The Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival has announced the winners of its local country showcase.
Jade Gibson, Madi Colville-Walker, JB & Me and Kane Vincent were the four artists chosen to take on the big stage at the inaugural event.
Each local artist will perform a set at the festival among some of the biggest names in country music, including Casey Barnes, Brad Cox and Lee Kernaghan.
The festival is organised by Red Hill Entertainment, which is run by brothers Aidan and Rhett McLaren, the driving force behind sister event Gippsland Country Music Festival and Shepparton’s Land of Plenty festival, along with an array of other live music events.
Festival director Aidan McLaren said with over 25 applications, the decision proved difficult.
“It was incredibly difficult to choose just four, which is a testament to the incredible country music talent in the region.” he said.
“We are so pleased to have picked Jade Gibson, Madi Colville-Walker, JB & Me and Kane Vincent as the winners of the Local Country Showcase.
“From classic country to modern country pop to acoustic storytelling, these musicians really do showcase the best of country music in the region, and we know they are going to bring something incredibly special to their sets at the festival.”
For Wangaratta artist Jade Gibson, the festival was a non-negotiable even before being picked.
“I already had tickets to go — I didn’t expect it at all, it was amazing, so I’m really rapt,” she said.
“They sent me through the poster to finalise, I was so overwhelmed to see my name up there with people I look up to.
“It’s a sign of good things to come after all the turmoil we’ve been through in the past two years.”
Kane Vincent was also pleasantly surprised by the news.
“I hoped for it but I didn’t expect it, I just entered the competition and got lucky, also with a pinch of talent, I assume,” he said with a laugh.
Having taken up music full-time only four years ago, Mr Vincent had his eyes opened to the festival scene at an event in Canberra, where he happened to land on stage after booked artists couldn’t attend due to floods.
“I offered and got up there in front of 1000 people, it was a special moment. I remember thinking, ‘I want to do this as an artist’,” he said.
“It’ll be great to be alongside some talented acts in the showcase, and play some new original music.”
Alannah Williams, one half of JB & Me, said the winning entry came as quite the shock, but more so for her duo partner Justin Boschetti.
“We won and I was so excited I squealed and told Justin, ‘We got it!’ but he just looks so confused,” she said.
“It dawned on me I forgot to tell him I entered it! But we’re so excited to be a part of it.”
Madi Colville-Walker is a proud Yorta Yorta woman, with experience playing her music throughout Victoria.
Mr McLaren said the team had been “overwhelmed by the positive response from the Goulburn Valley community”.
“We have done a lot of research and know that this region was crying out for an event like this, and we are so proud to be celebrating the incredible local talent that Shepp has,” he said.
We're so thankful for the support the local country music community has shown the event and hope it's something special we can have here for everyone to look forward to for many years to come.“
The event is on Sunday, April 10, at the Shepparton Showgrounds. Second release tickets are on sale and selling fast.
For more information, visit www.goulburnvalleycountrymusicfestival.com.au