Just Us is an old time dance band from Alpha in western Queensland. They are recently got back together to record an album at the Alpha town hall. The recording was produced and engineered by Phil Punch and Peter Tilse. The project was co-ordinated by Robyn Adams and I.
The Australian Institute of Country Music (AICM) is a not-for-profit incorporated association comprising of representatives of the Gympie business, education and general community. It was formed in 2001 and grew from an interest by local community members in value adding to the economic benefits brought to the region by the National Country Music Muster. One of the key aims of the AICM is to extend the duration and scope of country music events and activities and assist in building a stronger country music industry in Australia. The corner stone of the AICM’s aim is the creation of an integrated campus for the study, performance, manufacturing and commercialisation of Australian Country Music.
The new campus for AICM opens at the court house in Gympie on Friday night. I am pleased to exhibit a collection of country music legends at the AICM. My statement in support of the exhibition:
Country music and photography are two passions that drive my life. Photographing country artists is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to the singers for the music that sustains me.
All great country music has a respect for the past and I hope my photographs help young artists connect with what came before.
Legendary singer songwriter Joy McKean has spent an intense six months finishing her new book that will be released by Hatchette Australia in November. I was pleased to help joy by supplying some of the photos for the book. The book tells the story behind many of the songs that shaped Slim Dusty’s remarkable career.
John Elliott & Joy McKean
Saturday night 8 Ball Aitken rocked the Boogie Shack in Toowoomba. Sad night because this was the last ever gig at the Boogie Shack. There’s a big sale of all the memorabillia at the Boogie Shack next weekend. I photographed the night and made a slide show with 8 Ball’s goodtime music from his new album Tamworth Tapes. Continue reading »
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