Wairarapa Country Music Festival 2022

FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 21

www.age.co.nz Saturday, January 22, 2022

FRIDAY 28 ˜ SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022

TICKETS FROM $20

Featuring twelve acts over three days, the 2022 Wairarapa Country Music Festival is set to be the biggest yet!

Set in the beautiful and historic environment of the Tauherenikau Racecourse, the Wairarapa Country Music Festival is always a relaxed and friendly event that is suitable for the whole family.

JACKIE BRISTOW BARRY SAUNDERS MELISSA & THE DR DOLLY PARTON EXPERIENCE SHENANIGANS KEVIN GREAVES JAMESRAY, WAYNE R. HEATH, COOPER’S RUN, PAULA STORY, MADDY BEAN, RERERANGI PLUS BACKING BAND PURE DIXIE

˜ is year the festival will be jam-packed with musical talent with a highlight being the Friday and Saturday evening shows, each of which will host a di° erent line-up.

Saturday a˛ ernoon will be a chilledout a° air where visitors can take in the Cruise Martinborough hot rod, classic and muscle cars, and a “carkana”. ˜ ere will also be plenty of food and drink options on site. ˜ e festival sees the return of Jackie Bristow, back from Nashville, New Zealand music legend Barry Saunders, and Melissa & ˜ e Dr. Melissa Partridge was the overall winner of the incredible 2021 Gold Guitar Awards as well as the Gospel, New Country, Female Vocal and Singer/ Songwriter section of the Awards.

Always the life of the party, ˜ e Shenanigans will light up the stage with a Celtic twist as the ÿ nal act on Friday evening, while Saturday evening will close out with the Dolly & Kenny Experience.

Inside this programme you will ÿ nd the full line-up of musical artists. Passes start from just $20 - kids aged 16 and under are free.

Come along and enjoy some of New Zealand’s best country talent on our own doorstep!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW AT

For more information visit www.tauherenikau.co.nz

22 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT

Saturday, January 22, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age

Wairarapa Racing Club President

Garrick Emms AT TAUHERENIKAU RACECOURSE

Trust House Foundation Deputy Chair, Masterton Regional Net Proceeds Committee

On behalf of the Wairarapa Racing Club, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Tauherenikau for the Wairarapa Country Music Festival.

We’relooking forward to delivering a fantastic country experience. ˜ ank you to our supporters, particularly our major sponsor Trust House, which helps us make this a memorable event.

28-30 JAN 2022

˜ anks also to the local community who get behind us and make our visitors feel welcome.

We hope you will have a wonderful country experience at the Festival and in the Wairarapa.

THREE DAY PASS $50 SINGLE DAY PASSES FRI $30 | SAT $40 | *SAT PREMIUM $60 | SUN $20 *SAT PREMIUM GRANDSTAND SEATS

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Trust House is thrilled to support, as the major sponsor, this wonderful event for Wairarapa. ˜ e Wairarapa Country Music Festival is a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists to enjoy something di° erent in the beautiful Tauherenikau grounds.

Our Mission at ˜ e House Foundation is all about making a di° erence in our community and the Wairarapa Country Music Festival re˛ ects that.

Trust House has a strong, longstanding relationship with the Tauherenikau Racecourse and we wish you all an enjoyable festival.

Onsite Accommodation packages

Tickets & Pricing [PER ADULT]

Please note that to attend this event you will need to be double vaccinated and present a valid vaccine pass.

Mena Antonio

Motorhome & Caravan WEEKEND PACKAGE FOR ONE/TWO: $80/$130

Three-day pass per adult, with parking per motorhome or caravan for 3 nights.

PREMIUM WEEKEND PACKAGE FOR ONE/TWO: $100/$170

Three-day pass per adult with allocated grandstand seating on Saturday, and parking per motorhome or caravan for three nights.

Stonehenge Aotea Stonehenge Aotearoa Tent Sites $15 per tent, per night - festival admission additional

Take a tour into the past

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Located in the beautiful Wairarapa countryside, approximately approximately 20 minutes drive from Tauherenikau

Phone (06) 377 1600

www.stonehenge-aotearoa.nz

FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 23

www.age.co.nz Saturday, January 22, 2022

Health & Safety Guidelines for Wairarapa Racing Club Country Music Festival

 BYO alcohol is not permitted but wine, beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase on site.

