IT’S been a huge week overseas for Aussies, and for one couple who went halfway around the world, it was well worth the effort. Sydney-based singer-songwriters Hunter and Suzy Owens emerged from last weekend’s MerleFest 2015 as winners of the country component of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.
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Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson.
It’s a celebration of “traditional-plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles.
The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 13 stages during the four-day event.
As finalists, Hunter and Suzy’s song was selected from entries received from around the globe and they were invited to perform live at the event.
Now in its 23rd year, the contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairman, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale.
When Hunter and Suzy took the Austin Stage in Alumni Hall at MerleFest on Friday, April 24, the judges were mightily impressed by what they heard, naming them winners in the country section of the competition for their song, It Would Be Easier.
As part of their finalist package, Hunter and Suzy were accommodated for the three nights of MerleFest and participated in a songwriting workshop with Jim Lauderdale, Jesse Bellamy, Peter Rowan and Bruce Robison.
Also part of their prize was a one-song contract with renowned label, Pinecastle Records and $500 to record their winning song.
Pinecastle Records will manufacture a four-track compilation CD of the winning songs from each section of the contest and distribute it to radio stations across the United States and Canada.
Hunter and Suzy also received $500 from MerleFest and a performance slot on the Cabin Stage on Friday night of the festival.
Completing their MerleFest commitments, Hunter and Suzy relaxed and took in the great acts over the remainder of the event, finishing up on a high watching a killer set from Dwight Yoakam.
They’re now across the border in Virginia where they plan to catch up with the Whitetop Mountaineers, frequent visitors to Australia and Tamworth as part of Andrew Clermont’s International Supper Club.
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IT WILL be another big showing of Aussie talent in June when AristoMedia presents another global showcase during the 2015 CMA Fest in Nashville.
This free international music event will be held this year in a larger, outdoor venue on Monday, June 8.
Since it began in 2004 as the Global Artist Party, the renamed CMA World GlobaLive! event has continued to attract large audiences to a standing-room-only honky tonk on Broadway.
This year CMA World GlobaLive! moves to Walk of Fame Park, alongside the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Flying the Aussie flag will be the Adam Eckersley Band, Morgan Evans, 2015 Toyota Star Maker Mickey Pye and New Zealander Cam Luxton.
They will perform along with acts from Brazil, Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands and the UK.
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ON A sadder note, having spent a beautiful day in the sun with family and friends on Monday, well-respected Tamworth musician, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, Nev Parnell slipped quietly away at 9 o’clock that night.
Nev had been battling the mongrel that doesn’t discriminate, bowel cancer, having been diagnosed several years ago after his retirement. He always fought bravely and never complained.
When he was feeling low, few knew. When he wasn’t in pain, Nev smiled, laughed, joked and loved the company of those around him, often gathering big mobs for country hospitality and music at his beloved “gully”, a performance space on his property in the Moore Creek/Daruka area.
Son Matthew was in the midst of funeral arrangements yesterday but said it was hoped Nev would be farewelled in a ceremony at the gully, which had always been his dad’s “happy place”.
There was a great dignity about Nev Parnell. His generosity of spirit won’t be forgotten among those he came into contact with over the years in Country Gold and on many stages across the North West, New England and the Hunter region. With line-up changes over the years, an enduring combination was Rodney Walker on bass, Ken Grills on drums, John Fermor on lead guitar and Nev on rhythm guitar and vocals.
I reckon Nev would be smiling broadly as he picked and strummed along in Hillbilly Heaven with good mates and former Country Golders Eric Newton and Glenn Green, Norm Bodkin, Ray Brown (The Whispers) and Graham Hesketh (The Hawking Brothers).
He is survived by his wife Evlyn, sons Trent and Matthew, and daughter Christina and their families.
I’m sure Country Music Notes readers would join me in expressing deepest condolences to Nev’s family.
Watch The Leader classifieds for details of his funeral notice.
