WITH only four days to go until the official start of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, locals have been out and about catching the new talent on offer.
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The CMAA Academy of Country Music students kicked off their festival mission with a mid-course concert at The Pub on Friday night.
The three groups totalling 24 students, plus five instrumental students in the band, surprised even the most experienced country fans with the depth of talent they all had.
For some students, like Josie Laver, it was the first gig they had played – yet they didn’t disappoint with their professionalism.
The concert was a way of showcasing the lessons they had learned during the intensive two-week CMAA Academy of Country Music senior course.
As well as showcasing the talent of the students, tutors Catherine Britt, Kevin Bennett and Karl Broadie, academy director Lyn Bowtell, general manager Roger Corbett and instrumental group leader Simon Johnson also took to the stage.
The audience was treated to a finale with all tutors – some of Australia’s top country artists – and all students on stage, led by Bowtell.
The performance was a precursor to the CMAA Academy of Country Music Graduation Concert on Thursday at Wests.
Tickets are still available – it’s a chance to soak up the music of the stars of the future and a fun way to start your festival experience.