Greg Williams Presents
Young Country Stars Concert 2002 AT
"The Pub"

Hundreds of Tamworth Country Music Festival fans must have the first Sunday at THE PUB permanently marked in their calendars as a MUST, as once again The Pubs wonderful entertainment room was full at 10am, and over-flowing into the beautiful courtyard, and the show wasn’t scheduled to start till noon!

“Young Country Stars” is the name of this concert and it’s popular because it’s GOOD!! The pre-concert atmosphere was electric as the enthusiastic fans waited to be entertained by the 10 extremely talented young performers, who were supported by about 10 more backing players/singers.

Since the year 2000, this was the third consecutive January presentation of Young Country Stars, and it was also an important part of 2001 June HATS OFF Festival as well.

Josh Canning, a promising singer/guitarist from Newcastle started the show in fine style, showing why he was a much sought act all over Tamworth during the 2002 festival.


Josh Canning

He was followed by Ryan Sampson, a successful Queensland Junior Talent Quest winner from Toowoomba, who impressed the huge crowd with his mature voice, for one so young.


Ryan Sampson

Aleyce Simmonds – A Tamworth Singer, was next and wowed the big audience.She was THE big Award-Winner at Kmart Jazzer Smith Junior Talent Quest 2002, also winning Axiom Entertainment Agency's Camerata scholarship. She won CCMAs Junior section, also Duo (with Ben Hazell) and Overall (including Seniors) Jamboree Concert Championship for 2002. Aleyce also appeared with the CCMA monthly Workshop performers in Tamworths Festival Opening concert 2001

Aleyce Simmonds

The next performer Ben Hazell from Tamworth, was also a Kmart, Wests & CCMA 2002 winner and place-getter, and 2000 Olympic Choir member, and he entertained to enthusiastic response. Ben also appeared with the CCMA monthly Workshop performers in Tamworths Festival Opening concert 2001


Ben Hazell

Camerata (Junior Country Music School) scholarship Winner Penelope Sommerville, from Victoria, then played her Fiddle and sang her way into many hearts. Penelope also played Fiddle for many of her fellow Young Country Stars and also for some performers in the next show - Winners & Grinners .


Penelope Sommerville

Following a short interval, The Sommers Family Bluegrass Band, a wonderful five-piece Tasmanian family Bluegrass band, wowed everyone with their unique family sound. They now live in Dorrigo, NSW.


Sommers Family Bluegrass Band

Michael Muchow - Queensland Multi-Award Winning Singer/Guitarist, and Victoria’s Champion of Champions 2001 was next, and certainly showed the audience he can play that guitar, and sing too. Michael won the Wests Aristocrat Junior Talent Quest 2002 while in Tamworth. Michael played guitar for several other Young Country Stars and also for some performers in the next show - Winners & Grinners.

Michael Muchow

Amber Williams – another Camerata (Junior Country Music School) scholarship winner, from Brisbane, sang and yodelled wonderfully well. Amber is from Brisbane. Amber recently won the Overall Cane Country music festival title.


Amber Williams

Young Country Stars first overseas act, Cameron Clayton, from New Zealand showed all that he is a very talented singer and entertainer. He’s won so many NZ awards, and is now starting to make a mark in Australia on his first visit to Tamworth.

Clayton Cameron

To finish the show, who better to do it than Charlene Bailey -Tamworths Multi-Award Winner, Victoria’s Junior Champion of Champions 2000, and an invited participant in Fanfest both in 2001 and 2002, and appeared with the CCMA monthly Workshop performers in Tamworths Festival Opening concert 2001 Charlene was joined onstage by her sister Crystal singing harmonies and playing Mandolin, and brother Kurt drumming for 3 songs..


Charlene, Kurt and Crystal Bailey



All artists were backed by a wonderful band consisting of :-
Mark Moulynox (Pedal Steel, Dobro, Guitar & Banjo)
Les Scott (Guitars)
Greg Franks (Bass)
Terry Phillpot (Drums)


Mark Moulynox and Les Scott


Greg Franks


Terry Phillpot

The Organiser/Compere – Greg Williams introduced each performer in a professional manner, giving some background detail on each, to prepare the audience for great entertainment. Greg spent several months prior to this show handpicking songs, and assisting each artist to hone their skills in chord chart making etc.

