Kurt Wooldridge
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Kurt Wooldridge

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Band Country Singer/Songwriter

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"Home Town Kid"

Burlington's Kurt Wooldridge opens the concert for country star Jason Aldean.
By BOB SAAR

for The Hawk Eye

A guy doesn't have to be from Nashville to play high-end country music, and local singer Kurt Wooldridge will be happy to show you that tonight at Memorial Auditorium.

Wooldridge has been a southeast Iowa favorite for a long time, working the small bars and out-of-the-way country gigs over the years as he honed his style to a point fine enough to earn him opening-act status. Openers in this area last year included Dierks Bentley at Burlington Steamboat Days and Trick Pony at the Southern Iowa Fair in Oskaloosa.

"Chet Young [of KDMG radio] and Mac Coffin [Steamboat Days] gave me the opportunity," Wooldridge said. "They found out I had a CD out."

Indeed, Wooldridge's latest recording, "Twang Factor" on Big Gandy Dancer Records, is a strong mix of traditional and modern country seasoned with a taste of twang. His songwriting has evolved over the years, and he's written tunes with artists such as Jeff Carson, John E. McCollum and Chuck Johnson.

McCollum, who is currently Wooldridge's manager, has written songs for John Michael Montgomery, Toby Keith, Faron Young, Ray Price and James Brown.

CURB Records artist Carson received Billboard magazine's "Top New Country Artist" award in 2000 and has had No. 1 hits with "Not on Your Love" and "The Car."

It's support from music industry winners like McCollum and Carson that will help Wooldridge make that last big step from the role of opener to headliner.

It's the same with the musicians on "Twang Factor." The players who cut the tracks with Wooldridge have, between them all, recorded with Joe Diffie, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, Mark Chesnutt, Randy Travis and Ronnie Milsap.

Add Kurt Wooldridge to that list.

Wooldridge will perform songs from the CD.

"We'll throw a couple of covers into the mix, too," he said. "It will be a high-energy show. I've got some really good players."

Wooldridge's band likely will be as hot as the headliner's. Guitar wizard Clay Huston joins Wooldridge's backline for the first time, and anyone who's witnessed Huston's high-speed picking knows the Nashville boys will be drooling backstage.

Lead guitarist Ron Conkin has played with the likes of The Van Zandts and Spike Blake and opened for big acts such as the Marshall Tucker Band and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

Percussionist Chris Wood comes down from Iowa City to drum for Wooldridge and joins bassist Jerry Tansey to round out Wooldridge's rhythm section. Tansey and Wooldridge have been friends and bandmates for more than two decades.

Wooldridge has good reason for showing up early at tonight's concert, and his attitude about his music always extends from the stage to the crowd.

"It's a big deal to get to do shows like this," Wooldridge said. "We're proud to answer the call."

Kurt Wooldridge and his band open the evening at 7:30 p.m.
- The Hawk Eye


"CD Baby Reviews"

reviews
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TWANG FACTOR
author: JOSE M. CUENCA

Great and real Country MUSIC, just what i was looking for, please Kurt, keep it stone Country Music forever.-
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Twang Factor
author: Veronica Plate

I just got my cd today and I gotta say that I love it. I had it playing in my office and before I knew it everyone was stopping in to see who it was. Kurt is a very talented young man on not bad on the eyes either. Yummy is the word said around the office.
*
DJ Yarra Valley FM 99.1 Melbourne Australia
author: Rod Bradey

Wow what an Album that Kurt has produced for the lover of REAL country Music. This CD is 100% Prue Stone Cold Country Music full of Toe Tapping up tempo tunes, Slow heart felt ballads, Honky Tonk Shuffles and some great Two steppin numbers.

Every Itty Bitty beat of my heart and Atlanta upside down remind you of Mark Chestnut at has best. This Album has gone right to the top of my list of best releases for the year of 2007 and if you are a lover of REAL country music this is the Album to buy. - CD Baby


"Reference Letter - Trick Pony Opener"

12/24/07


Just wanted to let you know what a great job you and South 61 did as the opening act for Trick Pony at the 2007 Southern Iowa Fair in Oskaloosa, IA.

We received many compliments on your sound, song selection, and how approachable you were after the show.

I look forward to working with you again soon.

Thanks
Scott Ewing
Southern Iowa Fair
Oskaloosa, IA
- Scott Ewing


"Iowa State Fair Recommendation"

Subject: recommendation For Kurt Wooldridge & South 61

We Had The Privilege of using Kurt Wooldridge & South 61 During The Iowa State Fair, 2007, At Master Jacks Margarita Bar And Restaurant On The Iowa State Fair Grounds.

