Alison Hams

Talented Whyalla singers and songwriters Alison Hams and Mark Tempany will be honoured with induction into the South Australian Country Music Hall Of Fame at the South Australian Country Music Festival and Awards held in Barmera over the June long weekend.

Organisers say her induction is a result of her "dedication to her country music career for over 15 years, and her fine reputation as a performer, singer, presenter, songwriter and top class musician."

Festival co-ordinator, Dot McDonnell, said "Alison has progressed steadily from being a multiple talent quest winner to become a major force in the Australian independent country music industry - and she's played a proud role in promoting South Australia in her travels to perform around Australia and overseas. She has maintained a strong connection with assisting young musical talent through her school student tutoring, talent quest band provisions, and her conducting of music workshops for youth far and wide - so we consider her an extremely worthy inductee!".

In November 2006 Alison won a prestigious SA Great Award for the Arts in her home Flinders/Outback Region - and she says her inclusion on the SA Hall of Fame is simply "The most memorable and meaningful surprise" in her career. Alison's stellar previous 18 months included providing the national support (along with husband Mark Tempany) for UK superstar Charlie Landsborough on his 2006 Australian tour - and supporting Kate Ceberano in Adelaide.

Organisers say Mark "has established his reputation as one of the finest vocalists and songwriters in the Australian country music industry over many years, and by far-reaching national and international touring commitments. With five highly successful all-original independent albums and numerous radio hits to his name, he has maintained a steadfast dedication to being an independent artist who creates in his performances a unique and powerful connection with his listeners."

Both Mark and Alison have been Star Maker Grand Finalists - and winners in major international songwriting contests such as the Unisong International Song Contest and the UK Songwriting Competition. Between them, they have self-produced 13 albums, and sold close to 20,000 copies of these nationally and internationally.

Mark first came to the Riverland Country Music Festival in 2004. Alison has maintained a much longer connection and been integral in recent years as part of the official Talent Quest and SA Country Music Awards Bands. Alison also had early success as an amateur in this very talent quest which laid a strong foundation for all she has achieved since.

Previous inductees into the Hall of Fame include Slim Dusty and Kasey Chambers.

For more information about these two fine performers visit www.alisonhams.com and www.marktempany.com

Alison Hams and Mark Tempany are about to embark on a journey throughout South Australia and beyond to perform at some of the biggest festivals in Australia.

April 6,7 and 8 sees them at the National Folk Festival at Canberra’s Exhibition Park,where hundreds of the world’s best musicians perform daily, in a non-stop flow of entertainment across twenty two fabulous venues.

"It’s the premier event in Folk and Acoustic music in Australia, and we’re very fortunate to have been invited to perform in Sydney on the way home" said Mark.

This comes after an appearance at the Murraylands Music Festival in Tailem Bend which is fast becoming one of the must-see events on the South Australian Country Music calender. Other guest artists in 2007 include the very popular Greg Champion (of Coodabeen-Champions fame).

The duo will be performing at the South Australian Country Music Festival and Awards, held in the states Riverland over the June Long Weekend.. "This has been a long-standing favourite of mine" says Alison. "I’ve been going to this festival since about 1992 as a spectator, so it’s a thrill to now be one of the headlining acts."

Being away at Easter doesn’t mean that Mark and Alison miss out on Whyalla’s annual highlight - The Fishy Fringe Festival - all together though, they appear at the Fishy Fringe Furnace Party Official Launch on March 30th at the Watersedge Restaurant.
Mark Tempany & Alison Hams
STORMFRONT PRODUCTIONS
Ph 0418 700 819
Representing......
MARK TEMPANY www.marktempany.com ALISON HAMS www.alisonhams.com
CAROLS IN THE PARK www.whyallacarols.com

Mark Tempany joins Alison Hams and 2007 Golden Guitar Finalist Peter Pratt for his 7th consecutive year of fabulous concerts at the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music during the Australasian Country Music Festival.

"Concerts in the Chapel" have run since Mark created this unique and special venue in 2000 with a stated aim to establish an intimate, theatre-style performance space for the very best in Australian original music.

