MLT MUSIC ROUNDUP
Mataura Licensing Trust bars and restaurants open their doors to lovers of country music on Friday 29 May 2020. Pick your favourite band or venue and settle in for the night. Or venue hop and catch them all. You choose! There is no cover charge for these events.
GUITAR TALK: Nick Brightwell
Howl At The Moon Café Bar, Main Street, Gore
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Talented musician Nick Brightwell has been playing guitar for over 19 years performing as a soloist and in groups. His musical style is a blend of delta blues, flamenco, Nashville picking, and finger style guitar, influenced by his education in New Zealand and North America. He’s a three-time winner at the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards,
Nick performs in public and private concerts of finger-style guitar across Auckland's various folk clubs and entertainment venues, and is currently recording his second album.
COUNTY AT HEART: Kylie Harris, Kayla Mahon
Heartland Hotel Croydon, Waimea Street, Gore
Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Kylie lives in Nashville these days however she is a very proud Kiwi country music artist. An accomplished singer, writer and instrumentalist she started playing the guitar at the age of 13 and at 17 become the youngest-ever winner of the senior overall MLT NZ Gold Guitar Award. She has opened for Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, the Irish Rovers and Charlie Pride. In 2004 and 2005, Kylie once again took top honours here in New Zealand for Country Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
BEFORE THE RIDE: Allan Baron, Peter Cairns, Ron Mitchell
The Longford Tavern Bar, Hokonui Drive, Gore
Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Entertainer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist Peter has been entertaining people all over New Zealand, Australia and the US for many years. His versatility and professionalism has seen Peter play for many international companies at corporate events especially in Queenstown, weddings, birthdays, special events and festivals as well as bars, cafes, TV shows (That’s Country) and clubs.
Peter is a past NZ Gold Guitar Overall Winner, an award winning songwriter, TUI nominee and recording artist. His original songs have struck a chord with his audiences as they tell of life in New Zealand and Peter’s personal experiences. He has performed along side many of New Zealand’s top acts over the years (Ray Columbus, Frankie Stevens, Eddie Low, Patsy Riggar, Brendan Dugan and Tami Neilson, to name a few) as he has toured the country and performed at festivals.
Peter has been musical director for The Southerners at the NZ Gold Guitar Awards for the last 20 years. He plays in several other backing bands for shows and events.
THE SOUTHERN HAYRIDE: Reg McTaggart & Friends
Jessies - Longford Function Centre, Hamilton Street, Gore
Time: 7.30pm til late
If you like traditional country music this a show not to be missed. Reg McTaggart is a true country music performer with many years of experience and recording to his name. Reg will be preforming with friends including legend Max McCauley. Max’s contribution to country music is outstanding with awards for yodelling, contribution to country music, and the Gold Disc Award for exceeding 50,000 copies sold of his album 20 Golden Yodels in 1994. This show is sure to be a real crowd pleaser. Let us entertain you from 7.30 pm until late.
ROCK THE COUNTRY: The Lovers & Jaydin Shingleton
Traffers Bar, Hokonui Drive, Gore
Time: 8.00pm – 11.00pm
The Lovers are a country rock style rock n roll band with the awesome rhythm n of Bevan Gardiner on drums and Aaron Hosking on bass! Teaming up with those sweet guitar riffs and licks are Aaron Jury and James Davey! If you want a great night out, put ya dancing shoes on for a great night of rock n roll music!!
One of New Zealand’s fastest rising stars of the country music scene, Jaydin Shingleton will make a guest appearance. Jaydin was the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards senior overall winner in 2019. Last year he also won the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year award in Norfolk Island and NZCMA Entertainer of the Year. He is performing at Tamworth Country Music Festival events in January 2020.
THE FALLS NIGHT: The Possum Pickers & Friends
Mataura Falls Hotel & Bistro, Main Street, Mataura
Time: 8.00pm - 11.00pm
Top Tapping Music with two founding members of the Possum Pickers.
Talented musician Steven Hayes has played in many bands, including the Possum Pickers who gained national fame after winning the 1981 NZ Entertainer of the Year Award.
Steven’s musical influences range from country rock to punk - he’s very adaptable in changing the genre to suit the audience. His main instrument is the fiddle and he won the 2016 Southland Entertainer of the Year with his original tune "Steve's Stomp", a very energetic fiddle act.
He will entertain with friends at the 2020 MLT Roundup. There’ll be some lively toe-tapping numbers and good ole sing-along country rock songs. Get along for a night of great entertainment!
Laura Downing will be making a guest appearance. She is fast becoming one of Australia's most sought after entertainers. She’s a multi-award winning yodeller, comedian and balladeer. Brisbane-based Laura has toured extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. She’s shared the stage with top performers including Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole and Adam Harvey.
Laura is a ` must see’ act, with her heartfelt ballads, her yodelling ability and her incredible wit.
BEER 'N BOOTS: Simon Thompson & Friends
The Thomas Green, 30 Medway Street, Gore
Time: 8.30pm
Simon Thompson is the lead guitarist for Gold Guitars very own band, 'The Southerners', and Invercargill Musical Theatre. He also leads his popular power trio, 'Triple Shot'. A well sought after tutor, 3 time nominee and 2015 winner of Southland's Entertainer Of The Year. Simon released his debut album 'Pay Your Dues' in 2011. Born and bred into country, his many musical styles bring a full flavoured taste of soul.
Where: Howl At The Moon Café Bar, Heartland Hotel Croydon, Longford Tavern Bar, Jessies - Longford Function Centre,
Traffers Bar, Mataura Falls Hotel & Bistro
When: Friday 29 May 2020
Cost: Free entry
More information: www.goldguitars.co.nz