The Smith and Western Jury, Lane Pittman and Fanny Lumsden are just three of the hundreds of incredible local acts playing Australia's largest country music festival this month.
By Kath Devaney
And just like that, it's January, and the Tamworth Country Music Festival — Australia's largest country music event, held over 10 days on Kamilaroi land — is almost upon us.
People have been making the pilgrimage to Tamworth since 1972, with more than 50,000 visitors hitting the town each year.
This year is set to be yet another sweaty, raucous and wholesome festival of country music in this town of big dreams and blue jeans, where the guitars are golden, and the twang abounds.
As always, there's a lot of music on offer at the festival. So, we’ve done the dirty work of highlighting some of the best shows to check out.
Lane Pittman
Making his Longyard Hotel debut, Lane Pittman and his band are ready to kick Tamworth Country Music Festival into gear with some Monday afternoon mayhem.
Lane has recently sold out shows across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria — not to mention a spotlight performance at Nashville's CMA Fest last year.
With hits such as 'Let's Get Lost' and 'Love In A Country Town', his debut EP shot to the number one spot in the ARIA Australian Country Music Chart, proving that he’s a legitimate stand-out star in Australian country music.
With a live show full of energy and sing-along moments, it's not one to miss. Pittman is also up for two gongs in this year's Golden Guitar Awards.
The Longyard Hotel: Monday, January 20
Nundle Rocks
Escape the long-weekend mayhem and head to the quaint mountain village of Nundle (40 minutes east of Tamworth) for an epic three days of live music in the air-conditioned comfort of Nundle Memorial Hall.
Nundle Rocks has a vibrant history in the Nundle area, and last year's event was evident that it's worth its wait in gold.
It returns with another amazing cast of artists, including The Pleasures, Small Town Romance, Ben Leece, William Crighton, Dave Wells, Magpie Diaries, CJ Stranger, Adele Oliver and more.
Nundle Memorial Hall: Thursday 23 - Sunday 26 January
Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits
With hook-laden twang and rock'n'roll swagger, Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits offer audiences a soulful take on alt-country.
The combination of Hana's searing, sophisticated, effortlessly dexterous vocals and Jessie-Lee's reverb-drenched, lustrous guitar work that ascends into striking twangy solos saw them win Best Country Work at the Music Victoria Awards last year.
The duo are no strangers to festivals, appearing at WOMADelaide, Out On The Weekend, Brunswick Music Festival, Dashville Skyline, Queenscliff Music Festival and Gympie Muster, as they relentlessly road test and refine their live sound.
Tamworth Hotel: Friday 17 - Sunday 19 January
Fanny at Town Hall
"I didn't know I could have that much fun on a Saturday morning!" That's a direct quote from a fan leaving Fanny's Town Hall show at last Tamworth, and they were right.
Fanny Lumsden is one of Australia’s favourite country stars, boasting two ARIA and nine Golden Guitar wins. Her journey has been a unique one, starting out on a sheep farm in western NSW and taking her all the way to Glastonbury via hundreds of country halls throughout regional Australia.
This Tamworth show always features incredible special guests and is hilarious, inclusive and adventurous. Oh, and don't let the name fool you, it's perfect for the whole family!
Tamworth Town Hall: Saturday, January 25
The Smith & Western Jury
Melbourne's The Smith and Western Jury will make you feel like you've just been hit by a rolling freight train.
Their songs will delight country music fans and convert punk rockers to a genre they never thought they'd consider. With the release of debut album Hotel Texas last year, the band has made a strong impact on the Australian country scene, and their live show is not to be missed.
They will play three fiery shows at the Tamworth Hotel this year — pop it in your diary and hold onto your hats!
Tamworth Hotel: Friday 17 — Sunday 19 January
Ally Row
Gunaikurnai/Gippsland based Ally Row are a folk-rock/alt-country duo who seamlessly blend genres with their toe-tapping tunes. The multi-instrumentalists incorporate electric banjo, guitar, keys, harmonica, stomp box and tambourine, creating an unexpectedly full and upbeat live experience.
Their honest lyricism shines a light on the darker sides of love and mental health delivered with warm vocals, velvety harmonies and an infectious beat.
Wallabadah Hotel: Friday, January 17
Andy Golledge Band
Local legend Andy Golledge brings his rambunctious live band back home to Tamworth! An Andy Golledge show is both exhilarating and unpredictable. They can take you from feeling tender and tearful to rollicking and dancing wildly.
Don't miss the chance to experience the spectacle of Andy performing tracks from his latest album, Young, Dumb & Wild, in his home town.
Tamworth Hotel: Friday, January 24; and Bicentennial Park: Saturday, January 25
For the best in country music, tune in to ABC Country.
First published at ABC News, January 13, 2025
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