The country music festival that began in a corner of the Hakataramea pub more than 30 years ago is back bigger and better than ever, co-organiser Mike Hedges says.
Cromwell’s Gold ’n’ Notes Hoedown will take place under a vast big-top tent at the Cromwell Racecourse from November 17-19.
Co-organiser Lynette Hedges said plenty of favourite artists would come to the hoedown.
Jaydin Shingleton was returning, having honed his skills thanks to a scholarship he won to the Country Music Academy of Australia in Tamworth.
Returning Waikato-based entertainer Joy Adams had released 16 albums since her first in 1992.
‘‘Joy has been four or five times,’’ Mrs Hedges said. ‘‘She loves the hoedown so much it is hard to keep her away, and the patrons love her.’’
New Zealand Gold Guitar winner Kelvin Cummings would be performing for the first time, she said.
Local musician Paddy Sugrue would return to sing his playlist of original songs.
Southland musicians Nick Burke and Brian Kinnaird would be on the stage together for the Saturday night showcase.
Mr Hedges said it was a major event in the country music calendar.
‘‘You can let your hair down, relax and enjoy.’’
A big feature of the music weekend was the opportunity for anyone to get on stage and build up their singing chops.
‘‘If you can sing, put your name on the blackboard, give the band the key and begin,’’ he said.
The hoedown would include busking in Cromwell town centre on Friday and Saturday morning.
Blackboard artists would be playing in the afternoons, then the country showcase would begin on Saturday night.
Mr Hedges said many people travelled from across the country to the hoedown, and a large paddock had been set aside for caravans and motorhomes.
There would also be courtesy shuttles from local motels and hotels.
- by Simon Henderson
