Southland music talent shines at New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards
“It was my first time at the awards and on the big stage, it was a great feeling, and I am very grateful to have won."
Some talented Southland musicians shone at the prestigious MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards on Sunday.
The event is held annually as part of Gore's 10-day Tussock Country Music Festival.
In a stunning first-year performance, Summer McKenzie of Invercargill took home the Junior Overall award with her moving Gospel Song, "Ten Thousand Angels Cried".
This significant achievement underscores the depth of talent and passion displayed by this young competitor.
“It was my first time at the awards and on the big stage, it was a great feeling, and I am very grateful to have won,” McKenzie said.
Following this, The Dolly’s, an Intermediate category group made up of three Southland girls - Maia Fletcher, Millie Cottam, and Tahla Ward - displayed their strong bond and musical acumen.
They won the Overall Intermediate Section with a stunning version of Jenny Mitchell’s song “Troubadour”.
“This song was special to us; it was the song that started our journey as a group a year ago,” Cottam said, as she introduced the winning song on the night.
The success of Southland’s talented young winners does not end here.
Summer McKenzie and The Dolly’s have been invited to represent New Zealand at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in Australia.
The festival is a celebration of country music culture and heritage, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees each year and significant media coverage.
To support their journey to Australia, fundraising initiatives are underway. A Give A Little page has been set up to help finance their trip.
About the MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards
The MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards are held in Gore over King's Birthday Weekend.
Contestants compete in Junior, Intermediate, Senior, or Classic sections depending on their age, in a variety of styles including solo, gospel, traditional, new country, country rock, duet, vocal group, NZ song, and instrumental.
About the Tussock Country Music Festival
Tussock Country is a dynamic, family-friendly country music celebration, taking place in Gore, the Capital of Country Music. The festival calendar boasts over 50 events for audiences of all ages.
About the Tamworth Country Music Festival
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is an annual Australian music festival held for 10 days from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January each year in Tamworth, New South Wales. The festival is the second biggest country music festival in the world.