Some of the Tussock Country team scrubbed up and stepped out on Friday night to attend the Gore District Community Awards - and what an evening it was!
Following a spine tingling Tussock Country promotional piece performed by Jeff Rea and band, the awards to our hard working musical community kept on coming - reflecting the high value the Eastern Southland community places on country music and the much-loved characters behind the scenes.
Talented duo Maegan and Nicola Mitchell were the deserving recipients of the Gore Musical Theatre Emerging Performing Artist prize. At just 18 years of age, they already have a line up of music awards to their name and have delighted audiences throughout NZ and Australia. We look forward to their increased presence at Tussock Country 2023.
Scott Anderson, a constant backstage bloke and tireless volunteer at musical events around the region took out the Anderson Lloyd Anderson Contribution to Arts & Culture award.
The big award of the night was the Otago Daily Times and The Ensign Gore District Civic Award - this year presented to two familiar faces synonymous with country music in our community - MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards convener Philip Geary and Gore Country Music Club president Julie Mitchell. They've both shown decades of dedication and passion to all things country music, whether it was promoting events, encouraging young performers, organising, representing, and providing endless energy required for live entertainment. So very deserved.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners across all the award categories, Gore NZ is truly great because of you.
Thanks to Jessica Swan and Gore District Council for facilitating a wonderful evening and thanks to MG Photography for the wonderful photos of our people.