The Variety Artists of New Zealand awards JamesRAy with the coveted Top Male Artist Award for 2011
New Zealand’s definitive Entertainment Industry Awards chooses American born performer
(HIBISCUS COAST) – 6 November 2011 – The VAC Awards has named Hibiscus Coast resident, JamesRAy, the 2011 Top Male Artist.
The VAC Awards is a virtual history of NZ entertainment with some of the greatest performers in the proud history of New Zealand entertainment being honoured by them. Recognised as New Zealand’s definitive Entertainment Industry Awards, each of the VAC’s annual gongs are keenly sought-after and highly coveted.
When American born singer/songwriter/entertainer, JamesRAy; was announced by Ray Woolf, kiwi showbiz icon and entertainer, as the VAC 2011 Top Male Artist “It was like being recognised by New Zealand entertainment royalty”, says JamesRAy. “I was truly humbled by the history and honour just given that I was overwhelmed with gratitude.” Guests of the night included: Gray Bartlett, Tom Sharplin, David Hartnell, Larry Morris, Eddie Low Shane and several other kiwi legends along with around 250 other professional entertainers, industry persons and supporters.
JamesRAy has lived on the Hibiscus Coast of New Zealand for eleven years now. After moving here in 2000, JR thought his dreams of being a professional performer were left behind in the US. “When I moved to New Zealand and people asked me what I did I told them I was a singer/songwriter/performer. When they asked what kind of music I performed and I’d proudly tell them I’m a Country performer I’d get worried looks and comments like ‘good luck with that’ or ‘you’ll only get to perform in country clubs’. I thought to myself what have I done moving to a country that snarls at the music I have always known and performed? I didn’t move here for a music career so I thought as soon as my personal circumstances allow I’m back to the US. But as fate would have it I met and married a beautiful kiwi, became a dad and have happily made New Zealand my home” he explains.
When asked how he came to continue chasing his dream, JamesRAy says, “I took the advice of the person who said I’d have to perform in a ‘country club’ and since being from the southern part of the states went to the nearest golf course country club to inquire about a gig! To my surprise I found out there were actually ‘country music clubs’! The good folks there were so supportive and kind to me just like good country folks are back home. But, I soon found out that New Zealander’s all over the north and south island did in fact like good country music, old and new. Granted not much of the new country gets much airplay here but by way of the internet and word of mouth it’s growing.” JamesRAy continues, “It’s funny how sometimes young people will come up to me and say that’s really awesome music without even thinking it’s ‘country’. Some of the older folks still like to think it’s ‘Country & Western’ but today’s country music has very little or no ‘Western” in it and really hasn’t since the 70’s.”
Country music is still the worlds most listened to genre and sells the most live concert tickets of any music in the world today according to international sales reports and statistics. In New Zealand there are around 250 country music clubs with membership of 100-200 people still supporting the older style country. “New Zealand’s newer country fans are so starved for contemporary country music shows, venues and product that I’m guessing that is why the weekly Acoustic Country Sunday show I host is nearing seven years of growth and success”, states JamesRAy.
You can find out more about JamesRAy at: www.jamesray.co.nz or the VAC at www.vac.org.nz
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Reply
"The Oscars of Country Music awards JamesRAy with Country Music Male Artist of the Year!"
That's how the press has printed it and I'm absolutely thrilled. My sincerest "Thank you" to all the supportive folks that encourage me to continue to chase the dream. It was an awesome award show. I was truly so surprise that I was caught off guard with no clear thoughts of everyone I wanted to thank like my wife, the pink nanas, my family, all the live show supporters, online friends and award organizers - Kiwi-ProAm. Y'all are the reason I got to take the award home this year. Thank YOU!
Absolutely awesome!
The next morning it was straight back to doing what I do, performing! Acoustic Country Sunday at Bar Africa was buzzing when I returned after winning the award. Thanks to the venue owner, manager, special guests, surprise guest and fans that have kept Acoustic Country Sunday growing for over six and half years. Thank you thank you thank you!
Come see me live.
JR
Reply
This is just a note of "THANKS" to everyone that supports, encourages and inspires me to continue chasing the dream. It really does me a lot to me.
I realize when life's little discouragements pokes me in the eye from time to time that after a few blinks I can usually start seeing clearly again. And, when I do I see a wonderful life filled with friends, family and fans.
I am truly blessed because of you all.
Thank you,
JR
Reply
Your help is greatly needed to help secure JamesRAy's bid for the 2010 New Zealand National Country Music Awards - Country Male Artist of the Year.
