Tavern, Sunday August 31 - 10.00am

DARREN COLSTON

2006 TIARA MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
2006 CMAA GOLDEN GUITAR AWARDS FINALIST
2005 GOLDEN SADDLE AWARD WINNER

"Darren Colston has a refreshing clarity in his songwriting, impressing all who hear him" Deborah Minter, CapNews

The last few years have been fruitful for Tocumwal-based artist DARREN COLSTON. A fine vocalist and exceptional performer, Darren is a genuine entertainer of the highest calibre His songs are about the Australian way of life - easy to relate to, as he resides on the Murray River - a heritage of its own.

2003 saw the release of his debut album BEYOND THE PALING FENCE. It featured songs written by Darren with standouts such as "Two Farms", "When A Baby Cries" and the title track "Beyond The Paling Fence". It's an acoustic album featuring the brilliant sounds of Alan Bowles on harmonica - when listening to the album you feel as though Darren is in the room with you.

"Darren has impressed everyone who has heard him, both in his confident performances and in his consummate individual flair for creating memorable country songs" Deborah Minter, CapNews

Darren is one of those rare talents who has the ability to sing anything - receiving much acclaim and industry attention due to his performances as a TOYOTA STARMAKER GRANDFINALIST two years running (2004/2005). He was able to showcase his wares to new audiences who were impressed by his songwriting.

"… all the judges recognised his special song writing talents and enormous potential … I told him after his first Star Maker appearance that he could be another Paul Kelly and I stand by my words today" Deniese Morrison, Starmaker Judge

Darren released his second album COME BY CHANCE in 2005. Many hours were put into this album - being named after one of Banjo Paterson's poems. It wasn't until Darren was travelling through to last year's Gympie Muster he chanced upon the small western town of Come By Chance on the road map.

"I didn't realise it was an actual town. And then I saw it in one of Banjo Paterson's poems and used a few lines about it. I'm really excited about the album - it's come up great"

The album has an array of great songs starting with the first single "The Boundary Rider", Darren seems to be able to tell wonderful stories in his songs. Or you can be entertained with the larrikin song "Drown In Bourbon" or the poignant "Moving The Mullock".

"Darren is a gifted song writer and storyteller with a clear and appealing vocal quality. His songs reflect life and love in Australia" Steve Perry, St Marys Sound Centre

Darren received finalist nominations in the 2005 NSW GOLDEN MEDALLION AWARDS Songwriter Of The Year & at the 2005 AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS for Album Of The Year, Heritage Track Of The Year & Rising Star Male.
2006 started on a high with Darren being honoured with finalist berths for Heritage Track Of the Year & Bush Ballad Of The Year in the following three awards - CMAA COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS OF AUSTRALIA, ACMLA PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS & the VICTORIAN & NATIONAL CM AWARDS.
He was also nominated in the New Songwriter Award at the TSA SONGWRITERS' SALUTE AWARDS OF AUSTRALIA.

His latest single and title track "Come By Chance" has become Darren's first Top 20 hit on the country chart, with his song "Drown In Bourbon" hitting tv screens & Top 40 CMC video chart in his first filmclip debut.