Aussies Well Represented During the Annual Americanafest in Nashville
(Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 30, 2014) – Sounds Australia kicked off the Americana Music Week this year by hosting the Tamworth Presents “Australiana At Americana” showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Once again it was a truly wonderful celebration of great songs, great musicianship, industry legends and dazzling performances.
From an initial touring party of 6 artists in 2010, Sounds Australia’s involvement this year hit record levels this year with 54 artists, 5 music managers/promoters, 4 media representatives plus a tour group of 15 delegates. Many Australians came to Nashville to represent Sounds Australia by performing in various events scheduled during AMA week. These included A Taste of Australia luncheon, The Annual Aussie BBQ and The Sister City Jam held in conjunction with the Sister Cities of Nashville Organization and the City of Tamworth. All events were standing room only.
“Astonishing, exciting – and a logistical challenge!” is how Dobe Newton, Sounds Australia’s project manager, describes the week.
“After somewhat tentatively dipping in the Americanafest waters only a few years ago, Sounds Australia has now confidently jumped into the deep end,”he adds. “None of it would have been possible without the encouragement and support of the AMA’s Jed Hilly, Danna Strong, Michelle Aquilato, Whitney Homes, Sarah Comardelle and their wonderful team of volunteers, nor the years of support from dear friend, colleague and this year’s Americana President Mark Moffatt.”
Newton further comments, “The original ‘mission’ (in 2009), was to create an Australian presence and profile at Americanafest that would not only allow us to showcase our talented writers and performers, but also facilitate and build the networks and contacts vital to creating business/career opportunities.”
The building of the organization’s profile and the ever-growing number of Australians wanting to be involved are proof that it’s working. Sounds Australia is proud to be part of this world-class event, and grateful for the wonderful support from the AMA, its members, delegates, the local music industry and Nashville music fans.
Performers and executives at the Tamworth Presents “Australiana At Americana” gathered for a photo. Pictured below L to R: (Back Row)- Mia Wray, Melody Pool, Maggie Rigby (Mae Trio), Kirsty Akers, Dobe Newton, Imogen Clark, Rob Draper, Jeremy Dylan, Chris Coleman. (Front Row)- Anita Hillman (Mae Trio), Helen Shanahan, Pepita Emmerichs & Olivia Hally. Photo credit: Kim Reed – Hi-res
Pictured below L-R: Dan Waters, Chris Altmann, Jemma Nicole, Melody Pool, Kevin Bennett, Mark Collins, Mia Wray. Photo credit: Kim Reed – Hi-res