Since that single opening show (performed by Mark alone), this concert series has grown to 3 annual festival-time concerts also featuring Mark's talented wife and fellow songwriter and performer Alison Hams. In 2005 & 2006 Mark and Alison were joined by the brilliant, Golden Guitar-winning Michael Fix - and in 2007 Golden Guitar Finalist Peter Pratt will become part of the "Concerts in the Chapel" family!

"Concerts in the Chapel" provide an audience with the best possible chance to see live music performed in a historic and intimate setting (the Chapel holds a maximum of 90 people).

Presentation Dinner held last night (Tuesday 28th November) in her home town of Whyalla.

The SA GREAT Regional Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a real and major contribution to the growth and identity of the state of South Australia.

One of the biggest fields of nominations, the ARTS award, sponsored by ETSA, recognised Alison's achievements both locally, interstate, and overseas, whilst all the time being proudly South Australian.

As part of her prize, Alison received a unique, hand-made "Pear" trophy,and now holds the title of an SA GREAT winner for the next twelve months.

Alison also performed a 30 minute set of her music at the Presentation Dinner, further highlighting her talents to the capacity crowd of fellow achievers.
www.alisonhams.com
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An Elegant Evening with Kate Ceberano - Adelaide Hilton.
by Alison Hams

Checking into the Hilton on Thursday April 6th, there was a buzz in the air, something special was happening, and the HUGE banners advertising Kate Ceberano, supported by Alison & Mark (thats us!) were unmissable!!

The ballroom could have been any swanky lounge bar in New York, the fine dining was comparable to a gourmet meal anywhere in the world, and the atmosphere, celebrities and entertainment were world class.

Performing to an audience which hosted stars from McLeods Daughters amongst others - we were introduced on stage by Xavier Minniecon. The audience members were AMAZING, so responsive to our original songs, and singing along to the cover tunes. Our 35 minute set was really enjoyable to perform, and in such a classy and elegant setting too! It was in fact, a great way for Mark and I to showcase tunes from our newly released twin CD Pack "Summer Dreams - Remember". Check out www.alisonhams.com for details

Of course, Kate was vocally incredible, and charismatic in her performance, and the 6 piece band that joined her on stage were some of the finest jazz/soul musicians to grace the stage.

Hanging out in the Green Room with Kate and the band, and attending the after-party was great, and we thank Errol Bannister and Pamela Speakman, the Hilton Adelaide staff, and especially the fabulous audience who made us feel so welcome.

n.b. Watch this space for information about the Moonlight and Magic Concert, which unfortunately was postponed due to the prediction of inclement weather, but WILL be on later in the year, once again starring many great acts including Kate Ceberano, and Alison Hams and Mark Tempany.

www.alisonhams.com - NfS90 - Second Fiddle - winner of the UK Songwriting Competition
www.marktempany.com - NfS89 - Goodbye Sweet Dreams - Galston Coopers "Golden Saddle" Winner

Queensland's Mark Tempany and South Australia's Alison Hams were married in a touching and relaxed ceremony at St. Aloysius Church, Sevenhill SA on December 11th.

Both popular and successful independent singer songwriters, Alison and Mark shared their special day with friends and family from all over Australia - and in the best tradition even performed a song each at their reception!

The talented duo will celebrate the New Year performing in South Australia before journeying to Tamworth for another season of "Concerts in the Chapel" (with Golden Guitar-nominated Michael Fix) at the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music.

Honeymoon plans have been further delayed by the exciting announcement that Mark and Alison will support UK star Charlie Landsborough on his Australian tour in February! (check local venues for details, or visit www.alisonhams.com or www.marktempany.com ).

ALISON'S SONGWRITING SUCCESS!
South Australian singer songwriter ALISON HAMS has been named a WINNER at one of the world's most prestigious songwriting competitions - the 2005 UK Songwriting Contest.

In the Folk/Country category Alison's song - "SECOND FIDDLE" from her new "Daisy Train" album (and NFS 90, Track #10) - beat over a thousand other songs from dozens of other countries to clinch the award.

