RISING STARS OF COUNTRY
RSA DINNER & SHOW
Dinner and a toe-tapping show at the Gore RSA with New Zealand’s Rising Stars of Country. Led by 2023 Overall NZ Gold Guitar Winner Zac Griffith (Tapawera), this is an all-ages event featuring 2023 APRA Best Country Song Finalists The Mitchell Twins (Gore), award winning vocalist and guitarist, Josh Keating (Christchurch) and award circuit favourite Maddison Connor (Nelson).
From timeless classics to fresh originals, this show will have something for everyone.
Select from Dinner & Show tickets which includes a two course buffet and reserved seating from 6pm or Show Only tickets from 7pm. Open to the general public.
Where:
Gore District Memorial RSA,
12 Bowler Avenue, Gore
When:
Wednesday 29 May 2024
6pm: Dinner & Show: Includes a two course buffet and reserved seating from 6pm - $55 per person
7.30pm: Show Only - $20 per person
All welcome, including non RSA members.
Contact: Steve 027 333 0001
THE LINEUP
Zac Griffith
After his big win at the 2023 NZ Gold Guitar Awards, Zac has been honing his country/blues sound and sharing his music around New Zealand and Australia. In early 2024, he attended the prestigious Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, Australia.
From upbeat country rock to soulful ballads, this big voice with variety can only belong to a star-on-the rise. Don't miss this opportunity to say "I saw Griffith way back when".
The Mitchell Twins
Raised in a home full of Dolly Parton, Tom T Hall and Kacey Musgraves, Maegan and Nicola have spent years honing their blood harmonies. They've toured through Aotearoa and Australia, supporting and playing with artists including Nadia Reid, Barry Saunders, Delaney Davidson, The Topp Twins, Fanny Lumsden (AU), and their big sis; Jenny Mitchell. In 2023 they were nominated for APRA NZ Best Country Song and were crowned the overall Runner up in the NZ Gold Guitar Awards. As descendants of Tainui iwi they have a deep connection to te ao Maori which is incorporated into their work.
Josh Keating
Growing up in a musical whānau, Josh found a love for country music at a very young age, idolising artists such as Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. With an aspiration of following in these artists footsteps, he was incredibly lucky to have his musical whānau helping him, as well as Phil Doublet as his guitar tutor. He has travelled around New Zealand competing in country music awards, taking out many overall titles including Blenheim, Nelson, Dunedin, Waimate and Auckland awards. He has won both Junior and Intermediate NZ Country Entertainer Of The Year, and is now a Youth Ambassador for the NZ Country Music Association. This year marks the beginning of a new journey, as Josh enters the backing band scene as both the lead guitarist of the youth band at Arapera Country Music Awards, and “Dynamics” at the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards, following in the footsteps of his guitar tutor Phil Doublet.
Maddison Connor
16 year old Maddison Connor from Nelson is certainly no stranger to the stage, she has performed and traveled on the kiwi country circuit with her musical family since the age of three. Maddison has been influenced by many strong female performers over the years, and her style can perhaps now be described as a mix of the melodic trills of Dolly Parton combined with the haunting tones of Karen Carpenter.
The young songstress was named Intermediate Overall winner at the prestigious 2023 NZCMA Entertainer Of The Year contest, and she continues develop her craft, delivering emotional performances to each captivated audience. Maddison will be joined onstage in the Rising Stars showcase by her talented younger brothers William & Harvey Connor on bass and drums respectively, not to mention a warm dose of sibling harmony.