Patrons entering licensed areas must be 18 years or older and must act responsibly. Intoxicated patrons will not be served and will be asked to leave the venue.  On arrival present your ticket to gate sta˜ who will direct you to your designated area.  All buildings are o˜ limits with the exemption of toilet blocks and manned areas such as the ÿ rst aid room and secretary’s o˛ ce.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

FRIDAY DAY ONE

SATURDAY DAY TWO

SUNDAY DAY THREE

2pm

10am

10am

Wairarapa Country Music Club walk up

11am

Rererangi Twaddell

Ofÿ cial opening

2.10pm Wairarapa Country Music Club walk up

Wairarapa Country Music Club walk up

12.30pm Lunch break

(background music)

4pm

Happy hour

(background music)

 ˝ e ÿ rst aid room is clearly marked as ST JOHNS and situated at the back of the grandstands.

1.30pm Wayne R. Heath

5pm

Wayne R. Heath

2.30pm Paula Story

 ˝ e Secretary’s o˛ ce is situated close to the birdcage in the stewards stand and clearly marked.

6.15pm Paula Story

 Motorhomes and caravans on site for the weekend need to be CSC vehicles only and will be directed to a Motorhome/Caravan designated parking area. Pets are only allowed inside the designated parking area and must be on leads. No pets outside the parking gates.  In the event of any incident please report to the secretary’s o˛ ce found in the main stewards stand area.  Ample water will be available with water stations located throughout the venue If no one is available at the o˜ ce please call 021 271 0364.

5.30pm Kevin Greaves

3.30pm Wairarapa Country Music Club walk up

6.45pm JamesRay

4pm

Happy hour

7.30pm Jackie Bristow

5pm

Karen Davy

8.15pm Melissa and the Dr

5.30pm Cooper’s Run

9pm

Shenanigans

6.30pm Melissa and the Dr

10pm

Close day one

7.15pm Kevin Greaves/ JamesRay

h Cruise Martinboroug to join us all day on Saturday, day two

8pm

(background music)

11.30am Maddy Bean noon

Wayne R. Heath

1pm

Wairarapa Country Music Club walk up/ artist jam

1.30pm Farewell

Barry Saunders/ Jackie Bristow

8.45pm The Dolly Parton Experience 10pm

Close day two

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24 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT

Saturday, January 22, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age

FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 25

www.age.co.nz Saturday, January 22, 2022

- FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP - FRIDAY LINE UP -

JamesRay Melissa & The Dr A love of down-to-earth country music

Friday 6.45pm. Saturday 7.15pm with Kevin Greaves

Friday 8.15pm. Saturday 6.30pm

AT TAUHERENIKAU RACECOURSE

28˜30 JAN 2022

Melissa & ˜ e Dr is the musical pairing of Melissa Partridge and Hyram Twang, both veteran performers in the Country and Folk genres respectively with hundreds of gigs under their hats (that is, if they wore hats.)

In 2017 they decided to work together as a duo a° er performing together in a couple of country music club shows where they recognised each other’s talents and love for good, honest, downto-earth country music.

Melissa’s voice is beautiful, clear and pure without aff a˛ ectation, and she sings with poise, full of emotional depth.

Reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt or a young Emmylou Harris, her voice has full of drive on a rocking number, and soul touching vulnerability on a ballad.

Hyram adds harmony and lead vocals, so° and intimate or with a gravelly edge. ˜ eir voices blending together are reminiscent of Emmylou and Gram, Dolly and Porter, Tammy and George.

Melissa plays solid rhythm guitar and mandolin while Hyram’s sensitive and at times wild work on guitar, mandolin and steel guitar allow them to cover a wide range of musical landscape - from bittersweet songs of hurtin’ and fl ˝ irtin’, loss and longing, to rocking honky-tonk dance tunes.

Melissa was the overall winner of the 2021 NZ Gold Guitar Awards.

Along with the Gold Guitar, Melissa also won the Gospel, New Country, Female Solo Vocal and Singer/ Songwriter sections, with Melissa & ˜ e Dr making the Finals in the Duet Section.

