Pure Country Music & Dance Festival

We are delighted to announce Donna Zanetti, Gary Quinn, Jill Gibbons and Steve McLeod as the finalists for this year's Gary Perkins Angel Award.

The award, named after the late country music artist Gary Perkins and his song "Angel On My Shoulder", recognises an outstanding contribution to country music in the UK.

Donna Zanetti is an artist manager, development coach and founder of the ZimagineD Artist Management agency.

Donna was nominated for “tirelessly promoting and holding up women within the country scene, managing the most incredible multi award winning artist rosta and being the first port of call for so many in the industry”.

Those who nominated Donna said “she is truly everyone’s cheerleader and makes the scene a better place for her being in it”.

Gary Quinn is a performing artist, is actively involved in nurturing talent in the UK, and is the co-founder of the Buckle & Boots and Country on the Clyde country music festivals. Gary was nominated for working “tirelessly to promote country music from the UK and all over the world”.

Those who nominated Gary described how he organises “many shows, events and festivals throughout the year” and is “always encouraging up and coming acts as well as the tried and tested crowd pleasers”.

Jill Gibbons runs LN Photography - Littleninjaphotography and is regularly seen behind the camera at country music events. She is also part of the team at Country Music Social Media and organises their live events.

Jill was nominated for “her unwavering dedication to supporting live music and emerging acts across the music industry, with her photography and willingness to help promote” artists. Those who nominated Jill praised her “hard work and dedication to the scene” and described her as “a passionate photographer who is meticulous in what she does”.

Steve McLeod is a singer-songwriter and also organises regular country music nights in York and Leeds under the name The Nashville Sessions

Steve was nominated for going “above and beyond to keep country music alive” and for “sharing his love for country music to appreciative audiences”. Those who nominated Steve praised his “hard work and dedication to country music” and described him as a “well respected musician and event organiser for all country music and line dancing events”.