Alison's award includes a 12 month subscription to international music vendor Sonicbids, and membership to the Guild of International Songwriters and Composers. She will also receive a Diploma in Music (Songwriting) from The World Music Foundation, and has been asked to formally submit her winning song and her other songs to international music publisher, the Panama Music Group.

An already exciting 2005 has seen Alison conduct a tour to New Zealand (which is booked to repeat in March next year) and her recent promotion to Musical Director at South Australia's Champion of Champions. She has also completed many highly successful concert performances with Mark Tempany (including 3 sellout "Concerts in the Chapel" in Tamworth with Mark and Michael Fix in January) - and now looks forward to even more ground-breaking progress before returning to Tamworth next January.

ALL INTERVIEWS, ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS:
STORMFRONT PRODUCTIONS
Ph 0418 700 819
Email stormfro@ozemail.com.au
Web www.alisonhams.com
PO Box 2313 Whyalla Norrie 5608 SA

ALISON WINS INTERNATIONAL SONG CONTEST!
Talented independent Australian singer and songwriter ALISON HAMS has just been announced as WINNER in the 2005 UK SONGWRITING CONTEST!

Alison's song "Second Fiddle" (from her new "Daisy Train" album) has WON the Folk/Country Section of this prestigious songwriting contest - now recognised as one of the world's most professional and competitive events for songwriters. Over 4000 songs were entered in 2005, from dozens of countries - further underlining the scale of Alison's achievement in winning this competition.

Alison will soon be announcing details of her prize - the rumour already is that it may include a performance tour to the UK in 2006 - publishing opportunities, and should ensure a new wave of airplay and exposure from Australian radio and print media.

Congratulations are definitely due to one of Australian country music's most talented and deserving participants - from here the sky is the limit for ALISON HAMS and "Second Fiddle"!
For interviews and bookings:
STORMFRONT PRODUCTIONS
PO Box 2313 Whyalla Norrie 5608 SA
Ph 0418 700 819
stormfro@ozemail.com.au
www.alisonhams.com

HI EVERYONE
Well, I'm fresh back from a week in QUEENSLAND, where not only did I enjoy the sun, surf and shopping of the Sunshine Coast, but I also performed for the very first time at the fantastic GYMPIE MUSTER!!

I had two guest spots during Mark Tempany's shows at both the Muster Club and Muster Tavern, and also performed a couple of songs with him each time, which was a lot of fun, and great promotion for DAISY TRAIN.

Next week I am off to Sydney for an extended weekend visit to the Galston Country Music festival, before a quick visit home to do the laundry, pack and head off again to the Mildura Country Music Festival. Details about this festival is found at www.milduracountrymusic.com.au

SECOND FIDDLE is going really well for me, so dont forget to ring up your local radio station and request it. You can also request it online at a number of radio stations, including kixfm at www.kixfm.net, where you can sign up for free, vote for your favourite songs, and request a tune.

Locally, I will again be a part of the HAPPY TAPPERS concert at the Middleback Theatre in October as well as a few other shows including a woolshed dance and club shows, so keep an eye on the website or gig guides for details.
Speak to you soon, and see you on the road
ALISON
www.alisonhams.com www.daisyrock.com www.thecan.com.au/alisonhams
new album "DAISY TRAIN" out NOW!
look out for the first radio single SECOND FIDDLE released AUGUST 9th, (NfS 90)
Alison

ALISON HAS A NEW ALBUM... AND NEW-LOOK WEBSITE
ALISON HAMS has officially, commercially, released her new all-original album Daisy Train, and a new-look website in conjunction.
"It's been a busy year," Alison said, with her performance of the first single from the album Second Fiddle on Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton, a double page spread in the May edition of Country Music Capital News and promotional interviews on a number of radio stations, including The Evening Show with Peter Goers on ABC Adelaide.

Alison's also been travelling the country, recently returning from a songwriting session with Gina Jeffreys in Sydney and a very successful festival appearance at the South Australian Country Music Awards with Mark Tempany, Billy Bridge and Alby Pool.

Details on the new album can be found at www.alisonhams.com .

Alison