Dixie Chicks headline Mission concert

Texas-based female country-influenced band the Dixie Chicks are set to bring their multi-Grammy Award winning music to the Mission Estate Winery landscape next April.

The three-piece band, made up of sisters and founding members Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, along with lead singer Natalie Maines, will headline the April 8 Mission Concert.

The announcement was made by Sport and Entertainment Ltd (SEL) and Mission Estate management at a special luncheon today.

The Dixie Chicks were formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1989 and were originally made up of four women who focused their musical aim on bluegrass and country music, busking and appearing at festivals and events for six years without attracting a record label.

But things began to move for the band as they spread their musical repertoire and they struck commercial success in 1998 with hit songs like There's Your Trouble and Wide Open Spaces.

They have crossed successfully into pop and alternative country, and as of last year had won 13 Grammy Awards, which included a remarkable five in 2007.

By the end of last year they had sold more than 30 million albums and have become the top-selling all-female band in the United States between 1991 and today.

SEL events director Garry Craft flew into Napier for the announcement.

Mission Estate CEO Peter Holley said they possessed a firm commitment to keep the annual concert alive and part of the region's entertainment landscape.

He and Mr Craft were confident the concert would draw a big crowd.