CENTRAL Coast-based songbird Felicity Urquhart had two chances of making a quiet re-entry into the music industry – Buckley’s and none.
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After taking two years’ break from her hosting role on ABC Local Radio’s Saturday Night Country, she returned to the microphone last weekend, hitting the ground running.
Besides hosting the weekly SNC, Felicity is close to finishing off her new album in the studio with husband Glen Hannah, mentoring aspiring entertainers through the NSW Talent Development Project, presenting on Sydney Weekender and raising two beautiful daughters, Tia, 4, and Ellie, 2.
Her weekly workload entails listening to lots of music, and consequently, much singing and dancing around the lounge room with her two precious littlies.
“While I’ve been taking a break from SNC, I’ve been enjoying seeing who’s doing what, but now I’m back I’m really getting buzzed by it all again,” she said.
While she’s ostensibly researching for future programs, Felicity is expanding her daughters’ musical education, with last week’s studio guest, Bob Corbett, a firm favourite of older daughter Tia.
“I’ve got Catherine Britt coming on the show this weekend to showcase her new album, Boneshaker,” Felicity said.
“I have a co-write on it, Happy, so I hope it becomes a worldwide smash!
“I also wanted to say thanks personally and publicly to Catherine for stepping in to the hosting role while I was away.
“It’s all through Johno’s [former SNC host John Nutting] legacy that this has happened. He set up this amazing show with the ABC and trusted us all with the show.
“He kept it going all these years and a lot of artists have sat in that chair over the years.”
There are exciting new segments in this year’s program, with Scott Lamond now a regular part of the show, Cheryl Byrnes bringing regular reports from the Country Music Capital and singer-songwriter Sam Hawksley is Felicity’s man on the ground, with reports direct from Nashville.
She has a new producer, Danny Marx Young, the singer-songwriter son of Aussie rocker John Paul Young.
“Danny’s extremely musical and fairly handy to have around,” Felicity said.
She hosts the program each week from the brand new ABC studios in Gosford.
“Having a Central Coast base, there’s a plethora of country artists living down this way, but if anyone is travelling through, I’d love to hear from them,” she said.
Re-entering the workforce was planned down to the last detail, with her family at the heart of every decision.
“When ABC approached me late last year asking if I would come back, I needed to discuss it with Glen,” she said.
“Family comes first, so whatever I did had to work around them, so the decision was made to come back to SNC in the middle of this year.
“By taking that time, I was giving Catherine time to enjoy the role. I also needed time to get ready, to get things sorted for the year.”
They say it never rains, it pours, and this is perfectly apt for Felicity, when you factor in all the projects she has on the go.
She’s loving being back on deck in her presenting role on Sydney Weekender with Mike Whitney, something that started about 12 years ago.
“That all kicked off when Tourism Tamworth asked me to talk about Tamworth on the show,” Felicity said.
“Then I performed at the tourism awards and the Sydney Weekender crew were there and asked me to join them.
“Since then I’ve got my mate on board, Darren Coggan, which is cool. You could say we’re taking over the place!”
Another project close to this busy woman’s heart is her new role with the NSW Talent Development Project, a program that gives kids in the public school system a career path to the entertainment industry, regardless of genre.
A graduate of TDP in 1993, Felicity is in fine company, with fellow graduates in the country arena including Jedd Hughes, the McClymonts, Peter McWhirter, Melanie Dyer and many more.
TDP is also where Felicity met fellow graduates, the guys from Human Nature, who remain friends to this day.
“Angus and Julia Stone also came through the TDP,” she said.
“I’m involved on the team running workshops with kids on a monthly basis, so it’s great to be able to give something back.”
Life is hectic for Felicity, juggling her young family, SNC, TDP, Sydney Weekender, completing her album and other performance commitments – but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
During Hats Off to Country in July, Felicity will be one of the tutors at The DAG Sheep Station’s songwriters’ retreat and is looking forward to sharing her skills with aspiring writers and performers.
“Being busy does make you feel better in the long run,” she said.
“I feel like I’m doing something positive and being a role model for my girls.”
THE Great Nundle Bush Dance, which was to have been held in the Nundle Memorial Hall tomorrow at 6pm, has had a change of venue.
It will now be staged at the Peel Inn, with Gleny Rae Virus and her Playboys the star attraction.
Gleny is in town to entertain the CWA ladies and their partners at the gala dinner/ball tonight at TRECC, so they’re sure to have a swinging conclusion to their time in Tamworth.
IT’S the oldest country music organisation in Tamworth and the Capital Country Music Association is still educating, informing and entertaining the masses, almost 50 years after its formation.
The first Jamboree was held in June 1968 in aid of the Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal, with 65 artists and 11 musicians on the bill.
It has always been the objective of the CCMA to promote country music without thought of profit or gain, particularly among young and unknown artists.
This continues tonight with the monthly CCMA Jam at the Family Hotel, starting at 7 o’clock.
You never know who’ll drop in on jam night.
Maybe singing chef Rob Breese might sneak away from the Square Man Inn to sing a tune and say g’day.
It could be Dubby – Graeme Doubleday – who’s been gigging around Tamworth venues for donkey’s years.
Tamworth’s answer to Dolly Parton, Donella, was a surprise addition last month, singing Dolly songs just like the real thing.
Local artist Patti Morgan is not only a regular supporter and participant at the jam, she’s also a recent addition to the CCMA executive, so you could see her there tonight.
Manilla-based minstrel Tracy Coster can tell a yarn or two and will give a few pointers to the young and curious as host of tonight’s jam.
Get along to The Family. Managers Jenny and Gary Radoll and their fabulous team will make you more than welcome.
It is open to aspiring performers and audience members of all ages.