If you've done your research, you'll know that Tamworth's Boulevard of Dreams has provided future stars with a stage and enthusiastic audience ever since the Festival launched. Think Troy Cassar-Daley, Travis Collins, The Buckleys... the list goes on.
And you know what they say; behind every overnight success is passion, perseverence and a tonne of hard work (and probably a bit of busking).
With hundreds of buskers descending on the Tamworth CBD over the next week from all sorts of places with all sorts of stories, there'll be talent by the bucketload right under your nose! We thought we'd introduce you to a few of the faces to look out for...
1. Ella and Sienna
What’s your name and where are you from?
We are Ella & Sienna! We are sisters, from Mt Barker, South Australia.
What is your most memorable busking experience?
Our most memorable moment while busking was in Hahndorf, a lovely couple came over to listen to us as we were singing "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran. All of a sudden he gets down on one knee and pops the question! Lucky she said yes!
Have you ever received anything apart from money for busking and what was it?
We once received chocolate bars for busking.
Who are you when you aren’t a busker?
When we are not busking, we are high school students, year 9 & 12 this year. Our passion is music, and we try to gig as much as possible at events, local pubs etc.
Why do you come and busk in Tamworth?
Last year was our first year in Tamworth and it was an amazing atmosphere! We were lucky enough to win the Ekka Country Music Showdown, of which part of the prize was some gigs at TCMF! What a great excuse to come back!! We would love to be considered in the Toyota Best of the Buskers.
In 2020, you can see us busking at Gusto on the following dates and times:
Saturday 18th: 11am - 1pm
Sunday 19th: 2pm - 4pm
Monday 20th; 2pm - 4pm
Wednesday 22nd: 2pm - 4pm
Thursday 23rd: 11am -1pm
2. Dave Drummond and Some Blonde Chick
What’s your name and where are you from?
Dave Drummond and Some Blonde Chick from Melbourne/Adelaide.
What is your most memorable busking experience?
Being asked to perform a busking show for a House Party, which became a garden party, then a Surprise Wedding! The couple saw us busking and booked us, we had no idea it was such a special event!
Another time busking and Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humphries came to watch us and we were stoked that they enjoyed my puppets and music! It was funny 'cause people watching us didn’t notice these two celebrities standing there enjoying. We didn’t even get a chance to take a photo!
Have you ever received anything apart from money for busking and what was it?
Recently, a pair of socks each made out of hemp; pretty cool. The best would be a metal wine cooler as a thank you, that’s pretty random!
Who are you when you aren’t a busker?
Lindi Jane works in Mental Health and Dave works in the warehouse of Woolies! Three days a week we work for the man, then four days only performing.
Why do you come and busk in Tamworth?
Tamworth is the place to test your stamina and also have a great load of fun! Apart from being hot and humid, it’s a great way to learn to stay and play!
I love the people, they are giving; the shops that we have busked out of have been very supportive and friendly. Tamworth is iconic and people come from all around to see every act possible.
Tamworth has helped us experiment, get ideas and become better buskers and country musos.
3. Dan Mullins
What’s your name and where are you from?
Dan Mullins from Sydney.
What is your most memorable busking experience?
Busking in Queen Street Mall in Brisbane and two members of Hothouse Flowers joining me for "I Can See Clearly Now".
Have you ever received anything apart from money for busking and what was it?
A hat! A pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago walked past me in Spain and plonked a red sombrero on my head and kept walking.
Who are you when you aren’t a busker?
I'm a radio producer with 2GB.
Why do you come and busk in Tamworth?
The people. The music is the catalyst - but it's the people that make Tamworth special.
4. Clara Murray
What’s your name and where are you from?
Clara Murray, from Co. Wicklow, Ireland, via Armidale.
What is your most memorable busking experience?
Making an actual loss when busking on Dublin’s Ha’lpenny Bridge, as proceeds were grabbed by a six year old who knew the score, and I had to borrow money from a friend to eat!
Have you ever received anything apart from money for busking and what was it?
Someone once dropped their phone number into my case, which turned out to be written on the back of a $50 Macy’s gift voucher … perhaps I should have called to say thanks!
Who are you when you aren’t a busker?
A psychology academic at the University of New England.
Why do you come and busk in Tamworth?
This is a party you’ve got to be part of, and nothing beats singing in the streets!
5. Brodie and the Oxy Clinic
What’s your name and where are you from?
We are Brodie and the Oxy Clinic from Country Victoria.
What is your most memorable busking experience?
We once made over $1000 over a weekend from busking!
Have you ever received anything apart from money for busking and what was it?
Once I received a radish for my busking. People are weird.
Who are you when you aren’t a busker?
We both teach music when we aren't busking.
Why do you come and busk in Tamworth?
First time ever, we hear so much about it back home. The centre of Country Music in Australia - figured it was about time we went and had a look.
