Country music fans in for treat
Te Awamutu Country Variety Club is proud to bring country singer, songwriter and recording artist Gail Russell to the Te Awamutu Bible Chapel on Saturday. Brought up on country music in the small farming district of Urenui, North Taranaki, Gail’s first performance was at a primary school concert at the age of 11, singing San Antonio Rose and Blue Hawaii in the early 60s.
This was encouraged by her musically talented parents and her primary school teacher. At New Plymouth Girls’ High School, Gail sang in competitions and took vocal lessons.
She recalls saving to buy her first guitar, which cost 25 shillings, and taught herself basic chords.
In her early 30s she joined a country music club in New Plymouth and was a founding member of the Merrilands Country Music Club.
She has been very involved in country music clubs in the Wellington and Taranaki areas, and also appears as a guest at a lot of country festivals.
She loves entertaining at rest homes. Gail also sang with a popular dance band in Taranaki for several years and in the 80s completed a tour as a support artist with John Grenell.
She competed in country music awards, and with duo partner Rewa McGregor won several awards, as well as individually.
Gail started songwriting in 2002 and has had recognition with her songs at awards as well as winning some original sections.
Last year, her latest original song Love Is Like the Orchids was runner-up in the Auckland Country Music Awards.
Gail has recorded six country albums and has received a lot of airplay around the world with her recordings.
A few years ago she went to Nashville where she recorded one of her albums and spent time recording some duets with an artist from North Carolina. Going to the Grand Ole Opry was a dream come true, to hear and see some of her favourite artists.
Get a group together and head along to enjoy this guest artist as well as entertainers from around the region, a great band and a full afternoon tea with a friendly atmosphere.
Please note vaccine passes are to be shown and you must sign in at the door, masks must be worn at all times.
For further information phone president Ray Thurgood 07 870 1551.