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mandln3a.gif (1309 bytes)Kmart Jazzer Smith Talent Quest 2002

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, once again this prestigious Talent Quest was an outstanding success.

After four & a half days of intense and entertaining competition over nine heats, the winners emerged on Friday January 25, at the Grand Final of Tamworths KMart “Jazzer Smith” Talent Quest, now an annual institution at Tamworths Country Music Festival.  

 THE OPEN SECTION WINNERS

Bluegrass brothers - Hamish & Lachlan Davidson (from Melbourne) were very popular winners this year, despite formidable competition from entrants from all corners of Australia and New Zealand. Both Hamish and Lachlan have been competing in this talent quest since 1998, notably Hamish winning the 1999 Junior section, with Lachlan coming second.

Lachlan & Hamish Davidson with Greg Williams (Centre organiser and Host)

The Compere Greg Williams said  “I’m so happy for the Davidson boys to have this success, as they’ve been so consistent in their dedication to their favourite music - Bluegrass, and progressively making it very entertaining for the huge audiences we attract at the Kmart Stage. I’ve been impressed by them and their sister Ailsa from day one, since they first performed here in 1998. It’s my wish for them now that they take it to the next level, and they have a perfect opportunity  with the LBS recording package they’ve won from KMarts Talent Quest 2002.”

 THE PRIZE

The 2002 winners of this historic talent quest (now in its 21st year), Hamish & Lachlan Davidson, from Melbourne, have won a Golden Opportunity to fast-track their career into the Professional Country Music arena. 

The Kmart Open Section winner for 2002 has a choice:-  

$1000 from KMart, or 

a $2200 value Lindsay Butler Studios Recording Package (sponsored by Kmart). 

Through the foresight of Greg Williams (Organiser/Host) and generosity of sponsors Kmart and Lindsay Butler Studios they have the opportunity to be a part of the 2002 LBS Country Collection CD.

Lindsay Butler (twice Record Producer of the Year Golden Guitar winner) has produced this prestigious Country Music compilation CD album yearly since 1994, at Tamworths Premier recording studio - LBS, and currently Volume 8 has hit the radio stations and stores Australia wide. LBS has recently expanded its theatre of operations, and now has a studio at Queenslands Gold Coast, as well as Tamworth. 

Each year, over 400 beautifully presented CDs are distributed to radio stations, and lots of valuable radio airplay results for the artists represented, as the LBS Country Collection CD has a great reputation in radio circles. Since its inception in 1994, LBS Country Collection has showcased many new and established Country singers, instrumentalists and songwriters.

 Volume 8 was recorded at LBS in 2001, and our 2002 KMart winners Hamish & Lachlan Davidson (with personal photo & bio) have an invaluable opportunity to be a part of the next professionally recorded CD.

*KMarts winner will be provided with:-
 full production
studio time
session musicians
colour cover
LBS label representation
promotion, and
product to sell (100 CD’s) at no cost!

WHAT A GREAT PRIZE!

As well as being promoted and distributed Australia-wide, another asset of being on this LBS CD is eligibility to enter major Country Music Awards. Several past LBS artists have been finalists in the annual Golden Guitar Awards, TSA Awards, Gordon Parsons Memorial Awards, Star Maker etc. etc. 

Its an excellent opportunity for KMarts 2002 winners Hamish & Lachlan Davidson to fast-track success, thanks to Kmart and LBS.

Lachlan & Hamish

 PLACE-GETTERS –OPEN SECTION

Kmart also generously provides our second placegetter, New Zealander Krista Thomson with a $500 prize.

Our third placegetter Aaron Bolton wins $250 in the Open Section.

JUNIOR WINNERS    

The winner of the Kmart $500 Junior Section prize was singer Aleyce Simmonds (from Tamworth), a very deserving and popular winner. A star in the making, Aleyce has already caught the eye and ears of  the Country Music industry, and has appeared in the past 3 wonderful “Young Country Stars” Concerts at THE PUB during both January and June Hats Off festivals. 

Aleyce Simmonds

Second placegetter was Aleyce Simmonds & Ben Hazell Duo (from Tamworth), winning $250.

