​No sleep in today. We have a spot in the Cavalcade, which is a big truck parade though the main section of Tamworth. After a quick warm up in the cities very own muscle beach type outdoor gym, we jump up on the truck (smaller than most, however at least it was black). I spy some of my mates on the back of a flatbed truck for the Yamaha float. Just before we race away, I just casually have a chat to Luke O’Shea, who happens to be on the float behind us. Good guy.
 
Off we go, and then the skies open again, dropping what feels like Niagara Falls on our heads. As our truck is not covered in way shape or form, we get drenched head to toe as we pass all the residents and guests to the city. I honestly haven’t felt this wet while wearing clothes my entire life. Murphy’s law however, once we park up at the end of the drive (which felt like a long time in the rain), the sun comes out again. What’s up with you Tamworth? Why do you have to live your weather in such extremes.
 
My last official gig at Pig & Tinder kicked off at 3pm. What a fantastic last show to finish off a great time here in Tamworth. There was hardly anyone sitting in the outside courtyard area when I started, and by the time I finished, the area was packed. People were singing along, clapping in time, and generally loving life. It was equally as awesome that people were genuinely upset to hear that I didn’t have an album or EP available for purchase. All the motivation I need to get songwriting, recording, and producing.   
 
Off to the red carpet of the Golden Guitar Awards we go. I’m all suited up (thank goodness I packed this with me), and we make our way to the most prestigious event on the Australian Country Music calendar. The last remaining academy students here in Tamworth all congregate in the same area with the free tickets we obtained. It was so good to be with these guys and dolls again one last time before Maree’s and my bed exit to the other side of the Tasman.
 
In regards to the awards themselves, WOW!!! That was much bigger and way more grand than I could’ve possibly imagined. It rivalled Grammys, Emmys, and other big name awards night events. There were too many highlights to mention only one. Bennett, Bowtell, and Urquhart performed a well-polished tribute song, Catherine Britt took out Female Artist of the Year, and I got to see big performers strut their wears, plus much more. I would kill for an awards ceremony in NZ which would match up to this (I don’t even think our strongest awards are close).
 
Only hours to go before we fly away. I’ll miss you dearly Tamworth. 

Thankfully we have a little bit of a sleep in today. It’s really needed, given all of the long hot days here at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
 
Our first official event that we went to today was the Fanzone “Bennett, Bowtell Urquhart” show. I was gutted that we had to race away from this before the finish earlier in the week; however the songs we missed from their concert featured in this preview for the fans on the corner of Peel and Fitzroy Streets today. I’ve stoked that we are returning to NZ with their CD. It’ll get a lot of air play in my truck on the road.
 
Just after their gig, I raced to side stage to catch Lyn and Kevin before they raced away to another show. Unfortunately I missed them, but out of nowhere comes the radio guy from last night’s Toyota Festival Radio 106.1FM interview, Johnny Kemp. He spotted my silver fern and Southern Cross tattoo from a mile away. He congratulated me on my performance and interview from the night before, and said that I had a good shot of doing something really big here in Australia if I wanted to, including StarMaker and other potential tour work. Obviously this would be difficult to work around teaching, however he suggested I catch up with the likes of Luke O’Shea, and chat with him about how he went about his professional music and teaching careers.
 
Then out of nowhere, here come The McClymonts. For anyone not in the know about these girls, they have such a rich set of harmonies. After seeing them play (which was the first time for me today), it’s very easy to understand how they have had such a successful song writing and performing career. I popped into the Fanzone CD stand, and picked up 5 of their albums on the spot.
 
Maree hadn’t been able to see the Big Golden Guitar Information Centre in great detail, as when we were there earlier in the week, the inside was closed off. We therefore used the couple of hours up our sleeve to check this out. Turns out it was a good move on our part, as Maree picked herself up a proper cowboy hat (at a bargain price if I do say so myself). Now it’s like I have my very own McLeod's Daughter walking beside me.
 
Just to break things up, we went to do more shopping at Tamworth Shopping World. It’s just like any other mall; however we were amused to see some very serious line-dancing taking place, including one guy who was really throwing himself into it. If he danced any harder, I’m sure he would’ve poked someone’s eyes out. This mall is also the first and only place we were able to buy a Schweppes “Fairy Floss” soft drink. This drink is absolutely incredible. I almost feel inclined to approach Schweppes in New Zealand about importing this drink. It’s like drinking really scrummy street fair candyfloss in liquid form. Yummy yum yum.
 
