June

IT'S THE REAL THING!

RUSSELL MORRIS TO JOIN OTHER MUSIC LUMINARIES AT  2008 NATIONAL WEEKEND WARRIORS CONVENTION

August 9-11, 2008 Melbourne Convention Centre
(cnr Spencer and Flinders Sts)
Legendary Australian singer songwriter Russell Morris has confirmed he'll be joining fellow music icon Brian Cadd as one of the special guest session presenters at this year's Warriors' convention. Fresh from his induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame (on July 1st), and known for numerous Australian classics such as 'The Real Thing', 'Wings of an Eagle' and 'Sweet, Sweet Love', Russell will present an intimate session to Warriors attendees at the convention in Melbourne in August.

DON'T MISS THESE SESSIONS
Also presenting a not-to-be missed session on songwriting and all manner of things associated with the craft, will be music publishing authorities Ian James and Bill Page from Mushroom Music Publishing. Ian James has just celebrated 30 years in the business and is Managing Director of Australia's most successful music publishing company. Bill Page has been Creative Manager at Mushroom Publishing for a decade.  Prior to that he spent 7 years as the Head of A&R for Mushroom Records, and 15 years as one of Australian radio’s most progressive Program/Music Director’s at 5KA and SAFM in Adelaide. Needles to say, their knowledge and expertise on the songwriting game, from both a creative and business perspective, is second to none.

PLUS ... THERE'S WILBUR!
Legendary sax player and media identity Wilbur Wilde has also come on board and will deliver a session to convention attendees. Wilbur Wilde first came to our attention as sax player in one of Australia's greatest live bands Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons. Around the same time he was also part of successful retro rock band Ol '55. Wilde then went on to spend many years playing with the 'Hey Hey It's Saturday' band as well taking part in much of the on air mayhem of the iconic TV show. Known for his amiable and larrikan nature, Wilde is also a much respected session musician and has appeared on numerous famous Australian recordings.

COACHES ARE READY!
The coaches are also pumped and ready to rock with you in Melbourne this year, particularly first time vocal coach Mick Pealing. Mick is best known for fronting late 70s country rock band Stars, who had hits such as 'Quick on the Draw', 'Winning Hand' and 'Mighty Rock'. Liberation Music has just released a wonderful 2 disc DVD package of the Andy Durant Memorial Concert from 1980. Not only does the concert present some stunning performances by Jimmy Barnes, Richard Clapton, Ian Moss and Renee Geyer, but it also shows what a consummate front man Mick Pealing is. (The bonus disc features Stars line at Bombay Rock). Also looking forward to a huge convention are fellow coaches; Bob Spencer-Guitar (Angels, Skyhooks), Peter (Maz) Maslen-Drums (Boom Crash Opera) and Roger McLachlan-Bass (LRB), who will be back to guide you through your weekend.

WINE, DINE, MINGLE AND BE ENTERTAINED
Don't forget, this year, there will be more focus on the social aspect of the convention with the addition of a dedicated Warriors club at Spensers Live (www.SpensersLive.com.au), just down the road from the convention centre. The Saturday night will feature a dinner get-together at Spensers, where not only you'll be able to sample some fine Melbourne food, but you'll also be entertained by an incredible band ... the coaches! Those who witnessed the coaches perform last year (after merely a couple of hours rehearsal) will recall how tight and entertaining they were. Spensers Live will then host the Warriors concert on the Sunday night and the doors will be open to the public, so you'll be playing to a 'real' Melbourne rock and roll crowd.  Admittance to the gig will be by gold coin donation with proceeds going to music industry charity Support Act. (Note: meals and drinks at Spensers Live not included in your convention fee)

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? REGISTER NOW!

REGISTRATION: Cost of the weekend activities is just $399 (See downloadable pdf for what that includes) . You'll find the official registration form link below. Fill it in and get it back to us ASAP. In order to keep the sessions as intimate and as valuable as last year, we're limiting the numbers to just 80 people! Feel free to bring your partner or friend. Simply indicate on the registration form whether they'll be sticking around for Warriors sessions and enjoying a provided lunch, or just popping in occasionally and not requiring a meal. Registration is still open, but time is running out. Let us know if you intend to come. (If you don't own a credit card, fill out the form and make a cheque out to the Australian Music Association).

TRAVEL/ACCOMMODATION: If you'd like assistance with your travel and accommodation needs, at the end of this document you'll also find a travel and accommodation form which outlines all of the options available to AMAC and Warriors Convention delegates.

REGISTRATION FORM:  Click here for travel and accom assistance

THE DAILY PROGRAM: Click here for full daily program

GOT A QUESTION?  Email Dom Disisto at weekendwarriors@bigpond.com or phone 0412 077 717


Stories in this Issue

WARRIOR PROFILE

In this edition we profile Queensland Warrior Bob Kennedy. Many will already know the amiable Bob from his work as photographer for many Warrior and Music Association events.

INTERVIEW: KASEY CHAMBERS & SHANE NICHOLSON

Despite knowing each other for many years, husband and wife team Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson have only just got around to recording together. Greg Phillips asked them what it was like working on the new album 'Rattlin' Bones' together.

2008 ARIA HALL OF FAME

On July 1st, at the annual ARIA HALL of FAME, five more Australasian music legends will be inducted.

WAYNE KRANTZ, KEITH CARLOCK AND TAL WILKENFELD TO TOUR

Guitar aficionados will be thrilled to hear that highly regarded New York guitarist Wayne Krantz will tour Australia for the first time in October, backed by Keith Carlock and Tal Wilkenfeld

JOE SATRIANI RETURNS

Guitar maestro Joe Satriani is coming back to dazzle Australian audiences with his mesmerising fretboard fireworks.

BLACK BOOKS' BILL BAILEY TO TOUR

Popular UK comedian, and mighty fine musician, Bill Bailey comes back to OZ