HOWDY folks and a happy Hats Off welcome to you to this cuddly winter festival of ours.
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In recent columns, readers have been tracing our travels around America, but the next chapter of that adventure will have to wait – Hats Off to Country is happening right here and now in the Country Music Capital.
WHY not start off your morning enjoying some retail therapy with country on the side, courtesy of songman Don Costa at Tamworth Shoppingworld? Don’s on the Shoppingworld stage twice a day – at 11am and 1pm.
Tonight there’s quite a bit for your enjoyment. Tamworth’s answer to John Farnham, Mike Vee, holds court at the Longyard from 6pm, while the Golden Guitar-winning Crosby Sisters round up their friends for a jam at the Oasis Hotel along Armidale Rd.
If you’re near Margaret St, South Tamworth, pop into the bowlo for some rocking good country from our favourite firie, Dan Murphy, from 6.30pm.
From 7pm at the Family Hotel, the Capital Country Music Association’s monthly jam takes place, with a variety of artists taking to the stage.
A weekly event in Tamworth, the musicians’ jam at The Albert, kicks off at 9pm. All welcome.
TOMORROW is a big day during Hats Off, and if you’re an early bird, there’s only one place to be – the Tudor Hotel – for the True Grit Breakfast Show.
Wild Bill Davy gathers some of his talented musical mates, including Dave the Pianoman, whom I met in 2009 on the Sun Princess, to present a hugely popular show each day. This is a fun gig.
You’ll probably have a little downtime between shows at some point over the weekend, so why not check out the Gallery of Stars Wax Museum and take a selfie out front of our biggest tourist attraction – the 12-metre-high Big Golden Guitar?
If you’re into the historical side of Australian country music, head on down to 561 Peel St (the corner of Peel and Murray) and step inside the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s just recently reopened after relocating from its former home in Brisbane St, so call in and say g’day.
Kooty cutie Allison Forbes performs at the Tudor Hotel from 5pm and she’s well worth catching ... great girl, great singer-songwriter.
Country gentleman Alby Pool sings all your favourite songs at South Tamworth Bowlo from 7pm.
If you think it’s all about the words, get along to the Pickin’ Pen at Tamworth’s Hog’s Breath Café at 7.30pm for Lawrie Minson’s songwriters’ night.
My favourite redhead, the pocket rocket from Werris Creek, Marie Hodson, along with her very hot Bootleggers Band, delivers pure country at its best at The Pub from 8pm.
In that same timeslot, get along to the Services Club for a bushy good time with Simply Bushed – always entertaining.
Old silver tonsils, Shane Teinaki, will be on stage at North Tamworth Bowlo at 8pm. His repertoire is extensive, so if you don’t find a song you like among his setlist ... check your pulse.
The Viper Creek Band cranks it up at the Longyard from 8.30pm, just as the Round Mountain Girls (an all-boy band) start their show at The Albert.
FOR those who stay out late on Friday night, have a sleep-in and enjoy a free breakfast on festival sponsors Tamworth City Toyota, in the grounds of 88.9FM in Darling St on Saturday. The sausages will be sizzling at the radio station from 10am to 1pm, with lots of artists dropping in to say g’day.
The Post Office Hotel in Fitzroy St will be songwriters’ central, as members of the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association play their original tunes all day long from 10am.
If you fancy a little trip in the country, head to Nundle for the 10am session of songwriters on the deck at The DAG Sheep Station. It’s less than an hour from the CBD.
Stick around for The DAG Showcase at 11am featuring an all-star cast: Felicity Urquhart, Kevin Bennett, Allan Caswell, Lachlan Bryan, Karl Broadie, Aleyce Simmonds and Tamara Stewart, while enjoying a delicious Christmas in July meal. The DAG is a must on your to-do list this weekend.
You might have seen the bronze busts in Bicentennial Park of some of Australian country’s legends. Another bust is in the making, with the late, great Jimmy Little next to be immortalised.
A fundraising concert will be held at 1pm at Southgate Inn to add to the tally, so get along and hear some topline local and visiting artists singing for this great cause. Every donation counts.
From 2pm, Michael Bryers stands and delivers in the Tamworth Services Club lounge, while Ged and Trudy Hintz do their thing at the Oasis – a fabulous country venue all year round, with an ever-changing array of great performers.
One of the best voices in Australian country, Anthony Taylor, is showcased from 7pm at South Tamworth Bowling Club.
You could probably catch at least one set of Anthony’s if you’re planning on attending the main event – Beccy Cole in Blazes at Wests at 8pm.
Beccy will be joined on stage by her partner in life and music, Libby O’Donovan, along with 2015 Toyota Star Maker Mickey Pye and 2010 Star Maker Luke Austen.
BY SUNDAY you should have worked out who’s hot and who’s not, your favourite venues and acts, and, as I’m running out of space here, I’ll let you decide who you’re checking out for the last day.
I plan to call in to the CCMA’s Anne Kirkpatrick salute at South Bowlo at 1pm, followed by Buddy Goode at Diggers at 2pm and then back to the bowlo for Darren Carr’s round-up at 4pm.
My advice: layer up, rug up, cuddle up and country up.
I hope everyone enjoys the best little winter festival around. I sure plan to.