Gore's annual festival began with the Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking Competition schools section, then the New Zealand Songwriters Trust Country Music Awards last night, and finishes with the presentation of the coveted gold guitar at the MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards senior final on Sunday.
Alexandra entertainer Brian Houliston took to the street busking yesterday, making a contrast to the schools section entrants.
Mr Houliston had been travelling to Gore for the busking competition and award events for the past 25 years.
He took the -2degree temperature in his stride, just enjoying the singing experience.
Gore District Council events and promotions co-ordinator Emma Carle said the gold guitars was the event everyone knew about and it gave Gore its title as New Zealand capital of country, but there would be a variety of other events going on that week.
New this year is the MLT Music Round Up which will feature live music in MLT bars tonight.
"Most of the gigs don't have a cover charge, so it's a great way to sample different types of country music,'' Ms Carle said.
Last night's New Zealand Country Music Awards showcased the country's top country music artists writing original country songs, as well as the finalists in the MLT Songwriting competition.
Southland musician Annah Mac and ukulele band The Nukes will share their songwriting expertise and music industry knowledge, along with APRA head of New Zealand operations Anthony Healey, at the MLT Songwriting seminar today.
The Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking competition began with auditions over several days, including a schools competition, and the best buskers perform in the finals tomorrow.
This year the finals will be held outdoors for the first time, and Medway St will be closed to traffic.
A barbecue, mulled wine and oysters will be available, and the Hokonui Community Market will also have stalls.
"It will follow straight after the truck parade which is always popular with families, so hopefully they'll pop round afterwards and check out the buskers.''
There will be almost non-stop entertainment tomorrow, from noon to midnight. The MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar auditions will be held in the morning, and the hotly contested intermediate and junior final will play out that evening.
"There's definitely going to be a good vibe this year,'' Ms Carle said.
- Gore Ensign
