Allan Caswell is a Singer/Songwriter of enormous talent, with two #1 songs on Australia's Rock Charts and 400 of his songs recorded worldwide with "On the inside" topping the British Charts twice ten years apart!!. With An ARIA award, an APRA Award, 5 Gold Guitars, a platinum album, two gold singles, a gold video and 4 gold albums for his writing and production work on the hugely successful children's albums by Don Spencer, to his credit Allan's resume is among the most impressive in Australia. His concert delivery - sensitive, sardonic and satirical is a real crowd pleaser.
His new album 'Don't Count On it' with Gangajang's legendary Buzz Bidstrup shows a new and harder edged side to this ever creative talent.
Pat Drummond forged his formidable reputation in Sydney
hotels in the late 70's and early '80s and he has made an enormous
impact in the festivals and concert venues since 1991. His 'stand
up' comedy songs on the amazingly successful 'Naked Poets'
CDs in recent years have given him an impressive national profile,
but his comedic genius is, however, only a narrow glimpse of this
truly remarkable Australian talent.
Described by his peers as a 'Songwriter's Songwriter,' his solo
work over 9 albums has profoundly impressed the critics and his
fans alike. Three Bush Laureate Awards, three TSA First
The Song Songwriting Awards, five final nominations
in Toyota Country Music Golden Guitar, voted Independent
Country Music Artist Of the Year in 2000; he writes everything
from hard-edged politics and mini-movie novelettes to 'gritty
realism' biographies set within the framework of the five-minute
song. High power lyrics and his legendary on-stage delivery make
him a spellbinding addition to this show.
Brent Parlane, must definitely be one of the best singer/songwriters in Australian Country/Folk, one who has doggedly followed his own muse and one who can be rated alongside the likes of John Prine, and Nanci Griffith, and one who can be relied upon to deliver the goods. Since 1993 when Brent won the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent, he has racked up seven final nominations and four albums including the classic ABC album, "Tex Loves Daisy" in 1995.
His new album through Shoestring, 'Happy Note', is a powerful and intense piece of work by an artist at his peak. Parlane characteristically pulls no punches and refuses to shy away from tough issues.
Karen Lynne's writing and performance achievements are myriad. Her win in The Victorian Country Music Awards this year came hot on the heels of 5 Grand Finalist nominations in "Golden Guitar" Awards and The TSA "Contemporary Country Song of the year" in 2001 (With Pat Drummond). That award followed up her 1999 win for "Grandma Used to Say" (Co-written with Heather Field and James Gillard)
It is inevitable, however, that her songwriting is often overshadowed in the public eye by her prowess as a singer. Karen is an absolutely stunning vocalist whose 4 albums have become firm favorites with broadcasters around Australia. Two Top 5 singles in recent times and if the enthusiasm of her fans is any indication, many more to come.
Mark Tempany is one of Australia's leading independent
recording artists. While gaining a degree in Environmental
Science, Mark's passion for his music really defined itself, so
it's no surprise that it is his lyrical evocations of the natural
world that have become his trademark.
Several landmark songs emerged from Mark's fourth album - "far away" - in 2000, including the title track, "Australian Child", "Two Blue Moons" and "The Final Goodbye" - a tribute to the influence of the late American songwriter John Denver. It has been his stunning 2002 'Long Highway' release, however, which has catapulted him to national attention. From wide orchestral anthems to the most intimate and touching acoustic ballads and even some uncharacteristically hard edged topics on songs such as " Wrong Place, Wrong Time" make this the highlight of Mark's endeavors so far. Trademark soaring tenor vocals, emotive and intimate lyrics, and pure, sweet melodies make Mark memorable in any company.
Cathy Miller has long been known as one of Canada's most spectacular singers. Her evocative interpretations get to the heart of any songs she sings. She's an engaging performer who doesn't hesitate to throw in a little humour to good effect, in between the songs about the human quest for love, acceptance and understanding. She has been blessed with a voice that can "ring out across a field", and bring an audience to tears, or laughter. And she is a wonderful storyteller.
Over the last 20+ years of her career, Cathy has performed at many folk festivals, clubs, and concerts from coast to coast in Canada. She is known for her upbeat performances, which have made her a favourite at many events.
In 2000, she was recognized in Australia, where she was awarded a national songwriting Special Merit award by the Australian Heritage Commission. She released this song on a CD single called "Grand Old Duchess". It was named one of Macca's "Top 10 Songs of 2000" in January 2001. She has also toured extensively in North America and Australia to quilting guilds around the country, with her CD "One Stitch at a Time", released in September 2000. In 2002 she released her second CD of quilting songs, and continues an extremely active tour schedule with her husband, John Bunge.