Aleyce Simmonds and Ben Hazell
Third was Ben Hazell (from Tamworth), winning $150.
All prize money generously donated by Kmart, Tamworth.
This year, a special Encouragement Award was presented to Christie Davis, in the form of a $50 Voucher donated by Tamworths CHEAPA MUSIC store.
 ENTERTAINMENT plus!
In the spirit of ongoing entertainment and support for past winners of this talent quest, Host of the Kmart Stage, Greg Williams presents past years winners of Kmarts “Jazzer Smith”  Talent Quest to perform in Star spots, before and after talent quest heats, to provide a full nine day entertainment program. This again proved popular with the Kmart audience, with 1997 winner Karen O’Shea (Star Maker Grand Finalist 1999 & 2000) performing to very responsive audiences on several occasions. 
 
Some of the other quality artists who performed on the Kmart Plaza Stage to very enthusiastic audience response during the 2002 Festival were:- Chad Morgan, Craig Giles, Nattasha Crestani, Donella Plane, Tom Maxwell, Hot Country, Bruce McCumstie, Mark Tempany, Shane Marshall, Neville Anderson, Korey Livy, The Davidson Family Bluegrass band, Col Thomson, Brett Goodwin,  Those Gals, Rikki Chaplin, Sweeney-Killeen, Matthew Tiedemann, Olive Bice, Sharon Heaslip, Wanita, Sommers Family Bluegrass Band, Michael Muchow & Joelene Mandrakas, Rod Esam, Kylie Moss, Anythings Possible Duo, Johnny Doyle, Billy Bridge, and Dave Gray.

By popular demand, Greg Williams (Compere/Organiser) also performed some spots during the main week and prior to the Grand Final. The Kmart Stage, now situated in the newly renamed City Plaza, operated successfully in a new position directly in front of Kmart store, due to the extensive renovations currently taking place. It was amazing that this major venue carried on amidst the reconstruction work, without a hitch! This year Lindsay Butler Studios, Cheapa Music,Tamworth and Fender Australia once again provided valuable support for the Kmart Talent Quest in the form of prizes and musical equipment for the use of the backing band and contestants.

 The full results of the 21st KMart “Jazzer Smith” Talent Quest 2002 are:-

 Open Section:- First – Hamish & Lachlan Davidson (Melbourne)                
                          Second – Krista Thomson (New Zealand)
                          Third – Aaron Bolton (Grafton)

Junior Section:-First – Aleyce Simmonds (Tamworth)

Aleyce Simmonds
                           Second – Aleyce Simmonds & Ben Hazell Duo (Tamworth)
                          
                           
                           Third – Ben Hazell (Tamworth)
                           Encouragement Award (Cheapa Music)– Christie Davis (Woombye, Q)

 *An important footnote to all of the above:- $657 was raised for cancer research by the entry fees paid by all competitors over the nine days.

  Main Page

 
Kmart Jazzer Smith 
Memorial 
Talent Quest 2001
PRESS RELEASE 13/2/2001  
  Greg Williams                      
Phone/Fax -(02) 6766 2616 / Mobile  0408 255 908 / email - gregwill@telstra.easymail.com.au
*P O Box 1681                                                           Website Home Page:- www.gregrwilliams.com
Tamworth  NSW 2340                                                Internet email:- gregwilliams1@hotmail.com
Country Music Capital 
                             
Now in its 20th year, this prestigious Talent Quest was an outstanding success again.

At the end of four & a half days intense competition in each of the nine heats in front of an *enthusiastic audience, the winners finally emerged at the Grand Final of  Tamworths KMart “Jazzer Smith Memorial” Talent Quest, on Friday January 26, as part of Tamworth Country Music Festival 2001.  

*

 

THE WINNER
Singer Summer Rose from Mackay (North Queensland) was a very popular winner of the Open Section, against formidable competition from entrants from all corners of Australia and New Zealand. Any of the Grand Finalists could have won, so it’s all the more notable that Summer achieved her remarkable success.

