Tamworth Rage Page |
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.
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.
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.
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 WINNERSThe 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.
Second placegetter was Aleyce Simmonds & Ben Hazell Duo (from Tamworth), winning $250.
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:-
Junior Section:-First – Aleyce Simmonds (Tamworth)
*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. |
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.
*
Summer Rose - 2001 KMart Winner
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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)
Greg's Involvement in the...
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
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
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.
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.
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 |
GREG AT "THE GOODIES" 2001
Some of the very Young Stars of Country at THE PUB 2001
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! |