The Shenanigans Adding a Celtic fun twist Topping the bill on Friday evening, the Shenanigans are one of New Zealand’s most accomplished and sought-a° er bands in Irish traditional music today. ˜ is exciting group creates a sound that is full of energy and innovation, while remaining true to their traditional roots - the band performing every song with a Celtic fun twist.

A° er the tremendous success of their debut album “Ballyscullymuckery,” the group’s proÿ le was further raised with the release of their follow-up title, “Live in your Lounge” in 2018.

NZ Musician Magazine described

Friday 9pm it as having “so many good tracks, so much energy, a band in full control and having such fun yet well able to bring things down to a tearful pause”.

With an infectious energy, ˜ e Shenanigans are able to connect with all ages, from teenagers to their grandparents.

“I had heard good things about them, but the musicianship, and stage presence playing live exceeded every expectation I had,” says Alan ˜ ompson, Director of the Irish Music Appreciation Society.

JamesRay is the real deal, a trueto-life hard core country boy with an eccentric and remarkable life story.

talented,” he recalls. But it also inspired his song “Chasing the Dream” - a 2004 Tui Award Grand ÿ nalist for Best Country Song.

Debuting with his father at the wondrous age of 11 in the hillbilly dance halls and honky tonks of Arkansas, JamesRay grew up surrounded by the crooning of Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, and other great country artists.

JamesRay toured the world with Bob Dylan in the 1990s and then returned to Nashville to write and record with gold and platinum award-winning songwriters Kerry and Lynn Gillespie-Chater.

When he ÿ nally went o˛ on his own and moved to Oklahoma he learned from one of the masters of Western Swing, Eldon Shamblin.Making the move to Nashville, JamesRay was inspired to new directions for his own songwriting talents and found himself likened to, and competing with the likes of Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Trace Adkins, and Billy Ray Cyrus.

“It was a tough town for those looking for opportunities to make it, surrounded by so many others just as hungry and

With the recording industry going through massive changes, JamesRay decided to have a break and see some more of the world including New Zealand. ˜ e love of a Kiwi girl and becoming a father has kept him here where he still writes and pursues his musical dream – to share his heart and soul through words and rhythm.

Friday 7.30pm. Saturday 8pm

with Barry Saunders

PopMatters USA has said “Jackie Bristow seems primed for success on the now global Americana Scene with beautifully composed music and straight from the heart lyrics.”

Born in New Zealand and then transplanted to country music mecca, Nashville USA, Jackie travels light but packs a heavy punch.

At once heartfelt and sophisticated, Jackie combines beautiful melodies and hooks that hypnotise the listener.

Since coming to New Zealand, JamesRay has found a unique niche as an in-demand solo artist, performing with Kenny Rogers and ˜ e Amazing Rhythm Aces as well as co-billing with Kiwi icons like the Topp Twins, and Legends of the Highway stars Gray Bartlett, Brendon Dugan, Jodi Vaughn and the Warratahs.

“I just love to perform,” says JamesRay and that’s all too evident to anyone that sees his shows that are now ÿ lled with quintessential Americana and some favourite Kiwi classics.

Jackie Bristow Home from Nashville

Opening for Bonnie Raitt in New Zealand on her 2013 “Slipstream” tour was a self-confessed ‘dreamcome-true’.

Jackie was then invited in 2017 to join Bonnie a second time on the “Dig in Deep” tour.

She also opened for Foreigner in 2017 and the Steve Miller Band in the United States in 2016.

In 2018 Jackie toured, opening for Boz Skaggs and Chris Isaak, and spent the European Summer playing the festival circuit.

Jackie’s songs have been used repeatedly in hit shows such as

‘Go Girls,’ ‘˜ e Secret Life of Us,’ ‘Home and Away,’ ‘Outrageous Fortune,’ ‘Shortland Street,’ & ‘Go Big’.

In 2014, Jackie was awarded New Zealand Southland Music Ambassador of the Year.

For Jackie Bristow, the lure of the road has informed her music in ways that don’t limit her to any speciÿ c location on the globe.