   Summer Rose - 2001 KMart Winner

The Compere Greg Williams said “It’s very pleasing to me to see Summer win, as she’s competed in many talent quests I’ve been involved in, including this one, as a Junior. 
She has developed in a measured manner over the years, and as a young person still, 
we’re sure to hear a lot more of this talented singer in years to come.”
THE PRIZE
The 2001 winner of this historic talent quest (now in its 20th year), Summer Rose, from Queensland, has won a Golden Opportunity to fast-track her career into the Professional Country Music arena.
The Kmart Open Section winner for 2001 has a choice:- 
$1000 from KMart, or
a $2200 value Lindsay Butler Studios Recording Package (sponsored by Kmart). 
Through the foresight of Greg Williams (Organiser/Host) and generosity of sponsors Kmart and Lindsay Butler Studios she has the opportunity to be a part of the 2001 LBS Country Collection CD.
 Lindsay Butler (twice Record Producer of the Year Golden Guitar winner) has produced this prestigious Country Music compilation CD album yearly since 1994, at Tamworth's Premier recording studio - LBS, and currently Volume 7 has hit the radio stations and stores Australia wide. LBS has recently expanded its theatre of operations, and now has a studio at Queenslands Gold Coast, as well as Tamworth. 
Each year, over 400 beautifully presented CDs are distributed to radio stations, and lots of valuable radio airplay results for the artists represented, as the LBS Country Collection CD has a great reputation in radio circles. Since its inception in 1994, LBS Country Collection has showcased many new and established Country singers, instrumentalists and songwriters.
 
Volume 7 was recorded at LBS in 2000, and our 2001 KMart winner Summer Rose (with personal photo & bio) has an invaluable opportunity to be a part of the next professionally recorded CD.
*Our winner will be provided with:-
full production
studio time
session musicians
colour cover
LBS label representation
promotion, and
product to sell (100 CD’s) at no cost!
 
WHAT A GREAT PRIZE!
As well as being promoted and distributed Australia-wide, another asset of being on this LBS CD is eligibility to enter major Country Music Awards. Several past LBS artists have been finalists in the annual Golden Guitar Awards, TSA Awards, Gordon Parsons Memorial Awards, Star Maker etc. etc.
Its an excellent opportunity all round for our 2001 winner Summer Rose to fast-track success, thanks to Kmart and LBS.
 
PLACE-GETTERS –OPEN SECTION
Kmart also generously provides our second placegetter Craig Stewart with a $500 prize.
Our third placegetter Peta Evans-Taylor wins $250 in the Open Section.
 
JUNIORS
The winner of the Kmart $500 Junior Section prize was singer Ryan Sampson (from Toowoomba), a very deserving and popular winner. A possible star of the future, Ryan has been offered a spot appearance in the wonderful “Young Country Stars” Concert at THE PUB at the 2002 Festival.
Second placegetter was Vicky Picton winning $250.
Third was Penelope Somerville winning $150, all generously donated by Kmart, Tamworth.
This year, a special Encouragement Award was presented to Jade Parsons, in the form of a $50 Voucher donated by Tamworths CHEAPA MUSIC store.

JUNIOR WINNERS
                                    Vicky Picton (2nd)      Ryan Sampson (1st)    Penelope Somerville (3rd)
TRADITION
Its become a tradition for the previous years winner to come back and perform just prior to the Grand Final, and 2000 winner Peta-Cherae Kleehammer (from Townsville in Qld) made a guest appearance and wowed the audience. She has matured incredibly in performance and presentation over the past 12 months, and is winning awards and accolades for her song-writing regularly. She was selected, along with Grant Richardson, Karen O’Shea, Mark Tempany, Catherine Britt, Michael King, Megan Laurie and Brendan Morolla to perform in the innovative “Winners & Grinners” 2001 Concert, staged at this years Festival at THE PUB by Greg Williams.
 
