Hi Guys,

Just thought to update you on the events of this year's Red Hill Country Music Festival.

The line up of bands and artists was diverse and you couldn't meet a nicer bunch of people backstage.

The Sunny Cowgirls, Amber Joy Poulton, Doug Bruce and the Tailgaters, Phoenix, (Thanks Greg!!), The Moonee Valley Drifters, Tim Farron Band, (Thanks again Brian!!), The Bona Fide Travellers, The Prairie Oysters, and many more.

The local Lions Club did a fantastic job in the organisation and implementation of this event, right down to the backstage sandwiches and coffees for the artists.

Many childrens' rides and "top shelf" food stalls were prevalent and the many utes and hot rods were spectacular to see.

This was a great day for all families and friends, as the weather also showed a good side, with no rain and mild conditions for the day.

Perfect for lounging around the well grassed oval with the esky, blanket, or fold-up chairs, shade gazebos, and above all, great music.

I understand the next year's event dates are already out, as the day was an outstanding success.

The only damper on the day was the sound, as we spoke to many people who were a little disappointed. And Warrick & Sue have this under control for next year.

But this was not going to prevent all from dancing, singing and clapping along to the greatly talented artists displaying their wares, on stage!

Gary Turner MC'd the event, and even got on stage with guitar!!

(I must say Gary, couldn't really pick up on your chord structures mate?)

He did a magnificent job, as usual and we enjoyed every minute.

The bands also had merchandising available, CD's Tee Shirts etc. and again, the Lions Club ladies did a fantastic job in manning the counters for the punters to purchase their valued preferences.

The attendance was terrific, and a huge thank you for all who turned out for this great day of entertainment.

All in all, the day was an outstanding success and a testament to Country Music's constant survival in a tough town like Melbourne, where the music is always treated as a poor cousin to the mainstream commercial radio served up.

The support of the local community radio stations also needs to be recognised, as we musicians, playing Country, Rockabilly, or Rock'n'Roll, receive great assistance and exposure through this media.

Without all this, we would have no scene to go to, so please continue to support all venues, festivals, and shows.

We are all in this together and for the fun and enjoyment of it to continue.

And bring the kids!!! (where feasible)

I know all band members/artists certainly appreciate all of you.

Rob.

The Prairie Oysters.