Off to the finals for CCMA. As a finalist, we were required to step up in our finalist groups while the runner-up and winners were announced. I ended up winning the Senior Male Vocalist. This meant that I had to sing again to compete for the Overall Senior title. Unfortunately the band didn’t manage to follow my charts as written, and my song ended up dragging a lot slower than normal. I wasn’t too upset however, as I managed to hit every note with the same intensity and accuracy as I normally would. I’m already confirmed as a Trans-Tasman Entertainer of The Year competitor, as well as being a graduate of the CMAA Academy of Country Music this year, so I didn’t lose out on anything. I’m proud as punch to walk away with the prize money and trophy for my work tonight already. Congratulations to Campbell and Alyssa Landrebe who took out the Junior section overall with their duo. You kids are both legends. Finally, thank you to CCMA for staging this 50th National Talent Quest event.
 
And then the heavens opened. When it rains in Australia, it REALLY rains in Australia. As we don’t have our own vehicle here, we need to take the bus for extended trips. This meant racing from shelter to shelter towards the bus stop, whilst we waited for the bus to get there. It’s always good to know that my skin is waterproof … unlike the clothing I was wearing.
 
We get back the accommodation, change our clothes, have a couple of drinks, and explore the option of going into town. A small group of Academy mates are at a bar on the corner, however the $10 cover charge (for the band that are about to finish) is a bit much for Maree and I. We therefore do a walkthrough a couple of other bars, shoot off to Eagle Boys for a pizza, and return to the backpackers for a midnight (or 2am) snack before hitting the pillow. Another day done and dusted here in Tamworth. Bring on tomorrow.

​This morning was one of the earliest starts we have had during my time here in Tamworth this year. I had an audition/heat for the CCMA National Talent Quest starting at 9am. I therefore needed to be there at 8:30am, which meant leaving the accommodation no later than 8am. This meant all of us were reluctantly up at 7am. I managed to be the first person in the competition to sing, so there was a lot of effort required to sing in tune and with the energy I need for my songs … against a band who hadn’t had a big sound check, and a sound operator working hard to get the sound just right. Thankfully, through all of this I was able to win a spot in the grand finale tomorrow night. Exciting.
 
Once we finally figure out a way to return into town with this bus service, we make a trip to see Catherine Britt and Amber Lawrence perform their sets at the Fanzone. Both of these ladies are world class. I have a huge respect for these talented individuals. Honestly, we would’ve stayed a bit longer if it hadn’t been 41’C temperatures in the middle of the hot Aussie sun.
 
I have a songwriter’s aspect to this CCMA National Talent Competition, which means I drop in the newest original I have … “Blue Lake”. On paper, I didn’t get anywhere with this song, however I know that people were moved by the performance, as I saw a few tears being wiped from people’s eyes while I was playing. I feel invigorated every time I hit the stage in this town, and all the other performers are so good … and in this instance, so are the songwriters.
 
We shoot off to the Troy Cassar-Daley concert, and it looks full on. It’s great to see a number of the Academy students claiming the rear seats within the theatre. It’s another time (amongst many during this trip) where the country music family have got together.
 
After we watch the full show (yes, finally a full show), Maree and I jet it off to the NZ Showcase to support fellow performers, as well as perform myself. This gave me the opportunity to showcase my original skills again. I manage to hit the stage after Neilly Rich and before Aly Cook. It sounded good from what I was been told. I dropped in “Blue Lake” again (with the story behind it), and was touched when a lady stopped me side stage after the show in tears, talking about how much it the song meant to her, as she had a connecting to a different tragedy which occurred in Victoria. It’s amazing how much music can touch people’s souls.
 
We followed the show with a radio interview on Toyota Festival 106.1FM. It’s always a privileged to do interviews like this, and I look forward to jamming through some tracks with them again soon.
 
We finish the night with a few cool drinks with the rest of the NZ team, which give me a great time to chillax with others at the accommodation. It’s about 2 hours into it, and I realise that I need to tap out and sleep. Night night all.  

​It’s a lovely day here in Tamworth. We’re only sitting in the mid 30s today. Not too bad really when you need to travel a bit.
 
Our first thing to see today was a variety of artists at the DAGs Singers Retreat. It’s a cool sheep farm hidden about an hour drive South from Tamworth. Here we got to see Kevin Bennett, Karl Broadie, Aleyce Simmonds, Allan Caswell, plus many more. It was awesome to see two of my fellow Academy mates Hayley Marsten and Tanya Cornish play a couple of their originals as well. Thanks to Jacob and his partner Cat for the ride.
 
When we returned back, we raced to Capitol Theatre to support our other Academy mates Bonnie-Lee Jessen, Courtney-Jayne Keil, Joseph Balfe, Sam Jessen, as well as a couple of Kiwis including Zoe Scott and Liam Kennedy-Clark. We arrived late, however thankfully we got to see all the performers we wanted to support. Well done to everyone involved in staging this event. Carter & Carter … it’s great to see you giving all these up and coming performers a really good go.
 
