March 8 - 14, 2023
Star on the rise
By CORAL COOKSLEY
WITH a love of country music, it was a dream come true for young musician Jack Gregory from Staghorn Flat when he took part in this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival. The youngster started strumming a guitar and taking lessons at just five years old after his Mum bought him one and just three years later, Jack started busking; he’s been making his mark on the regional country music scene ever since. Last year, Jack won first place in the primary school age category in two of the Australian National Busking Championships’ regional competitions held in Kilmore and Rutherglen. Winning the regionals took the young songwriter, guitarist, and singer to Cooma for the grand final busking championships where he scored third place. With his family’s support, Jack’s busking takes him all over the countryside and includes the Man from Snowy River Festival in Corryong where he competes in the fun Ozzie Bush Idol talent quest as well as performing on the street. The 12 year old, who turns 13 this month, said his biggest inspiration for playing had been his late much-loved ‘Pop’ and Corryong local legend, Greg Wilson, who enjoyed watching him perform. “Pop was a big influence on me, he told me I was an awesome young legend and to keep going,” Jack said. “Pop etched his signature on my guitar before he passed away 15 months ago and each time I played on or off stage in Tamworth, I looked at his signature and kept singing, and I do the same for anywhere else I play too.” With busking dollars he had saved over the last few years to head to the famous music festival held between January 13 to 22, Jack had a crack at making it into the top 10 buskers in the McDonald’s Golden Gig talent quest for under 17-year-olds. He also performed on stage at the festival’s annual breakfast show and busked in Tamworth’s Peel Street.
◆ EMERGING ARTIST: Young country singer, songwriter and guitarist Jack Gregory at his home in Staghorn Flat. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
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YOUR GARDEN EN
ANIMAL CARE
WINE TALK
GONE ONE FISHING ISHING
TOOL TALK
with HELEN
with ELLY
with ANITA
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with DEAN
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