Greg Johnson's search is over as he names the local support acts for his nine date tour

Following on from award winning Greg Johnson’s Small Towns & Ball Gowns Tour announcement and local artist support competition five weeks ago, the wait is over and the local support artists for all nine shows have been confirmed.

With 124 entrants across the nine regions, many of a very high standard, Johnson was more than impressed with the untapped talent from around the country. Not surprising, Wellington had the most entries with 27 in total followed by Matakana with 18, Pukekohe with 17, Queenstown with 15, Nelson & Tauranga with 14, Riverton with 7 and Whangarei & Havelock North with 6.

Says Greg, “I was blown away by the sheer number of talented artists working away in small town New Zealand. The choices were really difficult but I tried to fit acts that I knew could cope in front of a large and possibly noisy audience, a tough gig for anyone. It'll be fun seeing the acts putting up live!”

Musicians in each of the nine regions were invited to submit a track via Johnson’s website with entries closing at the end of April; the winning entry given an opening support slot at the show, the opportunity to sell merchandise, show tickets and a performance fee.

The local artist supports are confirmed as Whangarei – Andy Richards, Pukekohe – Tim Walker, Nelson – Weave, Riverton – Emma Rankin, Queenstown – Mel Parsons, Matakana – Charlotte Silverstone, Tauranga – Chellya, Havelock North – Siamese Charades & Wellington – Phoebe Hurst.

Greg Johnson is a perennial among New Zealand recording artists and songwriters. Since his first breakthrough single Isabelle hit the charts and hearts of kiwis in the early 90’s he has produced nine studio albums, building a strong and loyal fan-base. His live shows are legendary for their musicianship, intimacy and humour and his biggest tunes include Don’t Wait Another Day, Liberty, Isabelle, Save Yourself, Now The Sun Is Out and Looking Out On Monday. Greg is a past winner of the coveted APRA Silver Scroll (and 5 time finalist) as well as Tui winner for Best Compilation and Male Vocalist.