The heat hasn’t stopped them, nor rain. They come with guitars, harmonicas, double basses and microphones. Some are first timers, others have been lugging in their gear for a quarter century or more.
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They all have one thing in common – busking on Tamworth’s “Boulevard of Dreams” with the hope of being discovered and making it big in country music.
For the past week The Leader has been asking its readers to vote in a people’s choice poll for the best buskers this year via our website.
These are the ones you voted for as winners so far.
There’s plenty more out there, though – 350 plus buskers actually – so get along to Peel Street and judge for yourself before the festival ends on Sunday.
BLAKE CONNOR
The accomplished guitarist and vocalist had a crowd around him from day one and has plucked his way into a few walk-up finals around town. You can catch him outside Perfect Pieces in Peel St when he not gigging with some admirers. Blake won the senior section in the Junior Battle of the Young Stars.
FREE FRIED CHICKEN
Three boys from Gulgong who showed us all how to play a box. Yes a box. From a charity store. Big. Green. Loud. As a drum. There were a few guitars and some great singing too. They had a rollicking good time and so did the crowd.
TONY SMITH AND
SHOESTRING
After a hiatus this ensemble is back and those who find them playing at the boutique end of Peel Street are in for a treat. It’s a big band with a big sound.
IZAK HUNT
He’s a bit shy, but boy can he play and sing. Izak has been setting up shop outside Illegal Lengths and has been drawing in quite a few music lovers with his skill on the guitar.
TAYLOR PFEIFFER
Do you want to learn how to yodel? Taylor can teach you … she sang it to us. It may not be the most popular of styles these days but with her banjo and her vocal gymnastics she sure is one to listen to. You’ll find her in Peel St near the sushi shop. On Saturday, Taylor took out the junior section in the Battle of the Bluegrass competition.
JACOB RIDGEWAY
This Novacastrian has played at a number of spots around town, from the street to the back of tearooms, stages to walk-ups. His is a mix of modern pop and country, with a big voice and a rocking heart.
THE DENNIS SISTERS
A trio of dynamic young performers who have lined up gigs around town. Their close harmonies and sweet voices still manage to cut through the din of the Boulevard of Dreams. Oh, and their drummer’s pretty laid back too. On Saturday, the Dennis Sisters took out the Battle of the Bands competition.
REID SAMSON
The finger picking goodness of Reid, from Adelaide, made me stop and do a double-take. He was playing a surfing classic, without a capo, and his fingers were like lightening. He’s been playing for, ooh, a good 18 years and he’s only 23. Watch out for him. He’ll be back playing on the street today.
BUSKING GRANDFINAL
The official final judging of the Toyota Country Music Busking Competition will be at tonight’s concert in Bicentennial Park from 7pm. Entry to the competition, where the Top10 finalists will perform, is free.
