IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
14th September 2007.
Basingstoke venue honoured for its contribution to country music in the UK
On Friday 28th September, a Basingstoke venue’s contribution to country music here in the UK will be recognised when the legendary George Hamilton IV presents a special award to The Academy live music venue on Worting Road at his live concert.
The award, sponsored by the leading country music radio station across Europe CMR Nashville Radio, and voted for by musicians themselves will be presented by Mr Hamilton, the International Ambassador of Country Music, “in recognition of The Academy’s development of an enviable live music venue at which country music artists from around the world are proud to perform”.
The Academy has hosted performances by leading UK artists such as Easy Rider, Henry J Smith’s Country Dreams, Cathy McManamon, Rachael Warwick and Brendan Quinn. In addition, top US country stars Hal Ketchum, Lisa O’Kane and Bobby D Sawyer have graced the stage of this unique complex which boasts a snooker & pool centre, sports bar as well as a popular Chinese restaurant.
CMR Nashville Radio station controller, country music TV and radio presenter Lee Williams, said: “The Academy’s support for country music has been received enthusiastically throughout the industry worldwide and is demonstrated by the ability of the venue to attract major acts such as Brendan Quinn, Hal Ketchum and Lisa O’Kane.”
“This was undoubtedly a result of the passion for live music held by The Academy’s General Manager, John Hicks. CMR Nashville Radio is delighted to have been part of this development but the award stems from the buzz within the industry which has generated considerable interest and excitement amongst performers who wish to support the work of the venue.” Lee added.
The presentation will be made at George Hamilton IV’s concert where he is being supported by one of the top UK country band led by Tony Goodacre, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Radio Awards ceremony in 2007 for his contribution to country music. Tickets are available at the venue or its website.
The next big country music event at The Academy is scheduled for Friday 30th November with blind singer David Whitemore. Excerpts from the show will be broadcast on Christmas Day on CMR Nashville Radio across the globe on http://www.cmrnashville.net/ and Basingstoke fans are being offered a unique opportunity to record greeting messages to friends and family around the world. These messages will be broadcast during a special programme “Live from The Academy Basingstoke”.
Full details of these and other forthcoming events are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.
ENDS
Note to Editors
Photo: George Hamilton IV
There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).
Further details of CMR Nashville Radio can be found at http://www.cmrnashville.net/ or contact Lee Williams on 07956 888587. E-mail: lee@cmrnashville.net
Further details of Tony Goodacre are available at: http://www.countrymusic.org.uk/tony-goodacre/index.html
