Tamworth Country Music | Tamworth Country Music Festival | Tamworth Gig Guide

COUNTRY music and good causes often go hand in hand and this was the case just recently when Tamworth-based recording artist Peter Pratt entertained at the home of his good friends, Jan and Mick Rosengreen. Jan hosted a Biggest Morning Tea and invited 20 guests around, thinking they might raise a hundred dollars or so for The Cancer Council.

As she has family connections with Peter Pratt – Pete’s grandfather and Jan’s father were brothers – she invited Pete along to sing a few songs for the ladies, which he did, much to the delight of those in attendance. After his set, Peter sold quite a few CDs and donated $5 from each sale to the BMT. By morning’s end, Jan and her friends had raised the impressive total of $226, which was handed over to The Cancer Council.

TAMWORTH music lovers were treated to a performance by young virtuoso guitarist, Smokin’ Joe Robinson, just recently at The Longyard Hotel – and those who did get along to the gig got so much more than they bargained for. Musician Matt Zarb, his lovely fiancée Lesley and their two children Cale and Flynn, went along and were happy to act as my roving reporters for the night. Matty and Lesley said they were all truly moved by this young musician’s incredible ability, as indeed was the entire audience, who remained silent throughout the duration of the concert.

“Playing his beloved guitar, Joe delivered Struttin’ It, Daddy Long Licks and lots more of his own tunes,” they said. “He played a great selection of Tommy Emmanuel’s tunes and arrangements like Classical Gas and the Beatles medley that Tommy does so well, along with a kicking version of Cannon Ball Rag by Chet Atkins. It was certainly the best $10 we have spent in a long while and we are sorry for those people who missed out on seeing Joe. This was certainly a night to remember in our books. He’s such a great talent and at such a young age, we felt like we were part of history in the making.

“We were talking to Cheryl Byrnes and looking around the room filled with people thinking ‘the next time this young man comes to town it won’t be $10 in the back room of the Longyard, it will be $80 and the Sydney Symphony with Tommy Emmanuel’. This kid’s going places and everyone there on the night was part of that history. Hats off to Tommy and Phil Emmanuel for being such fine flag holders and mentors to our Australian guitar players. Their example encourages our young players to strive for excellence and it really makes you proud. It really was a great night. We just loved it.”

A FABULOUS band is heading to Tamworth on Friday, June 19. The Huckleberry Swedes, who, to my mind are like the baby brothers to The Flood, will play The Pub, in the fine company of Caitlin Harnett, who’s their special guest. The Swedes truly are one of the best alt country bands around. Real quality that you don’t see all that often. They’re based in South Australia and are venturing over to the eastern states for a short tour, taking in Canberra, Sydney, Tamworth, and a few other selected dates including the Buddha Bar at Byron Bay on June 23. Check out their website, www.huckleberryswedes.com for the full itinerary.

In the meantime, make sure you don’t miss their gig in Tamworth. We only usually get to spend a very short time in their company during the festival, so this is a real bonus gig. Why not ring a few friends and head out there for dinner first? You can book a table by phoning 6765 5655. My introduction to their recorded works was a little EP, Hair Trigger, which I couldn’t stop playing. They then put out a limited edition live CD and now they have come up with their first official album, Suburban Dreaming, produced by Midnight Oil’s Jim Moginie.

Make sure you take out some extra cash to grab a CD or two. You’ll definitely want to take them home after you hear them play. There’s lots of reason to love the Swedes – great harmonies from Troy Loakes, Mark Elberg and Sam Willoughby; exquisite keyboards and accordion sounds from The Judge; and driving rhythm from the gorgeous BJ Barker on drums. And their songs? To die for. What are you waiting for? Oh, I know. June 19. See you there.

NOW – it’s about Hats Off to Country. You haven’t forgotten the dates, have you? July 16, 17,18 and 19. We covered the Oasis last week, now let’s see what the Tudor has to offer. Their Hats Off officially begins on Thursday, July 16 at 8pm when Rod Dowsett delivers the goods, which he most certainly will. Rod’s a great songwriter and a terrific act. He never disappoints. Wild Bill Davy is an early riser. He’s starting his Hats Off gigs at the Tudor at 7am – yes – that’s no misprint, folks. If you can’t wait to start your day with some country fun and games, Wild Bill’s your man from 7am Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Hats Off weekend at the Tudor on Peel.