2008 Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards, Bungendore, NSW
Finalist, New Talent - The Shakedown On The Floor (Moneghetti / Lawson)
 
2008 Victorian & National Country Music Awards, Whittlesea, Vic
Finalist, Victorian Album Of The Year - Down That Lonely Road
 
2007 Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards, Pittsworth, QLD
Finalist, New Talent - Dusty Guitar
Winner, Encouragement Award - Dusty Guitar (Moneghetti)
 
 
Debut Album 'Down That Lonely Road' OUT NOW
 
 
In July 2007, Leigh Moneghetti released his debut album. As well as featuring some well-loved country classics, there are some not so well known songs, and Leigh's songwriting skills are showcased. Recorded at RedBak Studios in Leeton, NSW, with Mark Hillier and Sharon Benjamin, this record is sure to please many country fans. It features 12 tracks, and some of Australia's finest musicians in Peter Denahy on fiddle, Dave Moore on pedal steel, and Doug Rowe on lead guitar. It is a record that is a fine account of Leigh's influences, and a great entry into the industry for Leigh Moneghetti.
 
Born in Ballarat and raised in Colac in south-west Victoria, Leigh Moneghetti was exposed to music at a very young age. At the age of 8 he began to learn the keyboard, and continued this for the next 7 years. Having just turned 15, he noticed an advertisement in the local paper - the local old-time band that he had listened to so often needed a drummer. Even without having experience on the drums, Leigh answered the ad, got the job, and then went and bought some drums - playing in the band only a week later.
 
Eighteen months passed before Leigh formed his own Dance Band and continued to play on the dance circuit around Colac. It was with the introduction of his band that Leigh explored singing, and from the outset the patrons enjoyed it. Twelve years later, the band still performs regularly, and now Leigh is on piano and vocals.
 
Country music had always played a part in Leigh's life, and old favourites were always included in his band's program. But it wasn't until he taught himself guitar and discovered the music of Slim Dusty that Leigh's country repertoire really developed. He soon became a devoted Slim fan, and with this increased his versatility, already being able to sing jazz, swing, old-time, rock 'n' roll, and country, he now added the very Australian bush ballad style.
 
After only 2 years on guitar Leigh decided to try his hand at the talent quest scene, and so, entered the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod in 2002. This was a new challenge for him, and determined that he had something to prove, claimed six prizes for the weekend. These included being the Male Vocal and Gospel winner, as well as achieving the Senior Encouragement Award, as judged by Golden Guitar winner Ernie Constance.
 
Leigh followed up this success at Mildura in the same year, taking out the Male Vocal section and also achieving a second place in the Duet. This led him to the Victorian Champion of Champions, where he finished as a finalist.

Since then Leigh has performed at many Country Music Clubs, including Colac, Warrnambool, Bellarine, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and the Penninsula. At each venue he demonstrated what a great entertainer he is, with his smooth vocals, diverse repertoire and good humour, and is regularly invited back. This lead to Leigh creating his own shows and taking them around the Western District, and they were met with much support. He has now performed at over 700 functions in his career.

Leigh's album has been receiving airplay right across Australia, and was recently added to the New Zealand Country Music Network.  In July 2008, a single from the debut album "Cry, Cry, Cry" was realeased  to the European radio market, including 26 countries, and over 600 radio stations. To arrange an interview send an email to mail@leighmoneghetti.com.au