It’s only 15 sleeps away, you know. But why wait that extra sleep?

On the eve of Hats Off to Country, on Wednesday, July 2, there’ll be some fair dinkum singing cowboys on the southern side of the capital – Wayne Horsburgh, joined by the Howie Brothers, John and Graeme.

The Howies and Wayne are making their Tamworth Hats Off preview show somewhat of a tradition these days, having drawn a large crowd to last year’s show.

It’s at a warm, cosy, air-conditioned venue, the Southside Uniting Church, right opposite the Big Golden Guitar on the southern entrance to the city.

From 10am to noon you can enjoy musical memories by the score, with a cuppa at interval.

You’ll hear hits from the individual acts – as well as songs from their best-selling combined album of old-time cowboy songs, which is a must for every country fan’s collection.

How better to kick off your Hats Off to Country Festival in Tamworth than in a cowboy kinda way? Tickets are just $10 at the door. 

NASHVILLE-based Aussie Natalie Howard, pictured, was thrilled to learn she had won the country album category of the 13th Annual Independent Music Awards.

Under {Love’s} Umbrella emerged the winner in a strong field of entries from more than 70 countries on six continents. 

As an IMA winner, Natalie joins an impressive group of self-released and independent label talent from around the world. 

Submissions were chosen from thousands of submissions worldwide and were determined by a panel of influential artists and music industry executives. 

Natalie is on a high in her home country as well, with Paradise, the new single from the album, a top 15 hit on the Country Tracks Top 30,  #3 after two weeks in the #1 spot on Australian Country with John Nutting (based on listeners’ likes) and it’s climbing the Hot FM Top 100 Country Hits from #19. 

Keep up with all of Natalie’s latest news at www.nataliehoward.net

Gretsch generosity

VICTORIAN-based bluegrass brothers the Davidsons are generous to a fault. 

To celebrate the release of their new album, Hamish and Lachlan want to give away a Gretsch five-string banjo.

The Davos’ good mates at Fender Australia have helped them put together this unique promotion offering a fabulous Gretsch Broadkaster Special five-string Resonator banjo to one lucky Davidson Brothers fan.

It helps to have good friends, doesn’t it?

To be in the running, all you have to do is order their new album, Wanderlust, online before tomorrow. That’s the official release date, so jump on the website,www.davidsonbrothers

band.com and you could be up for some banjo lessons.

And if you happen to be in the vicinity of the Corner Hotel, Richmond, in Victoria tonight, you can help the brothers celebrate their launch. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Special guests Sweet Jean and Fanny Lumsden will keep their spot warm until the brothers take the stage at 10pm with their band, which will include Jacob McGuffie on guitar and Louis Gill on upright bass, who both feature on the new record.

Don’t miss your chance to be one of the first to hear the latest work of Australia’s most awarded bluegrass act.

Retro style in the Legends Bar

IF YOU’RE chasing some country around the capital this weekend, look no further than Legends Bar at Wests this Saturday night.

Lawrie and Shelley Minson, pictured, will showcase their rock’n’roll, rockabilly and honky tonk music designed to get you up and on the dancefloor.

Loz and Shell have put together a band of Randall Wilson on drums and Darryl Keeley on bass.

Check out their retro-style this Saturday night at Wests.

Don Costa leaves his mark in SA

DON Costa’s should be a familiar face to a lot of people in Tamworth who indulge in a little retail therapy.

Don is the bloke you see entertaining twice a day at Tamworth Shoppingworld during Hats Off to Country each July.

Make sure you pass on your hearty congratulations when you see Don in a fortnight’s time.

He’s just returned from the SA Country Music 

Festival and Awards in the Riverland, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Barmera. 

One of Australia’s favourite entertainers, Don is based on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, but doesn’t get to enjoy much of the sunshine at home.

He’s too busy out on the road, performing at events and festivals right around the country.

From the Mount Isa Rodeo to the Gympie Muster and Mildura Country Music Festival, Don is part of the furniture – just like he is during Hats Off in Tamworth at Shoppingworld.

Congratulations, Don. A well deserved accolade. And thanks to my mate, Flash, for the top shot.