ENTERTAINMENT plus!
In the spirit of ongoing entertainment and support for past winners of this talent quest, Host of the Kmart Plaza Stage, Greg Williams brings back to centre stage past years winners of Kmarts “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest to perform in Star spots, before and after talent quest heats, to provide a full entertainment program. This again proved popular with the Kmart audience, with 1997 winner Karen O’Shea (Star Maker Grand Finalist 1999 & 2000) performing to very reponsive audiences on several occasions.
Other quality artists who performed on the Kmart Plaza Stage to very enthusiastic audience response during the 2001 Festival were:- Chad Morgan, Elizabeth Lord & Leigh James, Craig Giles, Donella Plane, Tom Maxwell, Luella Widt, Paul Lines, Kerry Blinman, Hot Country, Keri McInerney, Bruce McMillan, Bruce McCumstie, Mark Tempany, Cara Elise, Shane Marshall, Neville Anderson, Korey Livy, Rikki Chaplin, Grant Richardson, and Dave Gray. By popular demand, Greg Williams (Compere/Organiser) also performed prior to the Grand Final.
 
The Kmart Plaza entertainment, centred on the talent quest, has become so popular, that the stage area had to be shifted from the centre of Kmart Plaza several years ago, as it became too congested, to a larger spot directly in front of the Kmart store, which is very appropriate, as Kmart provide all funds to keep this quest going. Once again KMart Tamworth has proved their commitment to the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, by providing the money to stage this important “grass roots” event, which nurtures talent no matter what age. It was very well supported by the public, as it always is, and KMart looks forward to doing it again in 2002, for an amazing 21st time. This year Lindsay Butler Studios, Cheapa Music and Fender Australia once again provided valuable support for this talent quest in the form of prizes and musical equipment for the use of the backing band and contestants.
 
The full results of the KMart “Jazzer Smith Memorial” Talent Quest 2001 are:-
 
Open Section:- First – Summer Rose (Mackay, North Queensland)
                          Second – Craig Stewart (Port MacQuarie, NSW)
                          Third – Peta Evans-Taylor (Brisbane, Qld)
 
Junior Section:-First – Ryan Sampson (Toowoomba, Qld)
                           Second – Vicky Picton (Dubbo, NSW)
                           Third – Penelope Somerville (Fosterville, Vic)
                           Encouragement Award – Jade Parsons

 

Greg Williams Presents:-

K Mart Plaza Entertainment 2001 Tamworth Country Music Festival

 

Friday 19

9am         Hot Country (Queensland Family Duo)

10.45am  Karen O’Shea (Kmart “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest Winner 1997 & Starmaker Grand Finalist 1999/2000)

11.15am  Chad Morgan (Living Legend)

noon        Bruce McCumstie (“Willie” Show)

1pm         Bruce McMillan (Experienced Performer)

2.30pm    Luella Widt (Starmaker 2001 Finalist / Kmart “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest Winner 1998)

3pm         Donella Plane (Starmaker 2001 Finalist)

3.30pm    Mark Tempany (Popular Award-winning Singer)

4.15pm    Shane Marshall (Rising Star)

4.45pm    Cara Elise (Tasmanian Starmaker 2001 Finalist)

 

Saturday 20

9am        Hot Country (Queensland Family Duo)

11am      Karen O’Shea (Kmart “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest Winner 1997 & Starmaker Grand Finalist 1999/2000)

noon       Rikki Chaplin (Award-winning Entertainer)

1pm        Bruce McMillan (Experienced Performer)

3pm        Korey Livy (Rising Star)

3.30pm   Tom Maxwell  (LBS Bush Balladeer Recording Artist)

4.30pm   Neville Anderson (Tiara Winner/Recording Artist)

 

Sunday    21

9am       Hot Country (Queensland Family Duo)

11am     Bruce McCumstie (“Willie” Show)

noon      Korey Livy (Rising Star)

1pm       Bruce McMillan (Experienced Performer)

3pm       Mark Tempany (Popular Award-winning Singer)

4pm       Shane Marshall (Rising Star)

 

Monday    22

10am      Heat 1 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

noon       Neville Anderson (Tiara Winner/Recording Artist)

1pm        Elizabeth Lord (Multi-Award Winner) with Leigh James (Singer/Songwriter)

2pm        Heat 2 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

4pm        Hot Country (Queensland Family Duo)

 

Tuesday    23

10am      Heat 3 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

noon       Mark Tempany (Popular Award-winning Singer)

1pm        Paul Lines (Starmaker Grand Finalist 2000)

2pm        Heat 4 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

3.30pm   Kerry Blinman (Tamworth Favourite)

4pm       Grant Richardson (Starmaker 2000)

5pm       Shane Marshall (Rising Star)

 

 Wednesday  24

10am     Heat 5 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

noon      Karen O’Shea (Kmart “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest Winner 1997 & Starmaker Grand Finalist 1999/2000)

1pm       Neville Anderson ½ hour

2pm       Heat 6 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

4pm       Keri McInerney (Recording Artist)

5pm      Tom Maxwell  (LBS Bush Balladeer Recording Artist)

 

Thursday  25

10am       Heat 7 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

11.30am  Tori Vines (Young Rising Star) 

noon        Craig Giles (Mr. Personality!)

