At the Recreation Reserve

We are proud to present, in their premiere performance at the Festival,

The Double Dan Horsemanship Show. The Team will present 4 different shows, over the weekend, in the Main Arena at the Rec Reserve. Please see the biography below.

Greta Ziller and the Orange Blossom Band will be performing in the Main Arena with their mix of Bluegrass and Roots music with a slight country twinge!

Korey Livy will not only host the Aussie Bush Idol on Saturday but will be our opening performer at the Saturday night ‘Country Rock Concert' and also playing a few songs for us in the Main Arena on Sunday.

Noel Cutler will be delivering us with entertainment in the Main Arena with his comedic Yarn Spinning immediately following the Double Dan Shows and Whipcracking Shows (see schedule for times), but will also be performing his Whipcracking Shows and demonstrations throughout the day in his demonstration area, which is in the Trade Stall area.

On the Footy Oval the Historic Farm Machinery, Horseshoeing Demonstrations & Trade Stalls, including the RM Williams truck , will again all be on display. With over 35 Trade Stalls in 2009 our 2010 Trade Stall area is set to give you plenty of shopping to do between events!

The ‘Country Rock Concert' on Saturday night will highlight three outstanding talents.

Featuring leading performers Amber Lawrence and Travis Collins . Amber and Travis are the new breed of country artists that are appealing to all ages and genres with their catchy melodies, powerful and personal performances and memorable lyrics that everyone can all relate to.

Opening the Concert at 9.00pm will be the great entertainer, Korey Livy .

Entertainment Hall – Recreation Reserve

Flash Twinkle Toes Silly Circus Show

Flash is a talented circus performer with one big problem...he just can't seem to get things right. No matter how hard he tries he always seems to need some little helping hands to get things back on track.

Flash Twinkle Toes ‘Silly Circus Show' features audience interaction, comedic routines and fun circus skills including diabolo, plate spinning, juggling, magic, and more. In The Silly Circus children can enjoy watching or even become the next star of the show!

Geoffrey Graham – as Banjo Paterson

Geoffrey Graham is back with us in 2010 performing a tribute to shearers with a new performance, ‘ Wool, Sweat & Tears ' . There will be shows on both Saturday and Sunday, in the Entertainment Hall.

Wiradjuri Aboriginal Education Demonstration

Traditional Aboriginal fine art of rope and basket making is demonstrated with the meaning and culture of the various traditional techniques explained during the presentation. A must see!!

Greta Ziller and the Orange Blossom Band

Orange Blossom Band will be performing in the Entertainment Hall with their mix of Bluegrass and Roots music with a slight country twinge!

Their influences include artists like Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Kasey Chambers, The Dixie Chicks, Janis Joplin, Traditional Bluegrass and Folk Music just to name a few!

Travis Collins & Amber Lawrence

Country Rock Concert, Saturday Night

There's country music. And then there's Travis Collins & Amber Lawrence .

No cowboy hat. Just great songs and feel good music.

These two burgeoning award winning Australian country artists are breaking the mould and new ground with it.

Amber and Travis are the new breed of country artists that are appealing to all ages and genres with their catchy melodies, powerful and personal performances and memorable lyrics that everyone can all relate to.

Travis Collins , following in the footsteps of Keith Urban and James Blundell won the prestigious ‘ Toyota Star Maker' title in 2004 at the tender age of 19. Since then Travis has had nine top 5 singles and #1's on the Country charts.

His first album ‘ Start The Car' showcased Travis' evolving style of contemporary country/rock. Travis' star was shining so much that with the support of Commercial Radio Australia he headed to Nashville in 2007 to perform at Nashville's CMA Festival attended by 200,000 plus. Travis' second album No Boundaries was released in late 2007 with a national tour and more #1 chart and radio positions featuring the tracks ‘ Yeah She Does and Rip It Up'.

With four Gold Guitar nominations under his belt, Travis isn't resting on his Australian laurels . Travis has also released his songs in France , Denmark , Germany and the UK and toured Europe twice. A prolific and

successful songwriter, he regularly travels to Nashville to write with some of the best in the business.

