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Australia a Hot Spot for Country Artists

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Country music trio Lady Antebellum has just finished their first tour in Australia and New Zealand. The Grammy award winning group won the hearts of fans and critics alike during the concert series, which included six shows opening for Keith Urban and a headlining show at Auckland’s Civics Auditorium in New Zealand.
 
“Lady Antebellum embraced their first visit to New Zealand, performing with a zest that brings country music to the realm of power pop – and more importantly – into the miming hearts of adoring fans,” says Yahoo!Xtra.
 
Australia and New Zealand left Lady A with additional souvenirs, Platinum plaques signifying the certification of their album "Need You Now" in both countries.
 
Joe Nichols hopes to get the same reaction when he kicks off his "The Shape I’m In" Australian Tour April 29 at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, QLD. This is Nichols third tour in the land of Oz and will place him in comse of the country’s largest cities and most renowned theaters and festivals.
 
“Joe has been a big hit here in Australia,” said promoter Rob Potts. “The country music fans can’t seem to get enough of him. I know he sold out of product at each of his previous shows. He has been diligent and consistent about coming back to Australia to develop his fanbase here, and I feel like that’s paying off for him.”
 
During his last visit to Australia, Nichols was a guest on Ray Hadley’s national top-rated radio show. This time around Channel 9’s The Kerri-Anne Show has invited him on board one of the country’s most popular daytime television talk shows.
 
“My previous visits to Australia created fantastic memories, so I’m definitely looking forward to another visit,” Nichols said.  “I can’t wait to get back to Australia – it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.  I think every person in the entire country is nice. Seriously – I haven’t seen or heard of a mean person yet. And they love country music. Gonna be a great time.”
 
Jasmine Rae and Peter McWhirter will be joining Nichols on tour.  Rae toured with Nichols during his 2009 visit to Australia. The two recorded a duet entitled “I’ll Try Anything,” which can be found on Rae’ newly released sophomore CD "Listen Here."
 
"The Shape I’m In" tour will kick off at the Empire Theatre in Towoomba April 29 and visit Caboolture, Rockhampton, Sydney and Albury before wrapping up in Melbourne.