Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jo Kelly Stephenson was presented with a Maton guitar when she received the Rudy Brandsma Award recently at the National Awards Night held in Sydney. This major award for songwriting excellence reflects what Performing Songwriter Magazine identified as her “songwriting dexterity …that heralds the arrival of someone with potential to blaze a trail far beyond her home territory” (July/Aug Edition) Jo Kelly Stephenson has been enjoying international acclaim for her debut album, I See Flowers, You See Cars that won Album of the Year - Alt Country - Vox Populi in the USA Independent Music Awards.

A panel of respected judges including Suzanne Vega, Norah Jones, Wynonna Judd, Ray Davis and more voted the album one of four finalists. Following a string of positive press reviews, I See Flowers, You See Cars has had airplay on over 75 stations in the US and stations Australia wide including Mix, Triple J and ABC Radio National. Jo Kelly says her music "has a strong desert blues flavour fused with country, New Orleans style raggedy jazz and R&B".

Check out more about Jo Kelly and her band at www.jokellystephenson.com