Amber Lawrence would seem your traditional country artist, but don't be deceived. She didn't grow up in the country regional areas and she quite her job as an accountant for Qantas for a country music career– what? – go figure!

But all that says, is that if you have a love and passion of country music, it doesn't matter where you come from, so long as it comes from the heart.

Fast track three years to now, Amber has released a successful independent EP ‘ I've Got the Blues' and her acclaimed debut album ‘ The Mile' which spawned 3 Top 10 singles ‘ Things That Bring Me Down', ‘Gonna Fly' and ‘Good Girls' (the latter sitting at the #1 position on the Country Radio chart for five consecutive weeks). ‘ The Mile' also reached #4 on the Australian Country ARIA Chart.

At present, Amber has received two Golden Guitar nominations for ‘ Female Artist of the Year' and ‘ Maton Best New Talent of the Year' (07/08) and WON the People's Choice Award for ‘ Best Female Vocalist' (08/09).

Along the way, Amber scooped 4 of 9 awards on offer at the Southern Star Independent Awards for ‘ Album of the Year', ‘Single of the Year', ‘Female Vocalist of the Year', ‘Independent Artist of the Year' ( 08).

Amber has toured and performed with the likes of The McClymonts, James Blundell, Adam Harvey, Melinda Schneider, Beccy Cole and Gina Jeffrey's and, like Travis, has featured on major festivals such as The Deni Ute Muster, The Gympie Muster, CMC Rocks The Snowy's, Grabine CM Festival, Mt Isa Rodeo, Katherine CMFestival, Cessnock CM Festival, Mudbulls & Music and many others.

Amber also toured as part of the female touring concept “Chic Frontier” (also featuring Dianna Corcoran and Aleyce Simmonds).

Amber is currently recording her 2nd album with hit-maker Rod McCormack and due for release Sept 2009. “One thing about our show, is that we blend the old with the new, there are some classics plus some foot stomping ,feet-tapping songs that will suit all age groups,” cites Travis and Amber.

“In our individual shows, we have young kids as well as their grandparents really loving the music, so I guess we're a musical cocktail and transcend genres and age groups. It's a bit rockin' and it's a bit roll... but a whole lot of country loving' at the same time”, laughs Amber and Travis.

Visit: www.amberlawrence.com and www.traviscollins.com.au

Korey Livy

‘That's the way we do it round here' says Korey Livy, candidly speaking about his life, love and home and it's also the title to his new album. This father of six from Albury NSW lives and breathes family and country music.

‘Korey Livy is a man with boundless passion and pride, bucket
 loads of real life experience – he is a natural storyteller in performance and song, and has plenty of industry experience to boot'.

Australian CM audiences were first introduced to Korey when he toured with “The Brian Young Show', ‘Tim McGraw Tribute Show' and more recently to a wider audience when he appeared as a contestant on Australian Idol in 2006.

A Toyota Star Maker finalists and CMAA graduate, Korey earn his stripes performing with Australian country greats, Troy Cassar Daley, Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Melinda Schneider, Sara Storer and Lee Kernaghan. He cruised around the Caribbean as part of the Grand Ole Opry tour, getting up close and personal with American country greats Brad Paisley, Trace Atkins and Bill Anderson.

In 2000 Korey released his debut album ‘Home to You' with songs penned mostly by him and produced by Nash Chambers. ‘Home To You' the single worked its way to number 6 position on the CMR charts and Korey toured Australia playing towns and festivals.

In between time Korey has given his time and commitment to various charity organisations, helping to raise awareness and much needed funds for Bush Fire Appeals, Cancer Awareness, the Australian Catholic Church and Albury Council.