Every Young Country Star performed well, and all displayed wonderful co-operative spirit during the concert, and are a credit to Country Music. This show keeps getting better and better each year.

This was an impressive concert, and a future event not to be missed.

Greg Williams Presents:- “Young Country Stars” at The Pub – First Sunday of Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Photos by kind permission of Helen from www.tamworthragepage.com

CHECK OUT THE ABOVE WEBSITE!!!

Main Page

Tamworth Camerata.
Junior Country Music
The name Camerata, dating from the 16th century, simply translated, means: Music school.
Scroll down for CCMA Junior Winter Talent Quest winners

Tamworths Mayor Warren Woodley, with Camerata Launch performers:-Ben Hazell, Aleyce Simmonds, Rosie Lockhart, Karlee Simmonds, Charlene Bailey, Greg Williams (Host) & Katrina Burgoyne

On Thursday 12 July 3pm, at THE PUB in Tamworth, a wonderful new initiative was launched, called Tamworth Camerata. For some time now it's been recognised that there's a need for special attention to create opportunities for our young and very young Country Music performers. There is a void that needs filling . Someplace our younger performers can gain valuable knowledge that will take them from the amateur Talent Quest scene through to a possible professional career in Country Music. Tamworth Camerata was launched as a musical education concept, aimed directly, and exclusively at our young performers - 17 years and younger, to help them achieve a step up to the Country Music ladder. Focusing on acceptance into the successful CMAA College, which is staged yearly here in Tamworth, prior to the January Country Music Festival. Many CMAA College graduates are now established Country Music artists, Starmaker winners and Golden Guitar Winners and Nominees . With the valuable financial support of Tamworth City Council, and many Tamworth businesses, a wonderful learning experience will be available for a select group of just 21 applicants Australia-wide each year. There will be a minimal cost for a 5 day course, in the week preceding the annual CCMA July Junior Winter Talent Quest, that is also school holiday time for most.

Tamworth City Council are supporting Camerata in much more than a moral support role. Through the Carlton Country Music Festival sponsorship, TCC is generously providing two scholarships to the first Tamworth Camerata course, for the Junior and Juvenile winners from this years annual CCMA July Junior Winter Talent Quest. Rod Hazell, President of the Capital Country Music Association, accepted these two scholarships on behalf of CCMA, from His Worship the Mayor of Tamworth and Councillor Warren Woodley at the Tamworth Camerata Launch. These prestigious scholarships were awarded to the two winners at the gala Award Winners concert at Tamworths RSL at the end of the July Junior Winter Talent Quest. Following the official launching of Camerata, hosted by Greg Williams, that comprised of several speakers including Joan Douglas of THE PUB, Max Ellis of CMAA, Tamworths Mayor Warren Woodley, and CCMA President Rod Hazell. The audience were treated to some wonderful entertainment from some of our young Workshop Performers:- Aleyce Symmonds, Rosie Lockhart, Ben Hazell, Karlee Symmonds, Katrina Burgoyne and Charlene Bailey. Lawrie Minson helped out in a huge way, providing some great guitar backing for all. Tamworth Camerata will commence in July 2002. It's an exciting time, and this concept is another plus for Tamworth and Country Music.

STOP PRESS; At the CCMA Junior Winter Talent Quest, held over 2 days 13 & 14 July, the overall Juvenile Winner - Victorian Penelope Sommerville, and Junior Winner - Queenslander Amber Williams, were both awarded with Tamworth city Council sponsored scholarships to Tamworth Camerata 2002.


