Believe it or not, it’s only 43 sleeps until the festival starts – even less if you include the Countdown.

SAWTELL’S own Backyard Balladeer Errol Gray will launch his new DVD/CD Live at the Squatters Rest at 2pm on Saturday, January 24.

The launch, in the air-conditioned Belmore Park Function Centre (at the rear of West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club), is Errol’s only full two-hour, one-man show of the festival – and a real must-see for your festival diary.

Being a North Coast boy, it was only fitting he returned home to his roots to film the DVD/CD at the rustic Squatters Rest Museum in Tucabia, near his hometown of Grafton. 

Handling production duties was Tamworth record producer (and now movie maker), Steve Newton, of ENREC Studios.

This DVD is jam-packed with value, as there’s a bonus CD with it, so you can either watch the show in the lounge room or listen to it in the car.

At the launch, hear Errol play all the songs from the DVD, including cultural classics Camping at Yamba, The Lawnmower Man and They Wonder Why You Drink.

He’ll also throw in some crowd-pleasers like The Handbag,  You Know That You’re An Old Fart When … and North Coast Boy.

Tickets are available from the venue during the festival, or to book in advance call 0411 300 519.

THE great Johnny O’Keefe dubbed him “Australia’s King Of Country Rock” and Jade Hurley is still rattling those ivories with as much passion as ever, decades after he was given that moniker.

Now the man recognised as one of Australia’s greatest ever piano-playing showmen is back on the road with his new Naked tour.

Boasting more gold, platinum and double-platinum-selling albums in Australia and New Zealand than most entertainers can only dream of, Jade is back on track with this new album and a hectic touring itinerary.

Fortunately for Tamworth fans, Jade will be in residence at the Courthouse Hotel for three big shows – Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, January 18, 19 and 20, at 4pm daily.

Having had both knees replaced in the past couple of years, Jade spent much of his recovery time in the recording studio. The results of that enforced “down time” is a 22-track CD, Jade Hurley – Naked.

Country Music Notes has not yet confirmed if this will also be part of his new dress code on stage, but we’ve been reliably informed the new disc does contain the rib-tickling ditty, I Don’t Look Good Naked Anymore, if that’s any indicator.

JOK wasn’t the only legendary entertainer to fall under Jade Hurley’s spell.

At a show in Cork County, Ireland, the great Johnny Cash spoke glowingly of him in the Irish press, saying: “If I wasn’t who I am, I would find it very hard to follow him on any stage anywhere in the world … he’s one hell of a showman and entertainer, this Aussie. And he can sure play that damn piano.”

Considering the Man in Black has performed with Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Waylon Jennings, among others, Jade took that as a compliment.

Make sure you catch “the King” when he holds court in the Courthouse Hotel, Tamworth.

SOUTH Australian singer-songwriter John O’Dea has been flying just under the radar for the past few years, but his blimp is about to be exposed.

Armed with a new album, Flinders Ranges Magic, Johno will return to Tamworth for a few select shows to reveal the rare talent that’s just below the surface.

His first Tamworth appearance is on Sunday, January 18, in the fine company of Graham Rodger, Bec Hance and Pete Smith, appropriately titled Writers in the Round.

It’s at Tamworth Community Centre at 10am.

That afternoon, Johno crosses the bridge to West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club where he’s part of veteran entertainer Terry Gordon’s variety showcase at 3pm in the Belmore Park Function Centre. 

On Wednesday, January 21, Johno joins forces with fellow South Aussie, funnyman Dave Prior for an acoustic afternoon gig with a difference.

Held at 2pm in the Outback Room at Wests, both Dave and Johno will launch new albums and share some of their yarns, stories and songs.

I’ve been a fan of Johno’s for about 10 years now and it’s about time he had some recognition for the great songs he writes.

If he hadn’t sent me an album, If Stones Could Talk, over a decade ago, I might never have discovered the pure joy that is John O’Dea.

Four albums, two or three choice EPs and 10 years later, I’ve enjoyed witnessing this singer-songwriter’s evolution.

His songs will make you laugh, cry, marvel, dream, think ... John O’Dea truly deserves to be heard.

You can find out more about Johno at his website www.johnodea.com.au and listen to a few of his songs. I’m sure you’ll agree he’s a talent just waiting to be tapped.