PORT STEPHENS COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Reporter: ADAM DIGBY
Adam is wining, dining and singing his way through the Blue Water Country Music Festival, in Port Stephens.
In 2006 a new Festival was introduced into the Australian Country Music Calendar on the June long weekend at Port Stephens and Nelson Bay, just north of Newcastle on the NSW North Coast.
Due to its great success in 2006 the festival is back on this year and it has attracted a total of 30 venues, many of them located and overlooking beautiful Port Stephens and will be supported by over 100 artists and bands.
The organisers have decided to substantially extend the duration of the Festival to five days and also significantly enhance the appeal of the Festival, particularly by conducting a range of Country Music activities and many on the water, including:
Country Music Cruises including a Progressive Luncheon at 3 waterfront venues- Bush Balladeer Concerts on the Nelson Bay foreshore
- Country Music Bush Poets Breakfast Cruises
- Boot scooting “Showdown” on the Foreshore of Nelson Bay on Port Stephens
- Waterfront Country Music Venues
- Country Music Luncheon Afloat
- Country Music Connecting Shuttle Service and Tours
- Blue Dolphin Awards for young talent
- Songwriters Workshop
- Buskers
Most of the Festival venues will be serviced by a shuttle bus service and at most venues entry will be free. It is anticipated that over 200 performers will be participating. Artists such as Gina Jeffery’s, Sara Storer, Bill Chambers, James Blundell, The Wolverines and many more multiple Golden Guitar and Star Maker winners will be performing.
All forms of Country music will be available including Bluegrass, Traditional, Country Rock and of course, Australian ballads. Bush Poets will also be a feature and will include numerous venues.
Progressive Lunch Cruise
The Festival kick started in 2006 with 15 venues and already in 2007 has attracted a total of 30 venues, many of them located and overlooking beautiful Port Stephens supported by over 100 artists and bands.
One of the great new things on offer this year is a progressive lunch country music cruise.
Spend the day sailing amongst the dolphins in the Port Stephens waterways, enjoying country music and enjoying the delicious delights prepared for you by the great chefs of Port Stephens.
This is a unique concept in Country Music, and the organisers are trying to ‘Bring Country to the Coast’. The Blue Water Country Music Festival will be held from 7th to the 11th June.
More Information
Blue Water Country Music Festival
Port Stephens
June 7th to 11th
For more info contact Nelson Bay Town Management on (02) 4984 4751
www.nelsonbaybusiness.com
Prices correct as at 02/06/07
Salamander Shores Hotel
Salamander Shores is situated on the waterfront overlooking the crystal clear waters of Australia's Blue Water Paradise, Port Stephens. Just 2.5 hours north of Sydney, Salamander Shores is the ideal destination for a break any time of the year.
Whether you seek the unique flora & fauna of the National Parks, or wish to explore the beautiful waterways of Port Stephens, or even sample a variety of adventure activities the area has to offer, the Salamander Shores Hotel can offer you all that is required to enjoy this magnificent area.
Offering 90 guest rooms, most with absolute waterfront views and ranging from Gardenview rooms to Deluxe Spa suites, Salamander Shores makes the ideal base to experience the wonders of Port Stephens.
Salamander Shores can cater to everything you need … the only thing overlooked is the water!
More Information
Salamander Shores Hotel
147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point
Telephone: 1800 655 029
Prices start from $119 per couple per night for a garden view room.
www.salamander-shores.com
Prices correct as at 02/06/07
And there’s plenty more happening around regional New South Wales this month.
To find out what’s on, log onto www.visitnsw.com/events