THE GrEATS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY MUSIC
THE ULTIMATE COUNTRY MUSIC TRIBUTE SHOW - FEATURING... KIm WRIGHT
Kim Wright, Lead Vocals & Guitar
As a singer-songwriter of some note Kim delivers an authentic experience when performing the songs of Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks George Strait and other country music greats. “I want to bring back the honky tonk because I love that style of country and that’s what I aspire to do with my own music.” One of Kim’s biggest musical highlights was performing at the 2018 Tamworth Country Music Festival Official Opening Concert and as a semi-finalist in the 2018 Gympie Muster Talent Search.
As an evolving country artist Kim has been a regular guest on Brisbane’s 98.9fm with brekky show hosts, Jamie Dunn and Clay Cassar-Daley.
In May 2018, Kim released his debut single, 'Man of the House', a song about his young son, his second single, This Old Bar, was released in March 2019, debuting at No. 10 on the iTunes Country Songs Chart and his EP, Livin’ The Dream, was released in July 2019, debuting at No. 2 on iTunes.
Lions Aitken, Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
Over 40 years experience in bands including the past 19 years in the Jimmy Buffett tribute band LATITUDE 24 ( formely called 'Montserrat') which has appeared at major events and festivals around Australia. He began gigging with rock bands as a drummer in the 1970's but switched to guitar after being influenced by the songs of Cat Stevens. As a fan of catchy tunes and good lyrics an attraction to bands like the Eagles and America and other country rock style bands made a transition into country music inevitable. Lions has been privileged to share the stage with some notable Australian and international recording artists. As the driving force behind the Longhorn Brothers Band and 'Latitude 24t' he brings to the table not only years of stage and live performance experience but also the insight and ability to run a successful band and deliver outstanding customer service to clients.
Ben Westphal, Lead Guitar & Vocals
Guitars have always been a great love of Bens’. Many hours were spent playing the guitar in different bands and different styles.
At 14 years old Bens’ love for all things guitar rose to new heights when he discovered the playing of Australian virtuoso guitarist Joe Robinson. Seeing Joe’s unique way of playing the guitar as a one-man band inspired Ben to explore the acoustic finger-style genre. Ben then went on to discover Tommy Emmanuel and other finger-style artists who have shaped Bens playing.
Ben has performed in many community events and festivals including the ‘Festival of the Sails’, the ‘Urban Country Music Festival’, at Australia’s largest gospel music festival, ‘Easterfest’, and many performances around the Tamworth Country Music Festival including at the opening concert on the Toyota Park stage. At the beginning of 2018 Ben completed the CMAA Senior Academy of Country Music in Tamworth which gave him the opportunity to perform with country duo O’Shea at the 2018 Golden Guitar awards.
Col Chapman, Bass Guitar, Vocals
A gifted musician with outstanding vocal ability. With decades of experience in a wide range of bands covering various genres Col is highly experienced when it comes to live performances. Festivals and big events are nothing new to Col, he's highly respected musician who has toured and supported a long list of bands and artists such as Joe Camilleri, Col was also regular band member in the great Phil Emmanuel's band.
He also has a long list of tribute shows to his credit including, the Australian Jimmy Buffett tribute and his own Crowded House/Split Enz tribute, Decades of performing in bands has seen him tour throughout Australia and overseas including with resident bands on cruise ships. .
Country music is a genre he's very well suited too which makes him a major asset to the Longhorn Brothers Band.
Alan Carroll, Drums
Alan is an industry stalwart having honed his skills as a teenager in Orange (NSW) with his own band 'The Mystery Men'. He then headed to Sydney where he performed nightly in bands throughout the city where his skill and versatility as a drummer earned him a reputation as a 'must have drummer'.
This lead to him being recruited to tour as part of an 'A Grade' show-band booked to perform for Australian & US troops in Vietnam at the height of that conflict while still in his teens. Such was the popularity of the band they were asked to extend their contract, they went to perform a plehtora of shows over several months in the war torn country.
Flushed with success (and money) Alan returned to Australia and continued his highly successful career over the years with a number of bands across a wide range of genres. Alans skill on drums is further enhanced by his vocal ability, not a lot of drummers possess the talent to be able to play drums and sing lead or backing vocals but he certainly can.
Ray Cullen, Pedal Steel Guitar
Country music ain't country music without the sweeping tones of a pedal steel guitar and Ray has been delivering those sounds at music festivals and shows around Australia for longer than he cares to remember. In his long and active musical career he's graced the stage with some of the legends of Australian country music. He's performed in countless bands including the Jimmy Buffett tribute band Montserrat.
A true gentleman a gifted musician and a wonderful story teller, Ray is 'old school', he's a master of his craft and never fails to deliver a solid performance.
Brannon Crickmore, Fiddle, Vocals
The band "live-wire" Brannon possesses a wealth of experience when it comes to strings having graduated Qld Conservatorium, Griffith University. Brannon is a sort after performer having toured nationally and internationally with some big name artists. Aside from being highly skilled as a fiddle player he's also possesses a great voice and delivers outstanding harmonies. Brannon is a valued member of the Longhorn Brothers and delivers great country fiddle.