1pm         Elizabeth Lord (Multi-Award Winner) with Leigh James (Singer/Songwriter)

2pm         Heat 8 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

3.30pm    Rikki Chaplin (Award-winning Entertainer)

4pm         Don Morrison (Experienced Performer)

4.30 pm   Keri McInerney (Recording Artist)

5.30pm    Chad Morgan (Living Legend)

6pm         Shane Marshall (Rising Star)

6.30pm    Kerry Blinman (Tamworth Favourite)

7pm         Paul Lines (Starmaker Grand Finalist 2000)

 

Friday  26

10am       Heat 9 - KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT QUEST

noon        Karen O’Shea (Kmart “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest Winner 1997 & Starmaker Grand Finalist 1999/2000)

1pm         Greg Williams (Tamworth Recording Artist/Songwriter)

1.40pm    Peta-Cherae Kleehammer ((Kmart “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest Winner 2000)

2pm         GRAND FINAL – KMART JAZZER SMITH MEMORIAL TALENT  QUEST

        Prizes – Open Section 1. Lindsay Butler Studio Recording Package (sponsored by Kmart) or $1000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250

                       Junior Section  1. $500, 2.  $250, 3. $150

5pm        Hot Country (Queensland Family Duo)

 

Saturday  27

9am         Hot Country (Queensland Family Duo)

noon        Kerry Blinman (Tamworth Favourite)

1pm         Bruce McMillan (Experienced Performer)

2.30pm    Luella Widt (Starmaker 2001 Finalist / Kmart “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest Winner 1998)

3pm        The Other Dave Gray (Award-winning Songwriter)

3.30pm    Rikki Chaplin (Award-winning Entertainer)

4pm         Paul Lines (Starmaker Grand Finalist 2000)

 

 

Tamworth Country Music Festival

Greg's Involvement in the...

K-Mart Entertainment & Talent Quest

Greg satisfies his desire to nurture undiscovered talent by hosting the long-running Kmart "Jazzer Smith" Memorial Talent Quest, since 1995. His dedication and commitment to this concept were recognised in 1999, when he was asked to arrange and co-ordinate all entertainment in Kmart Plaza for that years festival, and for the year 2000. All previous years acts were invited back, plus Greg Williams presented additional featured artists during the Festival on the K-Mart Plaza Stage. A wonderful spin-off of this is that past winners of the Talent Quest get to come back yearly and display the progress they have made in their performance.

The list of artists for K Mart Plaza Entertainment 1999 Tamworth Country Music Festival were:-

HOT COUNTRY (Bruce & Mark Lavender - from Qld)
BRUCE McMILLAN & SPECIAL GUESTS (from Victoria)
SUTTON SISTERS (Recording Artists, with special guests)
COUNTRY HORIZON (Band from W.A.)
GREG WILLIAMS (Host / Tamworth Recording Artist)
STEPHANIE GRANT (From NSW North Coast)
RENEE STEWART(1996 Winner Kmart Jazzer Smith Talent Quest)
BRIELLE ( Sony promotional performance)
KAREN O'SHEA (1997 Winner Kmart Jazzer Smith Talent Quest)
TROY CASSAR-DALY (Sony promotional performance)
BECCY COLE ( Sony promotional performance)
LUELLA WIDT (1998 Winner K-Mart Jazzer Smith Talent Quest)
CUNNINGHAM SQUARE DANCERS- from Forbes
MIKELA DEWAR (From New Zealand)

In 2000 K-Mart & Greg Williams presented the following great artists to perform on K-Mart Plaza Stage:

Hot Country (Bruce & Mark Lavender Queensland)
Sutton Sisters, Recording Artists, with special guests -The Cooper County Singers
Bruce McMillan (from Victoria)
Stephen Cheney (NSW Travelling Troubadour / Recording Artist)
Tom Maxwell (Australian Bush Balladeer / LBS Recording Artist)
Loose Ends Band (New Young Band from Qld)
Craig Giles (Hit-maker / Recording Artist)
Elizabeth Lord (Multi-Award Winner / Recording Artist) with Leigh James (Singer/Songwriter)
Brendon Walmsley (Star Maker Winner 1999 / Golden Guitar winner 2000 / Recording Artist)
Karen O'Shea (Kmart Jazzer Smith Talent Quest Winner 1997 / Star Maker Grand Finalist 1999 & 2000 / Recording Artist)
Beccy Cole (Star Maker Winner 1993 / Golden Guitar Winner / Sony Hit-maker )
Luella Widt & Anthony Taylor (Queensland Recording Artists)
Olive Bice (Popular Recording Artist)
Troy Cassar-Daly (Multiple Golden Guitar Winner)
Greg Williams (Host / Tamworth Recording Artist)
Renee Stewart (Kmart Jazzer Smith Talent Quest Winner 1996 / Hit-maker / SONY Recording Artist)
Brendan Morolla (K-Mart Jazzer Smith Talent Quest 1999 Winner)
Paul Lines (Star Maker Grand Finalist 2000 / Recording Artist)
 
Greg thrives on the close involvement with other performers careers, especially new and young artists learning their craft. Kmart also have to be commended for their long-running financial and material commitment to the K-Mart "Jazzer Smith" Memorial Talent Quest, which has been running for approx 15 years, and the general entertainment supplied to their clients and customers.

 

Past Winners Kmart "Jazzer Smith" Memorial Talent Quest.

1987
Open Section :-

First -     "Country Dreamers" - Roslyn & Michelle Hardcastle
Second - Donna Phillips

Junior Section :-

First - Bianca Hensgen

1988
Open Section :-

First -      Sue Haseldon Band
Second - Robert Katipa

Junior section :-

First -      Corinna Cordwell
Second - Amanda Gottani
Encouragement Award - Tanya Cassidy

1989
Open Section :-

First -      Robert Katipa
Second - Shaun King
Encouragement Award - Amanda Smith

Junior Section :-

First -      Joanna Hemara
Second - Corinna Cordwell
Encouragement - Amanda Gottani

 

1990
Open Section :-

First -      Kahren Harrison
Second - Melissa Burrows

Junior Section :-

First -      Felicity Urquhart
Second - Angela Hayden
Third -    Tina Martyn

 

1991
Open Section :-

First -      Roadhouse Band
Second - Natani
Encouragement Award - Melanie Forbes & Nicci Heffernan

Junior Section :-

First -      Rikki Chaplin
Second - Tony Biddle

 

1992
Open Section :-

First -      The Chrystells
Second - Deadringers
Third -    Country Love

Junior Section :-

First -      Janelle Favazzo
Second - Michelle Sparrow
Third -    Clint Beattie

 

1993
Open Section :-

First -      Kahren Harrison
Second - Rikki Chaplin
Third -     2 of a Kind

Junior Section :-

First -      Crystal Rose
Second - Lynette Bowtell
Third -     Steven & Micheal Park

 

1994
Open Section :-

First -      Gunnadoo
Second - Cheryl Hooper
Third -     Karen Hewitt

Junior Section :-

First -      Gabriella Bonomo & Shane Ayers
Second - Gabriella
Third -     Shane Ayers

 

1995
Open Section :-

First - Oberle Bros.