Fast forward to 2007 and Korey began collaboration with Roger Corbett at The Valley Studio to produce his second album. This time collecting material from Australia and the US , as well co-writing with Drew McAlister and Roger Corbett. The result being an album jam packed with energy and emotion. Korey's ability to sing you a story and make you laugh or cry is a real testament to his amazing life experiences and skill as a singer and songwriter.

www.koreylivy.com.au

Double Dans

Double Dan Horsemanship - Featuring on Saturday and Sunday in the Main Arena at the Recreation Reserve

Dan James

Dan, 26, was born in Queensland , Australia , where his parents managed small cattle property. Dan first sat on a horse at 6 weeks old, which was to begin a lifelong passion of horses. Dan's first few riding years were to be spent on the milking goat, it wasn't until he was 10, that Dan had his first pony. Dan's parents were always encouraging and supporting him, but it was the great work ethic that they instilled that has really payed off. First inspired by horsemen, Damien Curr, Dan went on to spend some years in pony club. He later continued through the EFA where he competed in eventing and showjumping to state and national level, under the guidance of Ted Sullivan (Dan's uncle) and Corey Keable.

At 14 while the family were living in central Queensland , Dan spent four weeks working with a breaker from up north (Lachlan Mace) where He broke his first horse in. Although some method's have changed, the advise that Lachlan gave still applies, “love what you do, be determined, and patient”.

Longreach Pastoral College gave Dan great direction towards horsemanship. John Arnold always encouraged students to know all they could about horses, as just being a trainer didn't make you a horseman. Following college, Dan's skills were further refined while spending three months in Hokkaido Japan breaking in for central farm horse stud and later spending time with world renowned cutting horse trainer Punk Carter. Punk was based in Celina , Texas USA , and gave Dan the opportunity to break in and compete on horses in yet another part of the world.

In 2003 Dan moved to a million acre cattle property, Liveringa Station, just east of Broome Western Australia . A place he would call home for the following five years. At the station, Dan's highest priority was the horses. He was responsible for the care and maintenance; everything from breeding, shoeing, teeth and breaking in for up to 200 head of horses.

It was at the station that Dan really developed a mateship with Outback Arafura, a QH stallion and Amelia, an Australian Stock Horse mare. The show's, live entertainment and clinics that Dan now conducts, all started as a bit of fun at the station, after guests were entertained by his amazing horsemanship skills. His entertainment value was recognised with Dan performing in “Spirit of the Horse” at Burwood dome in later 2007.

In early 2008 Dan brought the shows he was conducting at the station to EL Caballo in Perth , home of the Spanish walking horses. It was here he conducted shows and worked with Spanish horse trainers Jose' and Manolo Mendeze. Dan was involved in many shows, entertaining a wide array of audiences, conducting clinics and breaking in horses. The highlight of his career so far winning “The Way of the Horse 2008”, at Equitana Asia Pacific where his horsemanship and breaking skills were recognised as world class.

Currently Dan is based on the East coast, with partner Krysten, while working and training with movie horse trainer Heath Harris at his property in Mt White. Dan will be appearing at shows around the country and conducting clinics, with good mate and trainer Dan Steers throughout 2009.

Looking forward, Dan's aim is to continue to push the limits of horsemanship and entertainment, to provide both knowledge and understanding along with excitement with our great equine mates.

For the love of horses, Dan James.

Dan Steers

Growing up in the south west of Western Australia , Dan was first introduced to horses and a passion began to develop. At the age of 15 he began working for master farrier and horseman, Pete Webber. It was here Dan developed both his horsemanship and farrier skills. At 17 Dan began working for cutting trainer Corry Holden in Cobram , Victoria , where he spent the following six months training and breaking horses. It was here Dan was first recognised in the show ring, winning many senior youth cutting events on a cutting mare Miss Buno Oak.

In early 2002 Dan returned to Western Australia and began working at Taunton Vale, a large Thoroughbred and Australian stock horse stud in the south west. Here he was involved in all aspects of breeding, training, showing and yearling preparation. Dan has had much success in the ring, being awarded 2007 ACA Western Australian reserve Open Campdraft rider and winning multiple campdrafts and Australian stockhorse Futurity's. Dan is actively involved in Campdraft judging where he is able to invest back into the sport. Dan's love of horses and desire to diversify his skills led him to gain part time work with master farrier Brent Tyler. It was over a three year period he developed his knowledge and skills, shoeing horses for many disciplines and working closely with local veterinarians.