All you have to do is cast your vote for "James RAy" at this link:
http://www.micropoll.com/akira/mpview/597486-256949
Please note the info below:
2010 National Country Music Awards Voting Only one vote is allowed. Further votes are not logged. When you have voted you will get the message "Results have been disabled for this poll". Your vote has been counted but the poll results are not displayed.
Thank you so much for your support. JR
Now, if you'd like to win some free downloads please help us collect some new fans join the Street Team and participate in the current mission.
Reply
May 5th, 2010 was the official release of the JamesRAy LIVE Bootleg DVD ep at Bar Africa in Albany to a very supportive bunch of specially invited supporters and guests.
The DVD debuted at the Bay of Island's 21st annual Country-Rock festival May 7,8 & 9. The response was awesome, supportive and encouraging.
Online orders will be available soon. Keep watching.
In the mean time you can email: info@jamesray.info for more information or to order a copy.
Reply
The JamesRAy LIVE bootleg DVD is in it's final stages. It showcases LIVE peformances from the Stampede and archive footage from various NZ performances. Featuring the brand new music video "Chasing the Dream". This DVD as lots of extras and bonus material too.
Keep watch for the DVD launch and premier screening.
Be sure you are on the mailing list for the latest news & updates. You'll also be elgible for give-a-ways!
Reply
The JamesRAngers Softball 2nd Round 24 Jan. 2010
Want something fun to do after Acoustic Country Sundays?
Join us on at Rosedale Park for our 2nd RAngers softball round... picnic and play really.
We'll meet at Bar Africa - home of the Acoustic Country Sunday -(1b William Pickering Drive, North Shore/Albany) and then head over to the playing field just down the road.
If you have bats, ball, gloves and the right attitude for some simple country fun bring'em and let's play.
We'll warm up this time to avoid injuries ;-)
JR
Reply
JamesRay / Blog
JamesRAy VACNZ Top Male Artist Award
The Variety Artists of New Zealand awards JamesRAy with the coveted Top Male Artist Award for 2011 New Zealand’s definitive Entertainment Industry Awards chooses American born performer
(HIBISCUS COAST) – 6 November 2011 – The VAC Awards has named Hibiscus Coast resident, JamesRAy, the 2011 Top Male Artist.
The VAC Awards is a virtual history of NZ entertainment with some of the greatest performers in the proud history of New Zealand entertainment being honoured by them. Recognised as New Zealand’s definitive Entertainment Industry Awards, each of the VAC’s annual gongs are keenly sought-after and highly coveted. When American born singer/songwriter/entertainer, JamesRAy; was announced by Ray Woolf, kiwi showbiz icon and entertainer, as the VAC 2011 Top Male Artist “It was like being recognised by New Zealand entertainment royalty”, says JamesRAy. “I was truly humbled by the history and honour just given that I was overwhelmed with gratitude.” Guests of the night included: Gray Bartlett, Tom Sharplin, David Hartnell, Larry Morris, Eddie Low Shane and several other kiwi legends along with around 250 other professional entertainers, industry persons and supporters. JamesRAy has lived on the Hibiscus Coast of New Zealand for eleven years now. After moving here in 2000, JR thought his dreams of being a professional performer were left behind in the US. “When I moved to New Zealand and people asked me what I did I told them I was a singer/songwriter/performer. When they asked what kind of music I performed and I’d proudly tell them I’m a Country performer I’d get worried looks and comments like ‘good luck with that’ or ‘you’ll only get to perform in country clubs’. I thought to myself what have I done moving to a country that snarls at the music I have always known and performed? I didn’t move here for a music career so I thought as soon as my personal circumstances allow I’m back to the US. But as fate would have it I met and married a beautiful kiwi, became a dad and have happily made New Zealand my home” he explains. When asked how he came to continue chasing his dream, JamesRAy says, “I took the advice of the person who said I’d have to perform in a ‘country club’ and since being from the southern part of the states went to the nearest golf course country club to inquire about a gig! To my surprise I found out there were actually ‘country music clubs’! The good folks there were so supportive and kind to me just like good country folks are back home. But, I soon found out that New Zealander’s all over the north and south island did in fact like good country music, old and new. Granted not much of the new country gets much airplay here but by way of the internet and word of mouth it’s growing.” JamesRAy continues, “It’s funny how sometimes young people will come up to me and say that’s really awesome music without even thinking it’s ‘country’. Some of the older folks still like to think it’s ‘Country & Western’ but today’s country music has very little or no ‘Western” in it and really hasn’t since the 70’s.” Country music is still the worlds most listened to genre and sells the most live concert tickets of any music in the world today according to international sales reports and statistics. In New Zealand there are around 250 country music clubs with membership of 100-200 people still supporting the older style country. “New Zealand’s newer country fans are so starved for contemporary country music shows, venues and product that I’m guessing that is why the weekly Acoustic Country Sunday show I host is nearing seven years of growth and success”, states JamesRAy. You can find out more about JamesRAy at: www.jamesray.co.nz or the VAC at www.vac.org.nz ###
Reply
JamesRAy NCMA Male Artist of the Year!
