Tamworth 2008

Wow, its over already.
What a blast, here's what we got up to.
I'll be adding some photos here soon too.

Wed 16th Jan - Young Guns Concert

This was an amazing opening night for my Tamworth Festival. It is always great to perform on the stage of the beautiful Tamworth Town Hall. I performed 3 songs from my new album, "Hear Me Now" and the response from the audience was overwhelming. Thank you so much to everyone that came along for making this such a special night for me.

Fri 18th Jan - Fitzroy Tavern

Wow! What a great night we had even though it was officially the first night of the festival. Everyone had a great time dancing and singing along with me which always gives us a boost on stage. Cheers.

Sat 19th Jan - TSA Showcase, Coca-cola Stage

Well I definitely knew I was in Tamworth on that first Saturday morning when I had to get up early after the Fitzroy gig the night before and headover to Wests Leagues Club to perform on the TSA showcase.
After performing a few originals from my album I then headed across to the Hands of Fame Park to the Coca Cola Stage. Every year I make sure I do a few spots at the Coke stage as it's always a great experience- great band and great audience.

Mon 21st Jan - The Vault, Fitzroy Tavern

Unfortunately after severely spraining my ankle on Saturday night, I had to rest up on Sunday but on Monday, with my ankle heavily bandaged and a set of crutches, I was back into it with the first of my gigs at the Vault. After my performance at the Young Guns concert last Wednesday I was invited to do a series of acoustic sets on the Vault footpath stage which I really enjoyed as it reminded me of when Leisa Bye, Eric MacDonald and I used to busk on Peel Street all those years ago.
We had another great night at the Fitzroy Tavern on Monday and it was great to see a lot of familiar faces there.

Tue 22nd Jan - Southgate with Gleny Rae Virus and the Tamworth Playboys

It was awesome to be invited by Gleny to perform with her and her band on the Tuesday. I grew up listening to Patsy Cline and all that great old country so to be able to get up with such a great western swing band was very special.

Wed 23rd Jan - The Morning Show, The Vault, TSA Awards

This was a great concert to perform on. Nikki Gillis, Peter Pratt and Tracey Killeen were the headliners and with a great band and Dobe Newton as MC I really enjoyed this performance.
I had to make a mad dash from The Long Yard to Peel St for my set at the Vault where I ran into a few old friends and met some new ones who really liked "More Living To Do" from my album as they had been on the road for 6 years!
Ok I didn't perform at the TSA Awards but Patricia Cruzado and I did have a nomination with "Free To Be Me". It was a great night of original music performed by the top songwriters in the country including Beccy Cole and Eric Bogle.

Thurs 24th Jan - Radio Interviews, The Vault, The Cricket Club

It was great to catch up with Leo DeKroo from radio 2DU in Dubbo, however I couldn't stay on the phone too long because I had to run and do the gig at the Vault.
After the Vault I went across to the Hands of Fame Park again to talk to Frank McHugh at Festival FM who played my single, "Free To Be Me" and "Forty Degrees" from my album.
I was glad to get back over to the Cricket Club this year to do a few sets.. Normally we camp during Tamworth but this year we were a bit posh and stayed in a house so it was great to catch up with Lefty and Loris over at the Cricket Club.

Fri 25th Jan - The Vault, The Cricket Club

Well this set was unforgettable as we were rained out. Not easily deterred though I grabbed the guitar and headed up to the covered balcony for an unplugged set. It was also great to see "the groupies" in their shirts. Thanks guys.
I can't wait to see Lefty and Loris and everyone at Riverside next year.

Sat 26th Jan - Town Hall, Coke Stage, The Vault

It was fantastic to be invited by the CCMA to sing "Advance Australia Fair" at the CCMA Jamboree on the stage of Tamworth Town Hall on Australia Day.
I then had to dash across to the Coca Cola Stage as I had been invited to perform "I am Australian" after the great response I received in 2007. It was also great to see a lot of familiar faces there after the Cavalcade. Thanks for your support.
I then had to dash over to do my final spot at the Vault stage and luckily we didn't get rained out this time. All in all it was a great Australia Day 2008.

Sun 27th Jan - Fitzroy

Last but not least was my final gig at the Fitzroy Tavern. With the band pulling out all the stops for their last gig in Tamworth for 2008 and it also being the last gig at the Fitzroy for the festival everyone just let their hair down and had a ball.. It was a real privilege to work with such talented musicians and I can't wait until next year!