Dan has been involved in breaking in horses for a range of disciplines over the past three years, while managing a 10,000 acre cattle property in North Dandalup, Western Australia . It was during this time he was able to refine his horsemanship skills and conduct coaching and clinics around Western Australia . Dan is well respected for his horsemanship skills and admired for his talent.

This talent was recognised with Dan moving to El Cabello, Perth , to work alongside horseman Dan James. It was here he was able to refine his showmanship and training of horses. Dan has been involved in many shows across Australia , performing to a wide audience and developing a team of performing horses. One of such performers is Dan's Australian Stockhorse stallion, Tallawahl Double Image. As a four year old he is now involved in most of Dan's live shoes and has been shown with much success. The pair have a brilliant bond and were awarded 2008 Supreme led Australian Stock Horse and winner of the Four Year Old Maturity including the Saddle Series at the State Championships.

WHAT HAS DAN JAMES BEEN UP TO?

Dan James, the winner of the 2008 Australian Horsemanship Award, is continuing to make his mark on the horse scene in this country.  He and champion horseman, Dan Steers, have been performing in live shows and conducting clinics under the banner of DOUBLE DAN HORSEMANSHIP.

They have been working continually since arriving from Western Australia . At the 2009 Sydney Royal they appeared twice a day in both their own show and the Main Arena TRUE BLUE and during that period Dan Steers found time to compete in some campdrafts.  They've been training horses, giving lessons and are presently doing a Queensland run appearing at major equestrian events and starring in their own Double Dan Show EXTREME EQUINE ACTION.

Earlier this year Dan James spent several weeks in Kentucky at the request of Clay Maier.  Based in the magnificent Kentucky Horse Park , the site of next year's World Equestrian Games, Maier is renowned for his Friesian Spectaculars and is one of the world's finest exponents of driving and long reining.  Dan will return to the States in August.

“There's a possibility Dan Steers and I can be involved in Cotton Rosser's Rodeo Circuit.  He's one of the leading contractors over there and a great rodeo showman.”

Upon the Dans' return to New South Wales they'll be at AELEC in Tamworth for the Double Dan Clinic and Live Show.

More information about these two fine horsemen can be found at:

www.double-dan-horsemanship.com.au

Chitty Bang Band Biography

A six piece contemporary band that brings to life the music of the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.

The Chitty Bang Band brings an extensive era of exciting music back to life with a freshness and excitement that will be a treat for any audience.

The band was formed in 2009 out of a love for the music of the 60's to 90's era. It began as a group of teachers wanting to give something back to their local community. Since then the band has established itself as a very popular entertainment and dance band in the Upper Murray.

The line up is; John Chitty (guitar & vocals), Bruce Woodhouse (lead guitar & vocals), Dominic Corse (drums), Ray Knight (bass), Andrea Budworth (guitar & vocals) and Rebecca Cullinan (vocals).

The Chitty Bang Band draws it's inspiration from the great artists and bands of the past. Their music includes a wide repertoire from many eras ... rock, ballads, country, Australiana and contemporary music are all represented.

An entertaining package that brings to life fantastic music ... great music to inspire dancing.... fantastic to listen to and reminisce ... an excitement to delight!

ORANGE BLOSSOM

MEMBERS:

Gretta – Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin

Elizabeth – Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar

Isabel – Fiddle, Mandolin, Vocals

Troy – Upright Bass

INFLUENCES:

Gretta and Elizabeth are the founding members of Orange Blossom, which started in 2006. Orange Blossom performs a mix of Bluegrass and Roots music with a slight country twinge!

Their influences include artists like Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Kasey Chambers, The Dixie Chicks, Janis Joplin, Traditional Bluegrass and Folk Music just to name a few!

MEMBERS:

Gretta completed a Bachelor of Music (voice) in 2003 at the University of Melbourne and returned to Albury/Wodonga to teach the Bagpipes and pursue her love for music.

Elizabeth grew up with bluegrass and folk music, performing with her sisters. She now performs regularly with David Daly as well as Orange Blossom.

Isabel brings a Celtic influence to the group as she was a member of the Celtic punk band “Dadscrampy” for 6 years until their split in 2008.

