Tickets for shows are now on sale at the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre, Capitol Theatre and at Wests, so there’s no time like now to work out what you want to see and when.

Planning is essential so you don’t miss out on anything – free or ticketed shows.

A GIG that’s become an annual tradition for many is The Hired Hands Reunion.

The now defunct group’s unique brand of rockin’ country boogie will ring out from the Engine Room of the Locomotive Hotel on Sunday, January 18 from 7pm.

These days the Hired Hands are a loosely-assembled group of outstanding musicians and singers who have successfully managed to avoid stardom for more than 30 years – or so their promotional material claims!

Lawrie Minson, Randall Wilson, Kirk Steel, Pixie Jenkins, Garry Steel, Russell Adams and Ted Tilbrook have always been in demand as session musicians and have worked alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry including Jimmy Barnes, Slim Dusty, Lee Kernaghan, Ross Wilson and John Williamson.

The once-a-year Hired Hands Reunion is a chance for the boys to play the music they love and to also catch up with the many friends and fans who have followed the band over the years.

Shelley Minson and Clelia Adams will make special guest appearances and there are always a few surprises in store – so really, you never know who’s going to turn up on stage at one of these gigs.

If past shows are anything to go by, whoever it is – it’s going to be well worth seeing.

When musicians of this calibre get together it’s no surprise that a few other gun players will gravitate towards the event.

Those who have seen the band know they always put on a great show.

If you have never seen the Hired Hands play live, then do yourself a favour – put on your dancing shoes and get down to the Loco for this long-time festival favourite.

WHEN it comes to great entertainment, some of the best you’ll see isn’t in Tamworth during the festival – it’s a little way out of town.

Why not make the decision to hop on a bus, jump in your car or feel the wind in your hair on your motorbike – but whatever you do, get out to The DAG Sheep Station for one or more of the many fine shows on offer for festival 2015.

Some of the artists appearing at The DAG can’t be seen elsewhere during the festival, while others have chosen this country interlude as a break from the madding crowds (and heat) of Tamworth in January.

One of the first cabs off the rank out there in the hills of gold is the Songwriters’ Retreat Showcase starring Luke O’Shea, Aleyce Simmonds, Karl Broadie and Aly Cook and featuring guest artists from the 2013 and 2014 songwriters’ retreats.

This show is on Saturday, January 17 at 11am.

At the 11am show on Sunday, January 18, it’s time to saddle up for a singalong with Tamworth’s favourite bush balladeer Tommy Maxwell.

Go Back to the Bush with Tom as he plays his own favourites – and yours – in this, his fifth year at The DAG.

Fresh from a stint in Nashville, petite diva Kirsty Lee Akers plays The DAG on Monday, January 19, presented by NRMA Business Motoring.

Kirsty was Australia’s youngest ever Star Maker winner and went on to secure other accolades such as Telstra Road to Tamworth (now Discovery) and a much-coveted Golden Guitar.

Showcase West Australia is on Tuesday, January 20 at 11am starring Connie Kis Andersen, Terry Bennetts, Jonny Taylor and Courtney Conway – all fine artists in their own right.

As a package show, this one would have to rate very highly in the talent stakes.

On Wednesday, January 21 at 11am, join Marie Hodson and Royden Donohue for a taste of pure country magic.

A favourite of many traditional country fans, Graham Rodger takes centre stage at 11am on Thursday, January 22 with his Australia To Me concert.

Multiple Golden Guitar winner Norma O’Hara Murphy has chosen The DAG as her 2015 launch pad for her new album, Solid Gold.

Norma teams with Sawtell’s “Backyard Balladeer”, Errol Gray in what will be a fun-filled event, once again in the 11am timeslot on Friday, January 23.

If alt-country is your bag, make a date at The DAG on Sunday, January 25 for Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes, Den Hanrahan and The Roadsiders, Karl Broadie and Rod Dowsett for a superb concert from 11am to 2.30pm.

These storytellers know how to weave a tale or two and will make this an event to remember.

Celebrate heritage and culture at The DAG from noon to 4pm on Monday, January 26.

Lou Bradley, Rod Dowsett, Doug McIntyre, Kalesti Butler, the Mark Atkins Band and bush poets Jack Drake and Bill Kearns are sure to get the patriotic juices flowing.

If you enjoy the atmosphere out there, stick around for a barbecue dinner and open mic night from 6pm till 9pm.

There’s a whole lot more happening in the late afternoon and evenings out at The DAG.

Why don’t you jump on the website, www.thedag.com.au and see for yourself?

Bookings for all shows are essential and can only be made through The DAG.

Word is there will be a festival shuttle heading out there, so stay tuned for news of that development as it comes to hand.

THE Pub has a couple of super shows coming up that you really need to get along to. They’re a great entrée to what’s in store during the 2015 festival.

On Friday, November 14, two Toyota Star Maker winners – Jared Porter and Kaylee Bell – will be joined by siblings Kaylens Rain for a triple-header and a half. Then the following Friday, November 21, Lachlan Bryan and Harmony James join forces for their Common Grounds tour.

Two superb singer-songwriters and you get to see them free of charge. Now you can’t beat that for value.

I’ll have more for you on these great artists next week.