By then the CCMA had been going for more than a decade and its talent quests had become an integral part of the festival and the place where many talented youngsters have got up on stage.

Keith Urban and Tommy Emmanuel are among the others who have gone through the CCMA talent quests held every year.

Last January the organisation celebrated its 50th year with a concert at the Tamworth Town Hall, with about 25 acts involved, including the winners of this year’s talent quest.

Kernaghan was there among the artists who played that afternoon, while Urban sent a video message.

While the focus on the CCMA is greatest during the festival, the organisation plays an important role in country music in the region all-year round with regular monthly concerts to encourage aspiring artists.

As well as celebrating its 50th year in January, the CCMA also moved its monthly jam to a new venue that month – the South Tamworth Bowling Club.

Over the years, the monthly jam - held on the first Wednesday of the month - has been held in several venues around Tamworth.

With CCMA president Steve Newton on lead guitar, Dave Alexander on bass and a drummer, the jam has recently introduced a guest artist. Bush balladeer Graeme Doubleday was the guest artist at this month’s jam, while Dale Duncan has also filled the role at a monthly jam.

CCMA secretary Patti Morgan said they were hoping to attract more people to the concerts each month now that the concerts include the guest artists, who sometimes compere the jam, along with the walk-up artists.

The jams have played an important role in the CCMA’s history by raising the funds to pay for the trophies handed out to aspiring country music stars every January.

The jams start at 7pm and everyone is welcome to attend. The next one is on Wednesday, October 5.

Guests are welcome to get up and sing, perform, play an instrument, recite, or just enjoy the jam sessions in the audience.