US country hitmaker Phil Vassar and renowned American singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith, along with local favourites Steve Forde and Tania Kernaghan, complete the massive lineup for the 2010 CMC Rocks The Snowys Festival to be held on March 5 and 6 at Friday Flatts in Tredbo.

Renowned for the raucous energy of his live shows, Phil Vassar has been writing hits for himself and others for over a decade. Country music’s "Piano Man" has scored big with songs like 'Bye-Bye' and 'I’m Alright' (both massive hits for Jo Dee Messina) and 'Just Another Day In Paradise'. The rowdy spirit of his life-affirming anthems translates to his concert performances, and he’ll be making his first trip down under for a one-off performance.

Steve Forde is a Snowys crowd favourite, a mainstay of the festival, and one of Australia’s best loved live performers. He’s an artist who’s blazed his own trail through country music over almost a decade of recording and performing. A former rodeo rider who channels the same energy and spirit into his music, Steve has built a fiercely loyal fanbase through years crossing the length and breadth of Australia. His rockin’ live shows are legendary among Aussie country fans and he will return to rock the Snowys in 2010. Forde's lastest album, Guns & Guitars was one of the highest selling local country albums of 2008/09.

Grammy-winner Nanci Griffith has found success across rock, folk and country, and earning the respect and admiration of collaborators like Jimmy Buffet, Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson. The singer-songwriter has penned enduring songs including 'Love at the Five and Dime' and 'Outbound Plane' in a career spanning over 30 years. Never afraid to tackle difficult topics head on in her songs, her performance is always full of passion and deep honesty.

Tania Kernaghan is part of one of Australian country’s most famous families. Daughter of Ray and brother of Lee, Tania grew up with a passion for country music and a love of live performance that has taken to the top of the country scene. From the release of her first (platinum-selling) album December Moon in 1996, Kernaghan has remained one of country music’s premiere female artists.

All up the final line up includes; Phil Vassar, Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, Guy Sebastian, Jack Ingram, Nanci Griffith, Doc Walker, Adam Harvey, Steve Forde, Richard Clapton, Tania Kernaghan, Sinead Burgess, Peter McWhirter, Dan Sultan, Mike Carr, Kirsty Lee Akers, Paul Greene, The Wilsons Pickers, Jetty Road, Amber Lawrence, Mark Wells, Victoria Baillie, The Harrisons and Busby Marou.

Check out the debut single and video 'Humm' from new artist Peter McWhirter. This really chilled out roots/country track is sure to be a favourite over the summer.

Peter McWhirter will release his debut album Lucky As A Seven on March 5, 2010.

Jasmine Rae recently visited Orange in Central NSW for a show which included special guests Victoria Baillie and Peter McWhirter. Check out some of the behind the scenes action!

The biggest counry music festival on the planet, the annual CMA Music Festival in Downtown Nashville has just finished up. 

Australian artists appearing at the festival included The McClymonts, Shea Fisher, Kirsty Lee Akers, Dianna Corcoran and Peter McWhirter.

Festival goers enjoyed four nights of stadium shows from many of US country's biggest stars.

The final night included performances from Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, John Rich, Sugarland and Miranda Lambert.

Check out some photos from the event and surrounding activities below...

Tickets are already on sale for next years event and accomodation in the Downtown Nashville area sells out fast. So start making plans now if your planning to get on a plane and travel to next years festival. 

Sixteen prominent international Country artists will convene in Music City next month to participate in a series of global Country Music events, beginning June 8 in Downtown Nashville USA. 

The CMA Global Artist Party unofficially marks the beginning of the 2009 CMA Music Festival with its annual showcase on Monday, June 8. The event, hosted by US Country artist Jace Everett, will feature a total of eight artists from Australia, Ireland, U.K., Canada and New Zealand, including Australia's Peter McWhirter. The showcase begins at 6:15 p.m. at The Stage on Broadway.

CMA Global Artist Party Performers: Kirsty Lee Akers (featured feft, Australia), Colm Kirwan (Ireland), Lucie Silvas (U.K.), Alex J. Robinson (Canada), Peter McWhirter (Australia), Ashley Cooper (New Zealand), The McClymonts (Australia) and George Canyon (Canada).

The annual AristoMedia Global Showcase will be held Tuesday, June 9 at 3 p.m. at The Second Fiddle.  International artists from France, U.K., Norway, Switzerland, Australia and Canada will perform, including Corey Colum.  Former Mavericks bassist and Digital Rodeo Director of Industry Relations Robert Reynolds will host the event.