Toyota Concert for Rural Australia 22 Jan 2010

I was able to go to Tamworth for the annual Country Music festival (CMF) over the past few days to photograph some of the many events that are on over those days and was amazed at the whole thing. I have been to Tamworth on many occasions but never for the CMF previously. I have never really been a country music fan, but many of the current artists really have a presence and enthusiasm that is infectious and endearing. I had the opportunity to mix and mingle with many of Australia's Country music royalty it was inspiring.

I loved the easiness and relaxed attitude that permeated the festival. It was very hot. It was in the 40 degrees celsius and still there were so many things I loved about it. There was no abuse, no pushing and shoving, and a real sense of people who just wanted to celebrate music and the many varieties therein. I thought of my sister Olive and thought she would have loved this event. I enjoyed it very much. I was hosted by some wonderful people and really feel this slice of hospitable and kind Australia is slowly becoming blurred and lost in the cities. There were so many elements of the warmth of peoples smiles and the general atmosphere there that I really appreciated and enjoyed. There are many more impressions that hit me and I will write them in the next few days.

Thanks to the people of Tamworth and the visitors who helped make my experience what it was. I created a collage of the Friday night concert that saw the wonderful McClymonts play, James Blundell, McAllister and Kemp, Melinda Schneider, Shae Fisher, Felicity Urquhart (Golden Guitar winner), Tania Kernaghan and Lee Kernaghan. What a great concert! If you want to see the collage better simply click on the picture and it will be much larger.