"The Oscars of Country Music awards JamesRAy with Country Music Male Artist of the Year!"
That's how the press has printed it and I'm absolutely thrilled. My sincerest "Thank you" to all the supportive folks that encourage me to continue to chase the dream. It was an awesome award show. I was truly so surprise that I was caught off guard with no clear thoughts of everyone I wanted to thank like my wife, the pink nanas, my family, all the live show supporters, online friends and award organizers - Kiwi-ProAm. Y'all are the reason I got to take the award home this year. Thank YOU!
Absolutely awesome!
The next morning it was straight back to doing what I do, performing! Acoustic Country Sunday at Bar Africa was buzzing when I returned after winning the award. Thanks to the venue owner, manager, special guests, surprise guest and fans that have kept Acoustic Country Sunday growing for over six and half years. Thank you thank you thank you!
Come see me live.
JR
Reply
It is awesome James and well deserved. I have just returned from another trip to the South Island... As you know I have been doing your song "Chasing the dream" at my live shows (not doing it the justice you do, but nevertheless...) You'd be proud to know that in the first set last Sunday people in the crowd were shouting out requesting "Chasing The dream"... i went on to rock the place with it, (and completely screw up the key change lol) I love finding great new songs and then promoting them... That one is and always will be one of my personal favorites... Good on ya mate!
Thank you
This is just a note of "THANKS" to everyone that supports, encourages and inspires me to continue chasing the dream. It really does me a lot to me.
I realize when life's little discouragements pokes me in the eye from time to time that after a few blinks I can usually start seeing clearly again. And, when I do I see a wonderful life filled with friends, family and fans.
I am truly blessed because of you all.
Thank you,
JR
Reply
Vote JamesRAy for Country Male Artist of the Year
Your help is greatly needed to help secure JamesRAy's bid for the 2010 New Zealand National Country Music Awards - Country Male Artist of the Year.
All you have to do is cast your vote for "James RAy" at this link: http://www.micropoll.com/akira/mpview/597486-256949
Please note the info below:
2010 National Country Music Awards Voting Only one vote is allowed. Further votes are not logged. When you have voted you will get the message "Results have been disabled for this poll". Your vote has been counted but the poll results are not displayed.
Thank you so much for your support. JR
Now, if you'd like to win some free downloads please help us collect some new fans join the Street Team and participate in the current mission.
Reply
JamesRAy LIVE Bootleg DVD ep Released & On Sale NOW
May 5th, 2010 was the official release of the JamesRAy LIVE Bootleg DVD ep at Bar Africa in Albany to a very supportive bunch of specially invited supporters and guests.
The DVD debuted at the Bay of Island's 21st annual Country-Rock festival May 7,8 & 9. The response was awesome, supportive and encouraging.
Online orders will be available soon. Keep watching.
In the mean time you can email: info@jamesray.info for more information or to order a copy.
Reply
New JamesRAy LIVE bootleg DVD
The JamesRAy LIVE bootleg DVD is in it's final stages. It showcases LIVE peformances from the Stampede and archive footage from various NZ performances. Featuring the brand new music video "Chasing the Dream". This DVD as lots of extras and bonus material too. Keep watch for the DVD launch and premier screening. Be sure you are on the mailing list for the latest news & updates. You'll also be elgible for give-a-ways!
Reply
The JamesRAngers Softball 2nd Round 24 Jan!
The JamesRAngers Softball 2nd Round 24 Jan. 2010 Want something fun to do after Acoustic Country Sundays? Join us on at Rosedale Park for our 2nd RAngers softball round... picnic and play really. We'll meet at Bar Africa - home of the Acoustic Country Sunday -(1b William Pickering Drive, North Shore/Albany) and then head over to the playing field just down the road. If you have bats, ball, gloves and the right attitude for some simple country fun bring'em and let's play. We'll warm up this time to avoid injuries ;-) JR
Reply