongside her fellow wāhine Māori Byllie-Jean Zeta and Em-Hayley, for the song Wā/Time. Returning from a full-immersion te reo course in Ōtaki in the Kapiti Coast, Ms Mitchell is teaching a Folk Waiata-writing workshop during the festival with her twin sister Maegan on Tuesday. Nominees for the Apra Best Country Music Song award (from left) Holly Arrowsmith, Tami Neilson and Mel Parsons. The twins, their older sister Jenny and father Ron will be taking over the Saint James today for their first official eponymous show. She will also be hosting a waiata-writing workshop for children under her persona Niccolo Piccolo on Wednesday. Catlins-based songwriter Lachie Hayes was the runner-up for the MLT Award with his song A Short Time. A video celebrating Ms Neilson's career was played including tributes from fellow artists the Topp Twins, RNZ's Jesse Mulligan and 92-year-old Nelson. Nelson, in a brief appearance right at the end of the video, congratulated Ms Neilson and said "those who lead give light to those who follow". New Zealand artist and producer Delaney Davidson said Ms Neilson came into his life "like a bolt of lightning, out of nowhere" while he and fellow artist Marlon Williams were working on a country sound in Lyttelton. She "kicked off his production career" by asking him to produce her song Dynamite. Much was made during the ceremony of the opportunities Ms Neilson had created for the emerging artists around her.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Country Music Festival Kicks Off This Weekend In Gore
Gore is tuning up for a high-energy, star-studded celebration as Bayleys Tussock Country – New Zealand's Country Music Festival opens for the fourth year this weekend. With a packed programme of 72 events over 10 days, near sold-out shows, and visitors arriving in droves, the Southland town is primed to host one of the nation's most exciting emerging events. The festival launches with the Country Music Honours, a glittering opening night showcasing national songwriters and headliners Tami Neilson, Mel Parsons, and Barry Saunders. The evening will also welcome key representatives from across the New Zealand music industry, including NZ On Air, Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS, and the New Zealand Music Commission — making it one of the most significant nights on the kiwi country music calendar. The event is all but sold out, with just a handful of tickets remaining. By Saturday, the town will be alive with music, workshops and community activity. The daytime schedule offers a range of health, songwriting and industry information workshops tailored for musicians looking to grow their craft and careers, alongside line dancing and the community welcoming event Saturday Saloon Social. And when the sun goes down, Gore will light up with a triple-header Saturday night that showcases the festival's diversity and depth. MITCHELL at the St James Theatre is a one-time, full band concert featuring a Gore musical family, the Mitchells. Led by Ron Mitchell—a farmer, Tui nominee and three-time MLT NZ Songwriting Award finalist—joined by daughters Jenny, Maegan and Nicola Mitchell. Jenny, who first caught national attention at age 14 on NZ's Got Talent, has gone on to win an Aotearoa Music Award for Best Country Artist and earn two Australian Golden Guitar nominations. She returns home from a 30-date tour with Australian country music icon Kasey Chambers to perform in this heartfelt family show. The Mitchell Twins, an award-winning duo known for their tight harmonies and connection to te ao Māori, round out the lineup. This multi-generational showcase of story and song promises to be one of the standout events of the 2025 festival. Hailing from the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Sassafras is bringing their infectious blend of traditional bluegrass and progressive Newgrass to Gore's Little Theatre. With deep roots in the Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs tradition and a love for pushing boundaries, Sassafras infuses their set with country, folk, western swing, and fresh originals. Their soulful musicianship and Southern charm make them a must-see act for bluegrass lovers and curious newcomers alike. Rounding out the night's entertainment, Tussock Country Late Night at the Croydon Lodge is the party event of the weekend, serving up a powerhouse lineup of southern talent with Brad Staley, Jaydin Shingleton, and The Dollys. Patrons can expect a rollicking night of foot-stomping originals and all the classic and chart-topping covers they know and love. With the amps turned up and the energy sky-high, this is the ultimate chance to dance, sing, and celebrate everything that makes Tussock Country unforgettable. Seated and early bird tickets have sold out, but general admission passes are still available online. With no vacancy signs up across the region, selected local cafés and eateries extending their hours, and Gore's streets humming with anticipation, the town is ready to welcome thousands of visitors from around the country – culminating in the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards 50th anniversary celebrations, set to round out the festival over Kings Birthday Weekend. 'We're witnessing this festival evolve from a local celebration to a national destination,' said Jeff Rea, Chairperson of Bayleys Tussock Country. 'This first weekend really captures what the festival is about—extraordinary talent, grassroots pride, and a whole lot of fun. Gore is ready to shine.' Bayleys Tussock Country runs from 23 May to 1 June 2025. For full programme details and ticket info, visit
