Top performers in the Bay for Music Fest

Organiser Keith Willis is looking forward to this weekend's Branded Country Music Fest at the Hawke's Bay Racing Centre.

They might not be Hank Williams or Dolly Parton, but the line-up for the fifth Branded Country Music Fest is bound to get a few toes tapping.

In fact organiser Keith Willis reckons the round of young performers are "as good as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban".

The Hawke's Bay Racecourse is the new venue for the event, held this weekend and outside for the first time.

"We don't want this festival to leave the beautiful Hawke's Bay. The Hawke's Bay Racing Centre has been very helpful - we want bums on seats," he says.

Keith has more than 40 years' experience in the music industry, both as an established vocalist and musician - he took over running the former Napier Country & Variety Music Festival five years ago.

His high-profile band Branded will be supporting the line-up of around 40 entertainers at the alcohol-free, family event, which will attract more than 60 motorhome owners.

Keith says they are prominent supporters on the country musical festival circuit.

"They park up, get out, catch up with friends and listen to the music - they come from all over."

Although many performers will be from out of town, plenty of local identities are set to entertain more than 300 people expected to attend the three-day event.

A 'young guns stampede' will charge up the festival on Friday night and feature aspiring Hawke's Bay musicians Madimac, Jaz Tilyard, Tegan Reid, Brianna Anglesey and Haley Cole.

"They have beaut voices - they just want to sing."

Keith says other 'kids' are coming from Auckland - all award winners in national country music competitions.

"I focus on the kids now - at the end of the day they will all have a good time."

Keith says the event is all about providing good entertainment and offering a platform for friends all over the country who want to come and play.

"No one else is doing what I'm doing. We do it because we have this chance to play together."

Entertainers:

Coopers Run, from Matamata: Cooper's Run has shared the stage with Lady Antebellum, Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers.
Dan Cosgrove: Well-established singer/guitarist in the NZ country music scene.
Doug Erutoe: Talented singer from Tokoroa who has appeared on the TV show My Country Song.
Craig Robertson: Singer/songwriter. Winner of the prestigious "Star Maker" title in Tamworth.
Dennis August: Well-known NZ entertainer and previous winner of the Gore Golden Guitar award.
Young Guns Stampede: Friday night including local girls Madimac, Jaz Tilyard, Tegan Reid, Brianna Anglesey, Haley Cole.

Details:

* What: Branded Country Music Fest Fest
* Where: Hawkes Bay Racing Centre, 300 Prospect Rd, Hastings
* When: Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29
* Cost: $35 per person for whole weekend, children under 16 free
* Times: Friday 2-9pm; Saturday 10am-9pm; Sunday 10am-3pm.

- For tickets or information phone Keith on 027 429 0047 or turn up on the day.