Junior Section :-

First - Shane Ayers

 

1996
Open Section :-

First - Renee Stewart

 

1997
Open Section :-

First -        Karen O'Shea
Second -   Us2 - Luella Widt & Anthony Taylor
Third -TIE- Marella Fitzgibbon, Luella Widt, 3's Company

Junior Section :-

First -      Renee Stanley
Second - Peta-Sheree Kleehammer
Third -     Jody Hocking

 

1998
Open Section :-

First -      Luella Widt
Second - Gabriella Bonomo
Third -     3's Company -(Peta-Sheree Kleehammer, Brendan Morolla, KeiranLancini)

Junior Section :-

First -      Kayla Mahon
Second - Tammy Moxom
Third -     Hamish, Lachlan & Ailsa Davidson

 

1999
Open Section :-

First -      Brendan Morolla
Second - Sera-Jane
Third -    Mahogany

Junior Section :-

First -     Hamish Davidson
Second - Lachlan Davidson
Third -    Divinia Tiwairua
Encouragement Award - Daniel Conway.

 

2000
Open Section:-

First -      Peta Cherae Kleehammer
Second - Peta Evans-Taylor
Third -    Hamish Davidson

Junior Section:-

First -      Michael Muchow
Second - Just Peachy (Joelene Mandrakas & Jacqui Ryan)
Third -    Cassie Bashford

2001 :-
 
Open Section:- First – Summer Rose (Mackay, North Queensland)
                          Second – Craig Stewart (Newcastle, NSW)
                          Third – Peta Evans-Taylor (Brisbane, Qld)
 
Junior Section:-First – Ryan Sampson (Toowoomba, Qld)
                           Second – Vicky Picton (Dubbo, NSW)
                           Third – Penelope Somerville (Fosterville, Vic)
                           Encouragement Award – Jade Parsons

 

The missing placings from some years events are unknown at present. I'd appreciate it if anyone knows of other past place-getters, please advise me. If you are a past winner, or place-getter, I'd like to hear from you, to see what you are doing now, even if its not in the country Music Industry.

 

29/11/99 Press Release

 A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY  is being offered by Kmart and LBS at the 2000 Tamworth Country Music Festival. The Open Section Winner of  K-Marts yearly “Jazzer Smith” Memorial Talent Quest will have the choice of accepting $1000 from K-Mart, or a $2200 value Lindsay Butler Studios Recording Package (sponsored by Kmart).

 In the past, the main prize of this prestigious long-running talent quest has been a variety of cash & cash/recording time etc. The 1991 winner Roadhouse Band, recorded a single (on vinyl) with Enrec Studios, which went to number 7 on Country Radio Charts! Also, in 1995 The Oberle Bros. won some recording time with Nashgrills Studios, and achieved quite a lot of radio airplay from this during 1995 & 1996. Sadly, since 1995 there has been no recording component to the main prize.

 This all changes in 2000!

 Through the foresight and generosity of Kmart and Lindsay Butler Studios our winner will have an opportunity to be a part of the 2000 LBS Country Collection CD.

 This prestigious Country Music compilation album has been in production yearly since 1994 at Tamworth's premier recording studio - LBS, and currently Volume 6 has hit the radio stations and stores. Lindsay Butler (1991 & 1992 Record Producer of the Year) produces this quality album.

 Over 400 beautifully presented CDs are sent to radio stations, and lots of radio airplay results for the artists represented, as LBS Country Collection has a great reputation in radio circles. Since its inception in 1994, LBS Country Collection has showcased many new and established Country singers/instrumentalists and songwriters. Volume 7 will be recorded at LBS in 2000, and our Kmart winner (with personal bio) has an invaluable opportunity to be a part of this professionally recorded CD.

 As well as being promoted and distributed Australia-wide, another asset of being on this CD is eligibility to enter major Country Music Awards. Several past LBS artists have been finalists in the annual Golden Guitar Awards, TSA Awards, Gordon Parsons Memorial Awards, Star Maker etc. Its an excellent opportunity all round for our winner to fast-track success.

 Kmart also generously distributes 2nd ($500) and 3rd ($250) cash prizes to the Open Section, and also to the Junior entrants - Junior Section  1. $500, 2.  $250, 3. $150.

 The annual Kmart Jazzer Smith Memorial Talent Quest is staged in Kmart Plaza from Monday 24th to Friday 28th January, culminating in the Grand Final at 2pm on Friday 28th January.

 Greg Williams, a Tamworth Recording Artist, hosts this event every year. Its great entertainment!

