In 2019, Toyota Star Maker celebrates 40 years as Australia’s most prestigious country music talent search. 

And to mark the occasion, you’re invited to share in the celebrations with a concert being held at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC), from noon on Wednesday, January 23.

The concert will feature 28 Toyota Star Maker winners including Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell, Travis Collins, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Sam McClymont, Darren Coggan, Lyn Bowtell, Kirsty Lee Akers, and Kaylee Bell, as well as the newly crowned 2019 Toyota Star Maker winner.

According to Toyota Star Maker producer Barry Harley, Toyota Star Maker has had a significant impact on many winners and finalist’s lives and careers: “The event provides the kind of opportunities most up-and-coming country artists don’t even dream about and many cite Toyota Star Maker as being a major turning point in their careers. 

“Some have gone on to become international superstars like Keith Urban, or Australian icons, like Lee Kernaghan and James Blundell. Others have gone on to become internationally respected songwriters and businesspeople like Kylie Sackley and Kieran Lancini,” he said.

Even being a Toyota Star Maker grand finalist means a great deal: just ask Troy Cassar-Daley, Tania Kernaghan, Karen O’Shea, Pete Denahy and most recently, triple Golden Guitar nominee Andrew Swift. The profile the quest brings, along with the significant exposure it provides to an artist is priceless – even when they don’t win.

Toyota Star Maker has been a vital part of the Toyota Country Music Festival since the Festival’s early days. The inaugural event, held in 1979, was held outside Festival time and over the years the format has shifted serval times. In recent years, 10 grand finalists have been selected by a judging panel from the many entries received each year from rising stars who know what opportunities Toyota Star Maker can hold for them.

Toyota Australia chief marketing officer Wayne Gabriel said Toyota is proud of its long-standing association with the event. “Toyota Star Maker really does set the benchmark in showcasing Australian country music’s best new talent and there is no doubt the quest has played a huge part in influencing today’s country music industry.

“We want to inspire people to start their impossible, and Toyota Star Maker is the perfect platform for young artists to launch their career,” he said.

Barry Harley: “Some of the former winners who will be performing on January 23 are huge stars, and some will be performing for the first time in years.  It is guaranteed to be a fantastic trip down memory lane.  

“The concert is sure to be one of the hot-ticket items at Festival next year and is likely to sell out early, so make sure you grab your tickets as soon as possible,” he said.

Join the celebration on January 23 with Peter Johnson, Tommy Miller, Leanne Douglas, Great Divide, Craig Robertson, Kate Ballantyne, Brendon Walmsley, Kieran Lancini, Todd Williams, Sam McClymont, Kirsty Lee Akers, Liam Brew, Luke Austen, Luke Dickens, Bob Corbett, Kaylee Bell, Jared Porter, Mickey Pye, Rachael Fahim, Brad Cox, Travis Collins, Darren Coggan, Lyn Bowtell, Beccy Cole, Gina Jeffreys, James Blundell, Lee Kernaghan and the 2019 Toyota Star Maker winner.

For all ticketing and festival details head to www.tcmf.com.au

Click here to grab your tickets to the 40 years of Star Maker Concert