Like the classic singer-songwriters who have inspired her, Jackie has made her travels - both literal and metaphorical major part of her free-roaming subject matter.

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26 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT

Saturday, January 22, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age

FEATURE SUPPLEMENT 27

www.age.co.nz Saturday, January 22, 2022

- SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP - SATURDAY LINE UP with Eric Burdon.

Barry Saunders Still good miles to go

Upon his return to Wellington in 1987, Barry formed the Warratahs which has subsequently became known for Saunders’ composition such as “Maureen”, “Hands of my Heart”, and “St. Peter’s Rendezvous”.

Saturday 8pm with Jackie Bristow

AT TAUHERENIKAU RACECOURSE

28˜30 JAN 2022

Barry Saunders started his music career in Christchurch. His ÿ rst public performance was singing “Greenback Dollar” at the Lincoln Coronation Hall, aged 11.

Barry played around Christchurch, in mostly blues-based bands, during his teenage years. He sailed on the good ship Australis

to the UK in 1974, playing the Irish Trad and Country circuit in London for three years.Barry then returned to New Zealand, joining Wellington band Rockinghorse for a brief time. ° is was followed by a stint in the Tigers, travelling to Australia with them and touring relentlessly, including an Australia-wide tour

A˝ er nine albums, ° e Warratahs are still very much alive.

Barry recorded solo albums Weatherman, Red Morning, and Zodiac, has appeared on the bill with Tony J. White, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and Jock Cocker, and performed at SXSW in Austin, Texas. ° e last three years have included the Church Tour (alongside Marlon Williams, Tami Nielson and Delaney Davidson), and the Last Waltz Tour, celebrating and performing the

Dolly Parton experience Karen Davy has loved singing since she was a little girl. She’s the Queen of bling, with glitz and glamour to match her personality, and she creates all the costumes for her shows.

Karen is an award-winning singer, performer, songwriter and recording artist with 27 awards including the Silver Scroll and the AGNEW Award for excellence in music, at the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Benny Awards.

She appeared on the TVNZ show Stars In ° eir Eyes as Dolly Parton and has taken this show all over New Zealand, Australia and to Las Vegas.

Ken Strong started singing and playing the guitar professionally at the age of 13. Ken has a lifetime of performances with top bands including the ÿ rst Eagles tribute band in the country, Desperadoes, and has won the Musician of the Year at the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Benny Awards. We took a moment to talk to Karen about what it is like to perform as Dolly. What made you decide that you would like to do a Dolly Parton tribute show?

In 1989 my peers said I looked like Dolly Parton and could get away with singing like her too. So with encouragement they helped me develop a show.

songs of ° e Band. In 2019 Barry released the highly- acclaimed album Word Gets Around, an album written and recorded with Delaney Davidson, which received the 2020 Tui for Recorded Music NZ’s Best Country Artist.

Barry and Jackie Bristow have “now done quite a few miles together and we are just about to record a single “Good Miles To Go. We both come from a songwriting background, and love singing together – she has a great voice and stage presence.

“We have both been totally committed to song and music, and our voices gel together. It also gives me a chance to play some guitar on the songs. I’m looking forward to us playing together again.”

Saturday 8.45pm

Dolly is one of two of the most amazing women in the world.

She not only looks amazing but is kind and an amazing song writer and storyteller. Of course, the other one is Stevie Nicks whom I also perform as.

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A˝ er 15 years – 1993 to 2008 – living and recording in Nashville, plus performing all over the United States, Kevin now shares his time among New Zealand, the United States and Australia.

Cooper’s Run has shared the stage with Lady Antebellum, Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers, and it all started like this.

New Zealand Idol ÿ nalist Ashley Cooper, and singer/songwriter Michael Tipping began performing as a duo in September 2008.

Since returning home, Kevin has won some of this country’s most prestigious awards, including Best Male Artist, Best Comedy Act, and ° e Agnew Award, awarded in recognition of an outstanding professional career.

One month later, they were named the winners of the Rising Star Award at the Variety Artist Club Annual Awards Show.