Greg Williams hosts Jazzer Smith Memorial Talent Quest
Feb 2001 - Latest single: "Red Hot Momma" latest album: "It's About Time!" compilation CD: TSA Winners – Song Search mp3 info – 3 tracks on MP3.com.au & Country-Music-Club's Mp3 Directory also direct access from my website. My preferred method of selling my Music is that its available from accessing my website, and contacting me direct.
Greg Williams - a Professional Singer/Entertainer, Recording Artist and Award-winning Songwriter. Greg travels Australia extensively performing at a variety of Venues and Festivals, promoting his latest album "Its About Time", which has enjoyed wide-spread airplay, and latest single from the first TSA CD- "Red Hot Momma". He performs from Townsville to Tassie, and anywhere in between. Originally from North Queensland, and with Country "roots" from a 12 year stint as a farmer, and playing music prior to this all over Queensland, Greg has lived in Tamworth – Country Music Capital since 1993. January's Tamworth Country Music Festival has kept Greg busy every year since his first appearance in 1991, at Joe Maguires Pub, performing over the years at venues including: Tamworth RSL, Services Club, Wests Leagues, Workmens Club, Good Companions Hotel (7 consecutive years), The Pub, The Oasis & many more. Greg satisfies his desire to nurture undiscovered talent by hosting the long-running Kmart "Jazzer Smith" Memorial Talent Quest, since 1995, and more recently by close involvement with the Capital Country Music Association- the organisation which started Tamworth’s CM Festival over 30 years ago.
At Tamworth 2000 & 2001 Greg staged 2 successful concerts:- "Young Country Stars" and "Winners & Grinners" at THE rising venue The Pub. This has started a strong interest in both shows, which are destined to become a permanent part of this festival. Since the popular & prestigious Tamworth Country Theatre Concerts started in 1997, Greg has appeared 3 times in his own right, and once each (in cameo roles) singing duets with other Country Stars - Christina George, The Crosby Sisters (on their hit songs), and harmonising with Darcy Le Year. Many will remember the success of his band - "Roadhouse Band" - and touring with Whiteline and City Slickers in the early 90's, before directing his energies into his solo career more recently.
Extract from article on Greg Williams. For more Info contact the artist direct

Summer Rose Wins Kmart Jazzer Smith Memorial Talent Quest
Feb 2001 - Now in its 20th year, this prestigious Talent Quest was an outstanding success again. At the end of four & a half days intense competition in each of the nine heats in front of an enthusiastic audience, the winners finally emerged on January 26, as part of Tamworth Country Music Festival 2001. Singer Summer Rose from Mackay (North Queensland) was a very popular winner of the Open Section, against formidable competition from entrants from all corners of Australia and New Zealand. Any of the Grand Finalists could have won, so it's all the more notable that Summer achieved her remarkable success. Compere Greg Williams said "we're sure to hear a lot more of this talented singer in years to come." Summer Rose, has won a Golden Opportunity to fast-track her career into the Professional Country Music arena either $1000 from KMart, or a $2200 value Lindsay Butler Studios Recording Package (sponsored by Kmart).
Submitted By Greg Williams

 

an extract from-

Tamworth Rage Page 2001

  
mandln3a.gif (1309 bytes)Greg Williams and the Very 
Young Stars of Country

GREG AT "THE GOODIES" 2001

                  Les Scott,                          Mark Thomas          and              Greg Williams
Greg Williams works constantly and tirelessly with the "very young stars of Country Music". 
He plays a huge role in nurturing young talent and I would like the Australian Country Music lovers 
to appreciate the hard work and hours that Greg spends selflessly on the talented youth of today.  
 Also Tamworth Rage Page would like to wish him and his wife Judy all the best in their future exciting event.

Some of  the very Young Stars of Country at THE PUB 2001

 
   Ben Baigent                                                   Michael Muchow
 
Baigent Brothers
 
 
Ben Hazell                                           Joelene Mandrakas
 
                                          Mark Thomas      Katie Baldock          Dash McIvor
Charlene Bailey
 
Lachlan Davidson, Brooke Harvey and Hamish Davidson

Rage Page Main Page

thanks to Helen for her extract and kind words.

 

Contact Greg Williams:- mailto:gregrwilliams@bigpond.com   Hotmail:mailto: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!