It was a musical ‘packed to the rafters’ day in the Honky Tonk Bar at the Family Hotel on Monday Jan 23 during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

At the Meet and Greet Country Awards, country music enthusiasts thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to mix and mingle with their favourite Independent Artists as well as being treated to stellar performances by Tamara Stewart, Luke O’Shea, Noll Brothers, Dan Murphy, Vanessa Lea & Roadtrain, and Amanda Jane Halloran.  The event was hosted by Meet’n Greet’s ambassador, Col Finley and included a surprise special guest, Warren H Williams.

In its third year, the event was established out of a desire for followers to connect with, and acknowledge their favourite independent artists and media during the festival.

Finalists in each category were voted for online by fans over several months in the lead up to the Tamworth Festival and the winners were announced at the event.

They were;

Most Popular Independent Male Artist 2012: DANE SHARP

Most Popular Independent Female Artist 2012: CONNIE KIS ANDERSEN

Most Popular New Independent Artist 2012: CHRISTIE LAMB

Most Popular Independent Group/Duo 2012: NOLL BROTHERS

Most Popular Independent Rising Star 2012: MELODY FEDER

Most Popular Album: ADAM TOMS – HOLDING MY BREATH

Most Popular Film Clip 2012: LUKE O’SHEA – MIDNIGHT TRAIN

Street of Dreams Award (Bush Poets and Balladeers: KALESTI BUTLER

Most Popular Radio Presenter: VICKIREE MELOUNEY - Nambucca Valley Community Radio

Presidents Encouragement Award: CHRIS LEE

Team leader and organizer Donna Lowe comments, “We are so thrilled to see this event grow from strength to strength.  It really reflects the intense desire of fans to connect with artists in an up close and personal way.” She continues; “Not only do we appreciate and acknowledge the tremendous effort Independent Artists put into their careers just so that we can enjoy their music, but we wouldn’t be able to hold this event without the support of our sponsors and so we extend our sincerest thanks to them also.”

Special thanks to the following sponsors of the Meet and Greet Country Awards;

Tolvanen Guitars, Robertson Music, Therese McKee, P & C Leighs Pty Ltd, OfficeWorks, Northern Daily Leader, The Pub Group, Proud n True Promotions, Country Music Bulletin, Capital News Magazine online, Loris & Jim Fahey (sound equipment), 2GLF Radio, Gary GT Turner – Our Country, KM Publicity