Gray Bartlett's 50th Anniversary

Celebrated guitarist, concert promoter, star-maker, musical director. Gray Bartlett has done it all and with two million album sales, one of the world’s biggest stars and legions of fans throughout the world to his credit, he’s celebrating 50 years of showbiz.

He and his stellar lineup of pals, a who’s who of New Zealand entertainment including Patsy Riggir, Shane Cortese, Brendan Dugan, Jodi Vaughan, Annabel Fay, Chet O'Connell and Elizabeth Marvelly will join in the party as it makes its way to a town near you.

The tour will begin in Whangarei on May 1 and roll on to Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Hamilton and Pukekohe with South Island dates to be announced soon.

Tunes will include Apache, Cavatina -- a tribute to the great guitarists, Chet Atkins, George Benson, Eric Clapton and Hank Marvin! Plus all the great songs that have made Gray, Brendan and Jodi household stars."

As a further celebration of this milestone, EMI Music will release a 2-CD commemorative album, featuring Gray's signature tunes as well as a selection of songs from some of New Zealand's best-loved artists. This album will be in stores on April 21.

Guest artists will appear in the following towns:

Patsy Riggir (Akld/Hamilton/Tauranga)
Shane Cortese (akld),
Martin Crump (Akld),
Annabel Fay (Akld),
Elizabeth Marvelly (Akld/Tauranga)
Hamilton County Bluegrass Band (Tauranga)
Jodi Vaughan (Akld/Tauranga/Hamilton & Pukekohe Town Hall)
Brendan Dugan and Chet O'Connell to feature in all shows.

There will be other surprise guests added along the way.

“The show is about celebrating the Platinum selling artists of New Zealand, and also celebrating the legendary stars of our New Zealand music industry, while applauding our up and coming stars,” says Bartlett.