I find the idea of anyone having to “pass a musical test” to busk on the street as totally in contrast to the history and nature of the Tamworth Country Music Festival event.
I have played and busked at the festival since its beginning and feel the decision makers may be watching too many reality Americanised talent shows.
The whole idea of people being able to busk is to give them experience and the confidence boost they need to take music more seriously.
There is enough “professional” music in every venue and park around Tamworth to meet any fan’s needs and the busking adds that true-blue Aussie flavour to the atmosphere.
The thing anyone who has been downtown in the evenings during the festival will have noticed is the pure delight you experience in never exactly knowing what talent (good and bad) you will find busking to their heart’s content.
Leave the buskers alone, I say.
DAVID GILCHRIST
MOONBI