This Was an 11-Day Run In Extremely Hot Weather.

Kurt Wooldridge & South 61 Exceeded Our Expectations By Bringing In The Crowds, And More Important, Holding The Crowds For The Evening.

I Would Highly Recommend Kurt Wooldridge & South 61 For Any Function Or Event.

Sincerely,
Jack Benoit
- Jack Benoit - Benoit Distributing


"Kurt Wooldridge & South 61 Arrives At The South Stage"

By BOB SAAR
for The Hawk Eye

Kurt Wooldridge & The South 61 Band are southeast Iowa staples and regulars on the Steamboat Days south stage.
The band originated in the Burlington area, playing a good mix of country flavors including traditional, top 40 and rock country.
Kurt's performance style is emotional high energy; there's nothing bland about this local boy.
South 61 has bracketed past Steamboat acts Cheap Trick, Trace Adkins and last year they closed the week with Joe Nichols. They're tight with 107.1 The BULL radio and work the local clubs like Chaps and Big Muddy's. Bassist Wooldridge is backed on vocals by guitarist David Arnold, drummer Chris Wood and Ron Conkin on lead guitar.
Unlike most working bands, South 61 is sponsored by Fleck Sales and Miller Lite. Kurt and the boys have been playing great country music for us for a long, long time. Wear your boots and do some scootin'.

Trick Pony Concert Friday, July 20 at Southern Iowa Fair in Oskaloosa IA
May 20th, 2007
Trick Pony with special guests Kurt Wooldridge & South 61 will be performing at the Southern Iowa Fair Grounds in Oskaloosa, IA. Some of their hits include, “Pour Me”, “On A Night Like This” and “Just What I Do”. Tickets went on sale May 14 at the Southern Iowa’s Fair office or online at www.iowatix.com. For more information go to www.trickpony.com or www.southerniowafair.com.Â
- The Hawk Eye


Discography

Twang Factor - In rotation at 95.7FM Kiss Country & charted 7th on Australia's 99.1 FM.
Every Itty Bitty Beat Of My Heart - charted 11th on Australia's 99.1 FM
Twang Factor has been played all over the U.S.A. & In overseas markets as well.

Photos

Bio

Kurt Wooldridge's performance style is emotional high energy; there's nothing bland about this country boy. His brand of Soulful Traditional Country Music will warm your heart & is full of toe tapping up-tempo tunes, slow heart felt ballads, honky tonk shuffles & two stepping numbers that will keep the dance floor hopping.

Kurt Wooldridge’s intensity lives through his commitment to his art -- from the audiences he performs in front of, to the professionals who perform live with him, and on his recently released CD, “Twang Factor” which has sold over 1000 copies and downloads.

Kurt’s perspective on country music is very simple “The traditional country music that has embraced folks for years has seemed to have gone to the wayside making room for a more rock and roll and mainstream Pop sound. I wanted to create a record that would be able to have music and lyrics that would be emotional and tell a story that would bring the listener into the song you know something country has always been about, you have to be able to relate to what your listening to”

Besides his success, Kurt has won a faithful following while opening for countless performers, including Cheap Trick, Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Dierks Bentley, Trick Pony, Terry Clark, Clint Black, Jason Aldean and many others.

Kurt Wooldridge has performed at several high profile venues such as, The Iowa State Fair, Southern Iowa Fair, Burlington Steamboat Days, Corporate events, Casinos and many, Clubs around the Midwest.

Kurt Wooldridge brings together a technically trained background with a dynamic singing voice.

Performing professionally for the last 15 years Wooldridge brings together the best of traditional country with new dynamics. He has written over 100 songs in this style. He has written songs with Jeff Carson (Curb Recording Artist), John E. McCollum (who has written songs for Toby Keith, John Michael Montgomery, Farron Young and the like and was a staff writer for EMI and Zombia songs). And has performed over 150 shows in 2007, all over the Midwest.

Kurt’s first album, “Twang Factor” produced by Kurt Wooldridge & Joel Kipp, features Mike Chapman on Bass Guitar, Walt Cunningham on Piano & Keyboard (and session leader of the project), Russ Hicks on Steel Guitar, Gregg Galbraith on Lead Guitar, Hank Singer on Fiddle, Danny Parks on Acoustic Guitar & Gene Chrisman on Drums & Percussion.

Kurt Wooldridge is in a category of his own. With high-energy performances and crowd involvement, this is an entertainer that stands out from the rest. His ability to engage the crowd and keep them dancing have built a nice following that follows Kurt from event to event.

Kurt Wooldridge is sponsored by Fleck Sales & Coors Lite & B-Bar-B Western wear.