Amber Williams Penelope Sommerville
School's in for junior country stars
AUSTRALIA'S Country Music industry looks set to have a secure future with the establishment of Tamworth Camerata - a formal annual Country Music course for gifted, young performers Australia-wide 17 years and younger, based in the Country Music Capital.
The Camerata's inaugural 2002 intake will involve 21 selected students working together over a five-day period from July 7 through to July 11, 2002.
Initially Tamworth Camerata began as the dream of Tamworth musician Greg Williams and prominent hotelier Joan Douglas, who saw it as the next step up the ladder for young performers who were professionally between gigs "Both Greg and I recognised the very real problem that we could be losing these kids from the Country Music industry," Mrs Douglas said. "The problem is they progress through the talent quest circuit but after that, where do they go? How do they get to that next level? They've got all that talent, but they're too young for the CMAA Australian College of Country Music, and too young to enter Star Maker.
This is the critical point where we could lose all that talent. Keenly aware of this void between talent quests and college, the idea for Tamworth Camerata was born - and quickly grew beyond all expectations. Major sponsorship was immediately secured from Tamworth Towers, Hazelton Airlines, The Northern Daily Leader and Channel Ten. Already 12 local Tamworth business houses have displayed foresight in getting behind this project from conception by taking on part sponsorship of each student. What will happen along the way is each business will form a real association with their sponsored student, being kept updated with regular newsletters and information on that student's progress. While the concept of Tamworth Camerata has been embraced by the business sector, the overall project is being underwritten by SouthGate Inn and The Pub, owned by the Douglas family - Bevan, Joan, Tierzah and Jarod. The leading Country Music industry body in Australia, the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has also given the project its support. For further information please contact Joan Douglas on 0417 233 713.

Thanks for wonderful assistance to www.tamworthragepage.com

Greg Williams presents

Ollie Agostino & Greg Williams

Hats Off 2001

Young Country Stars Concert

A Tamworth Country Music tradition, first staged at THE PUB in the annual Country Music Festival in 2000, has now made it's mark at the June 2001 “HATS OFF” Festival.

Greg Williams “Young Country Stars” concert once again proved to be an extremely popular show, drawing many Country fans to enjoy some wonderful entertainment on Saturday June 23 at 11am. A testimony to The Pubs Joan Douglas's Country Music vision, 9 young Country Music acts strutted their stuff in the wonderful acoustically designed entertainment room at THE PUB. Not only was this room filled, lots of fans spilled out into adjoining indoor and outdoor areas.
In the spirit of giving each performer the feel of a professional show, the Organiser/Compere – Greg Williams introduced each performer, giving some background detail on each, to prepare the audience for the great entertainment. First on the bill was a successful talent quest performer, and new Young Country Star – Vicky Picton, from Dubbo, NSW. She delighted the audience with her sweet manner and lovely vocal style.

Vicky Picton

A 2000 and 2001 Young Country Stars performer - Michael Muchow, a Brisbane teenager, was next to perform, playing some HOT guitar, and singing 3 great songs.

Michael Muchow

Joelene Mandrakas, a unique-sounding teenager from Brisbane, then performed some new Country, and a lovely duet with Michael. Another 2000 and 2001Young Country Star. Jedd Hughes sat in with the band to back Joelene.

Joelene Mandrakas

Another new Young Country Star, Dominica Singleton – with just the longest hair ever, was next, to the audiences delight. She's from Cobar, Western NSW, and has enjoyed plenty of talent quest success.

Dominica Singleton

A young lady who's attracting serious industry attention - Tamworths Charlene Bailey, performed next. She appeared in 2001 Young Country Stars, and Fanfest shows in Tamworths Town Hall. After singing 3 songs solo (backed by the band and Lawrie Minson, and a little help from sister Crystal and brother Kurt) Charlene then performed a duet with Joelene Mandrakas. Beautiful!

Charlene Bailey

Following a short interval, The Baigent Brothers, (Sam - 10 years, James - 13 & Ben – 16) from Glennies Creek (near Singleton, NSW) returned for their third Young Country Stars appearance, to delight the audience with their fresh sound. Accompanied by their Dad – Col (drums) on this performance, it was great to see another family Country entity emerge. Playing guitars, and singing sibling harmonies, they're very entertaining.


