KASEY CHAMBERS TO HEADLINE “AUSTRALIA ROCKS THE PIER” FREE CONCERT AT THE SANTA MONICA PIER ON AUGUST 2ND

Australian country singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers has had a glittering career boasting multiple ARIA and APRA awards, Number One hits and multi-platinum sales in Australia and around the world.  The Los Angeles Times raves “She seems to have access to a bottomless well of indelible melodic hooks,” and Blurt declares “Her quiet charms result in a series of consistently flawless performances.”  Chambers is proud to headline Australia Rocks The Pier where she’ll sing her hits in addition to tracks from her new all-covers album, Storybook, that showcases her gutsy, soulful take on personally influential songs handpicked from the iconic songbooks of Gram Parsons, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt and more.

Matt Ellis is an award-winning folk singer hailed by Rolling Stone as having “a pleasurable way with darker moods and a sturdy approach to songwriting.”  Ellis cites Tom Petty, Neil Young and Johnny Cash as influences on his sound – as showcased on his country-tinged cover of Iggy Pop’s 1990 radio smash, “Candy,” due out July 16th.

The winner of the “Opening Act Competition” sponsored by the Australian Consulate to highlight an Australian artist based in the U.S. is pop rock / Americana singer-songwriter D Henry Fenton, whose forthcoming albumTurnin‘ is due out August 14th.  He eclipsed dozens of other hopefuls vying for the coveted position of kicking off the night of great Australian talent.

Australia Rocks The Pier emcee Jamie Durie is an internationally renowned landscape designer and horticulturalist.  He is the founder and director of Durie Design, an award-winning TV host and producer, the author of nine best-selling books and a passionate environmentalist and humanitarian.  Five years ago Durie was invited to be a regular guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”  He now splits his time between his home and design studio in Sydney, Australia and his base in Los Angeles.

In years past, Australian luminaries Ben Lee, Missy Higgins, Ry Cuming and Andy Clockwise have graced the Australia Rocks The Pier stage.  The event attracts thousands of concertgoers from all over Southern California and throughout the country who flock to Santa Monica to enjoy free concerts on the beach under the stars.

Australian Consul-General Chris DeCure shares, “We are delighted to again be partnering with the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Authority to bring Australian contemporary music to the Twilight Concert Series.  My hope is that through this program, Angelenos will develop a great appreciation of the diversity and creativity of Australian music.  We are thrilled that Kasey Chambers, one of Australia’s most awarded artists, will be joining us at the pier, along with Australian folk singer Matt Ellis and emerging artist D Henry Fenton.”

Attendees of Australia Rocks The Pier will have the opportunity to win a fabulous 5-night vacation to Sydney including two roundtrip tickets from Los Angeles to Sydney courtesy of Qantas Airways, along with five nights hotel accommodation, a cruise on Sydney Harbour and tour of the famed Sydney Opera House courtesy of Destination NSW.  Known for its stunning beauty and laid-back lifestyle, Sydney is a dream destination for those seeking the ultimate Australian vacation.

“Destination NSW is a proud supporter of Australia’s music scene,” explains Irene Morgan, Regional Director of Destination NSW Los Angeles, “and we are thrilled to be a part of Australia Rocks The Pier 2012.”  Wally Mariani, SVP of Qantas Airways adds, “We are proud to be associated with this exciting event showcasing Australian talent.”