° e event was viewed by over 40 million people, and they were backed by legendary singer/ songwriter Pam Tillis band.

greytown

Friday 5.30pm. Saturday 7.15pm with James Ray

Saturday 5.30pm

Coopers Run were the very ÿ rst Kiwi to appear on the Country Music Association’s Global Artist Party in Nashville Tennessee.

music hard to sing? No, her songs are easy to sing, but I do have to take the key down to sing Dolly’s songs. I’m so proud to be New Zealand’s premier “Dolly”!

Kevin Greaves A living country legend

country music

From that moment on, demand for their music has sky-rocketed, and they’ve been working nonstop in New Zealand, Australia and USA.

What is it about Dolly that particularly appeals to you?

Do you get “in character” to be Dolly or do you have a di˛ erent approach such as being a musician yourself who interprets her music? I certainly get in character but never profess that I am Dolly Parton when I’m performing. I love making the costumes and the bling. Is Dolly’s

Cooper’s Run Rising stars of

During the trip to the United States, Coopers Run met producer Je˛ Huskins. ° at very same night, sessions were scheduled using the ÿ nest

engineers and musicians in Nashville, and upon arriving home from their United States trip, Cooper’s Run were booked to open for Glen Campbell’s New Zealand tour.

In April 2011 Cooper’s Run supported Grammy awardwinning Nashville band Lady Antebellum for their ÿ rst New Zealand show, and in 2012 they took to the stage with New Zealand icon John Rowles to support Kenny Rogers in his two sell out New Zealand shows.

Cooper’s Run has appeared on the Johnny High Country Music Revue, the springboard for such superstars as LeAnn Rimes.

2013 saw Coopers Run releasing their ÿ rst studio album “Unÿ nished” along with winning New Zealand Country Duo/ Group of the year at the National Country Music awards for a second time. ° ey are about to release their second album this March.

In 2016 Kevin received the “Living Legend Award” On Face TV Awards. ° en in 2017 he was presented with the Benny Award, the highest accolade awarded in the New Zealand Entertainment Industry. ° is award is voted on by his peers, which means just that much more to Kevin.

It was a very proud moment as he accepted it as it was 41 years a˝ er his famous father, and country music pioneer, Rusty Greaves received the same award - the ÿ rst father and son to achieve this.

Kevin was asked for the second time to be one of the support acts for Kenny Rogers on his tour down-under.

A hit as one of the featured stars on the 2008 Highway of Legends touring show, Kevin “truly stole the show each night”, recalls fellow legend Gray Bartlett.

Kevin is one of a handful of international artists who have had the honour to perform at the world famous Grand Ole Opry.

In 1995 Kevin was lucky enough to have two songs in the Nashville Charts. “I’m Not Scared of Women” reached number 15, and “Hurtin’ To ° e Bone” reached number 4.

28 FEATURE SUPPLEMENT

Saturday, January 22, 2022 Wairarapa Times-Age

Karen Davy

Rererangi Twaddell

Saturday 5pm

Sunday 11am

Karen is a multi-award-winning singer performer/songwriter and recording artist with 27 awards including the Silver Scroll & the AGNEW Award for excellence in music at the VAC NZ Benny Awards. A personal highlight for

Karen was breaking the Guinness World Record singing non-stop for 48 hours and raising $27,000 for the charity Kidney Kids.

AT TAUHERENIKAU RACECOURSE

Another young talent, 16-year-old Rererangi loves the opportunity country music festivals give her to express her talent and meet with other young singers and musicians.

Wayne R. Heath

Maddy Bean Sunday 11.30am

28˜30 JAN 2022

Fri 5pm. Sat 1.30pm.

Sun noon

Maddy is just 15-years-old and has been a regular walk-up performer at past festivals.

Having enjoyed well over 50 years of experience as a singer, entertainer and recording artist, our MC, the Granddaddy of country music is back!

We’re thrilled to o˜ cially give this talented performer the stage!

Paula Story

Pure Dixie

Friday 6.15pm Saturday 2.30pm

Supporting each of our artists over the festival, Pure Dixie is one of New Zealand’s premier backing bands, featuring some of the ÿ nest musicians in the country.

A top class solo performer, Paula Story brings over 20 years of experience to the stage.

With a powerful, soulful voice, Paula is an entertainer for all ages.

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