The Baigent Brothers

Aleyce Symmonds was a part of Young Country Stars 2001, appearing in a cameo role - a duet with Charlene. This time in her own right, she performed wonderfully, solo and a duet with Ben Hazell. She's a member of the successful CCMA monthly Workshop performers.

Aleyce Simmonds
Following the duet with Aleyce, Ben Hazell, (from Tamworth), was next. Ben had a wonderful 2000, singing in the Choir at the Sydney Olympics, and Paralympics. He's a member of CCMA's Workshop Performers, and appeared in the 2001 Tamworth Country Music Festival Opening Concert.

Ben Hazell

To close this wonderful show, a teenager from Newcastle, Catherine Britt, showed that she possesses star quality. She appears so relaxed on stage, and has a unique sound. These qualities, plus the choice of “roots” songs plus her current hit presented a great entertaining set. Catherine earnt an encore, and finally the show drew to a close.

Catherine Britt

Every Young Country Star performed well, and displayed wonderful co-operative spirit during the concert, and all are a credit to Country Music, and displayed talent well beyond their teenage stage of life.

Throughout the whole concert, a great backing band performed wonderfully well, giving every performer solid support and professional backing. The band line-up was:-
Ollie Agostino, from Tamworth, on Lead/Rhythm Guitar
Mark Moulynox, from Tamworth, on Pedal Steel Guitar, Dobro and Banjo
Les Scott, from Sydney, on Bass
Terry Phillpot, from Sydney, on Drums

Mark Moulynox & Ollie Agostino Terry Phillpot


Jed Hughes and Les Scott
The first HATS OFF “Young Country Stars” Concert at THE PUB in 2001 was a raging success! A wonderful concept, a fantastic opportunity for a select group of young performers, to be a part of a show that flowed, with great entertainment!

The Publicans – Joan, Bevan & Teirzah Douglas, and Organiser Greg Williams look forward to doing it again at the 2002 annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. Check out Young Country Stars!.

to contact
gregrwilliams@bigpond.com gregwilliams1@hotmail.com http:// www.gregrwilliams.com

Greg Williams presents
Young CountryStars
at "The Pub" HATS OFF 2001


Ollie Agostino on Guitar and Greg Williams


Vicky Picton and Joelene Mandrakas


Joelene Mandrakas and Michael Muchow


Michael Muchow, Terry Phillpot, Jedd Hughes and Les Scott


Michael Muchow Dominica Singleton



Aleyce Simmonds and Ben Hazell

Greg Williams Presents
Young CountryStars
"The Pub" Hats off 2001




Charlene Bailey Crystal Bailey, Jedd Hughes and Charlene





Charlene and Lawrie Minson Kurt Bailey





Baigent Brothers

Greg Williams presents
Young Country Stars
"The Pub" Hats off 2001


Jedd Hughes and Les Scott Ben Conicella





Catherine Britt and Lawrie Minson


Crystal Bailey and Catherine Britt


Mark Moulynox and Ollie Agostino



Megan Laurie and Joelene Mandrakas Terry Phillpot

Photos by kind permission of www.tamworthragepage.com

To contact Greg Williams:-

Main email:- gregrwilliams@bigpond.com Hotmail: gregwilliams1@hotmail.com

Or - Phone/Fax +61 (02) 6766 2616
Mobile +61 0408 255 908

Or - P O Box 1681, Tamworth NSW 2340

Index

History	Session Singer
Biography	Midi Music Files
Young Country Stars	K-Mart Talent Quest
Winners & Grinners	Tamworth Country Theatre
Tamworth Camerata	Tamworth Tours
Aleyce Simmonds	Song Writing
Birthday Bash	Photo Album
Pub Jam	Workshops
First Album	Second Album
LINKS
My MP3.com.au site "SEARCH" for Greg Williams at top of page.	Greg's Gig Guide *CHECK TAMWORTH FESTIVAL DETAILS!