TWELVE years after his passing, the Slim Dusty Centre at Kempsey will officially open on November 19.
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The centre will become the first permanent museum established to celebrate the music and life story of an Australian entertainment artist.
Already the Slim Dusty Centre has been utilised as a unique venue to host any number of functions and special events, but once it’s officially opened, it’s sure to become a major must-see attraction, drawing fans from all over the world to Slim’s birthplace.
As a young kid from the bush, Slim took his unique Australian country music touring show from Nulla Nulla Creek all the way around Australia.
Now, it’s only fitting, that Australians can return to that area and pay homage to the artist who’s become part of Australian music history.
In the early days of the project, Slim was closely involved, working alongside Joy and daughter Anne Kirkpatrick to put the collection together.
The year he passed away, 2003, he was very much looking forward to the venture that would showcase his life and music.
At the time, he said it would not only highlight those things, but also the role Australian country music has played in the culture of the North Coast of NSW, and for that matter, Australia.
“It is my hope and ambition that this centre will show the integration of country music and the different facets of life in this country; also that it will assist young artists and musicians in their studies and careers,” Slim said at the time.
“I believe too, that it will be of great benefit to the town of Kempsey and the district of the Macleay Valley.”
Wife Joy, daughter Anne and son David, together with their children, have dedicated the past decade to ensuring Slim’s long-cherished dream is realised.
“We have a wealth of memorabilia and rare archival material which will be presented in a highly professional and entertaining way for visitors to see and of course, to hear,” Joy said.
“With room for the museum exhibition to expand and grow in the coming years, the displays will eventually accommodate the full collection, which is overwhelming in its breadth.”
The contemporary, architect-designed building is located on a 10-hectare site on the southern edge of Kempsey on the Macleay.
Apart from the museum exhibition, the centre will also feature travelling exhibitions, a themed café and commercial kitchen, visitors’ centre, and a retail area promoting local and regional products.
Slim Dusty Foundation chief executive officer Kathryn Yarnold expressed her thanks to the fans, the country music fraternity and all Slim’s mates.
“The multitude of Slim Dusty fans will be thrilled to see the many displays and interactive features related to the music and touring that made Slim such an Australian icon,” she said.
Radio broadcaster Ray Hadley will officiate at the ceremony as MC.
IT’S that time of the month for the CCMA jam at the Family Hotel – tonight at 7.30.
Event co-ordinator Tracy Coster said the event had been steadily building in numbers, with “more and more young people coming along to have a crack”.
“Each month we give an encouragement gift voucher to the most promising act on the night,” Tracy said.
The core band for the jam is Dally Croft on lead guitar, Joey Croft on drums, Dave Alexander on bass and Rodney Walker will be the host – look out Tamworth!
Sound and lighting is supplied by Lex Grant and operated by Isaac Newton, son of CCMA president Steve Newton. It’s always a fun night and with Rodney as your host, it’s going to be a pearler.
THIS weekend if you’re chasing a little live music, Wests and Wests’ Diggers has you covered for Friday and Saturday night.
In Legends Lounge at Wests tomorrow night see Chris James and shake your tailfeather on Saturday night to Shake, Rattle and Roll.
Delivering the goods in the Scores Sports Bar at Diggers tomorrow night is the Harry and Moorey Duo and on Saturday night, that flaming hot cowboy Dan Murphy and his partner in crime and music.
AllisonForbes_532530_614079480.JPGThe Pub Group has lined up some great entertainment to ease you into the weekend, with Allison Forbes performing tonight at the Longyard, Brenton Williams doing a double-up tomorrow night and Sunday afternoon at the Longyard, and Ryan Morris taking the Sunday lunchtime spot there in the beer garden.
Although Sunday’s noon gig is a solo spot, Ryan will have his full band on deck tomorrow night at The Pub from 8 o’clock, straight after the fishing club raffles and pub draw.
There’s sure to be live music tomorrow and Saturday night at Tamworth Services Club in Marius St, and at the Post Office Hotel.
The Albert Hotel jam cranks up tonight from about 9 o’clock, and there should be live music for the punters on Saturday night.
There’s no excuse to sit at home and watch the box, with all this live music happening around you.
Enjoy your weekend.
For those into advance planning, here’s a diary date for Monday, November 16.
That’s the date for the monthly acoustic music gathering, Country in the Village, starting at 6.30pm.
Held at the Lifestyle Village Hall in Warral Rd, West Tamworth, proceeds go towards the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Hosting the event is Kevin Harris, who will introduce this month’s special guest artist, Trevor Coombes, and also local entertainers.
Your $5 entry will ensure you are thoroughly entertained, fed and watered, with a light supper always part of the package.
It’s a top night of casual entertainment for the whole family.
If you’d like to know more, phone 0403 322 472.