Troy is the newest member of Orange Blossom! Troy has been in various bands in Melbourne , playing both electric and upright Bass.

GIGS AND FESTIVALS:

Orange Blossom plays regular gigs in the Albury/ Wodonga area. Venues include Gum Tree Cafe Yackandanda, Astor Hotel Albury, and the North Eastern Hotel Wangaratta. Orange Blossom has performed at the following festivals; the Kinross Country Muster, the Man From Snowy River Bush Festival, Mount Beauty Music Festival and the Yackandanda Bushfire Relief Concert.

Orange Blossom is also excited to announce they will be performing at the 2009 Albury Carols.

Web: www.myspace.com/theorangeblossoms  

BANJO & GEOFFREY GRAHAM

In 1890, Andrew Barton Paterson better known as the ‘Banjo' penned the words to ‘The Man from Snowy River .' It became a legendary piece of verse, and today remains the most memorable poem of ‘Banjo's' verse writing career. Not just a poet, he attempted journalism, farming and a career as a solicitor, but his great passion was for verse.

His patriotism shone through with his time as a war correspondent, and his love for Australia , the land, its people and horses was never more evident than in his famous poem.

After growing up with a great love for the works of ‘Banjo', Geoffrey Graham devised a performance in 1995 to celebrate the works and life of ‘Banjo'. Titled ‘The Man from Ironbark'. He has continued to perform this show along with other heritage style shows across Australia . With perfect timing, 1995 was also the year that Corryong held its first Festival, so Geoffrey's show was most appropriate for that first Festival. In fact, he's been back nearly every year since. Not just as ‘Banjo' with short shows, but he continues to be involved with the ‘Australia Post' Re Enactment, the poignant graveside ceremony of Jack Riley, the Street Parade, local school performances and centre ring performing ‘the man'.

Geoffrey W Graham - 2010

Geoffrey will be appearing at the 2010 Festival not only as ‘Banjo' presenting gripping verse and an impersonation of the legendary man but also performing around the Festival in various places.

He will also be performing a tribute to shearers with a performance of Wool, Sweat and Tears . (See program)

www.dinkumoz.com.au

CIRQUE MYSTIQUE 

David Leach

David Leach is an energetic and versatile performer with skills ranging from fire and circus to puppetry and magic. Graduating from VUT‘s Performing Arts Course in 1999, David has actively performed throughout Melbourne and Australia for over eight years.

During this time David has been recognised as one of Australia 's top fire artists, a sophisticated corporate entertainer and a highly talented children's entertainer. David performs as a children's entertainer with his comedic characters at hundreds of events and parties each year. His puppetry experience has led him to work with the ‘William May Corporation' (Producers of ‘The Hobbit' and ‘The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe') on general performances since 2003. David is currently co-owner and director of Cirque Mystique.

“Full-time performer Flash Twinkle Toes stepped out in the street for his folkie debut and was an instant winner with the younger crowd”
The Standard, Saturday March 10th 2007, Page 1. (Review of Port Fairy Folk Festival)

Shows will be in the Entertainment Hall (Rec Reserve) & Attree Centre

Flash Twinkle Toes Silly Circus Show

Flash is a talented circus performer with one big problem...he just can't seem to get things right. No matter how hard he tries he always seems to need some little helping hands to get things back on track.

Flash Twinkle Toes ‘Silly Circus Show' features audience interaction, comedic routines and fun circus skills including diabolo, plate spinning, juggling, magic, and more. In The Silly Circus children can enjoy watching or even become the next star of the show!

In the Street Parade

Flash Twinkle Toes on Stilts (Stilt Walker )

Flash is the craziest stilter around. Watch him balance objects on his head, dance, spin and even skip rope on stilts. This talented character is much more than just a tall individual. Incorporating dancing and circus skills, brilliant day flags and enormous bubbles into his vast repertoire.

In Hanson Street

The Blue Loon (Balloonist)

Creativity meets no boundaries when the Blue Loon is around! This quirky entertainer deftly twists balloons into animals, hats, flowers and more.

www.cirquemystique.com/ flash _ twinkle _ toes