We raced at a rate of knots to the next gig … “Bennett, Bowtell, and Urquhart” who were playing at Wests League Blazes. We were there first and foremost to support Kevin Bennett and Lyn Bowtell, however the full trio were incredible. It was gutting that we had to leave early, but I loved what I heard so much that we purchased an album on our way out the door.
 
We raced into the International Round-Up event at The Tamworth Golden Guitar Information Centre. This was an excellent opportunity for the NZ Gold Guitar winners to showcase their skills. Everyone was impressed. Campbell’s cheeky grin had the crowds wrapped around his finger. Joseph’s finger work over the guitar keep any budding guitarist playing air guitar like a pro. When it came to me, I saw a number of people sitting and getting into the music. NZ represent. A few photo opportunities, some time at the pub next door (The Longyard), and we were ready to call it another day. Big thank you to the Tamworth Regional Council for their work towards making us feel welcome this evening. 

We woke up early this morning to get to the Landrebe’s heats at the Coca-Cola Battle Of The Bands. The problem we faced however was that rather than the time for the first heat being 8am, it was supposed to be10am. Turns out this 2 hour time difference still has an effect on us here in Tamworth. 


Both of the kids were awesome, with the band nailing all the parts required of them. I think this put the kid’s minds at ease, as the Aristocrat heats made them feel pretty low. Good luck to both of them to reach the finals.


Whilst we were at the Town Hall, there was a dude called Ewan, who was promoting Yamaha Guitars. I (just because I am who I am) approached him to try out one of the skeleton type cutaway guitars. I liked it so much. Ewan told me that I’d be able to use it for the New Zealand Showcase on Thursday night from 6pm onwards. It’ll be great exposure for Yamaha, as well as an opportunity for me to have a really good play with a new toy. 


Once we left there, we had a brief look at Capitol Music here in Tamworth (trying out guitars etc here too) before getting a ride out to the Landrebe Family holiday home. The pool was very refreshing. This is definitely a better quality than our backpackers. Thank you to the family for making Maree and I feel so welcome.


From here, they were going to Fanzone to see Kaylee Bell, however Maree and I went to Wests Leagues Legends Bar to see Simon Johnson’s showcase. This blew me away, as all the top entertainers I wanted to support during the festival played alongside Simon. Once the show was completed, it was time to cruise back into town. Thank you to Arna and Rebecca for getting us back to the YHA. 


We crack open a drink, and start yarning to other guests here with us at the accommodation. It was an opportunity for a couple of guests to inquire about any recordings I have, as well as some of my background in getting here. It looks like I’ll be getting some air play on Southland/Otago based radio stations as a result.


Maree and I make our way to the Toyota (Bicentennial) Park stage to hear Kaylee (supported by Zoe Scott on harmony vocals) play their last song. It was were received. We ended up buying one of her albums, and then take a Country Music selfie, with Maree filling it. You can see it on my Facebook page at Kelvin Cummings Music. It was awesome to hear that Kaylee would be keen to work/co-write with me at some point in the future. It’s always great to hear things like that for big cats in the industry. This was supported by the manager/producer/event-planner approaching me about how much he loved my show on Monday. Ultimately, it was exciting to hear so much exciting news in quick succession. 


We finished the night by visiting “The Pub” to hear the Pickers Night in action. I was able to chat with Troy Cassar-Daley, as well as Bob Corbett’s band. The problem I face however it that we’re all so tired that we need to tap out (the late nights are getting to us. 


My head hits the pillow … aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I’m gone. 

​What a massive day. We looks at the Tamworth Country Music Festival (which includes over 700 artists and 2800+ events) has a lot in store for us today.
 
The first act to see/support was the Kiwi born and breed Kaylee Bell, who played at Pig & Tinder. I was good to briefly catch up with her for an hour or so. What a lovely voice.
 
We followed this up with briefly seeing the 4 Highway men on the Fanzone stage. Not as into that as I originally thought I would be, however I appreciate what they do. This gave us time to catch a longer Liam Kennedy-Clark show … and purchase an EP (Finally). I look forward to hearing the tracks, as I’ve already had a glimpse of some at the academy and StarMaker.
 
From here, we went to support Lyn Bowtell’s Fanzone show. She is such a cool cat when it comes to performing. Not only was she able to sing her tracks through some random street performer behind us physically cracking a whip, but she happened to play a song that Maree knew from the “So Country” album which we have at home. A high-light for us this time around was to nab a couple of tickets to the Bennett, Bowtell & Urquhart show they are doing on Wednesday. I’m really looking forward to seeing that.
 
We unfortunately can’t see everything (missing Aimee Hannah again, as well as The Wolverines, and Aleyce Simmons), however we did manage to make the main Toyota Park stage for sound check easy enough.
 
After a quick jam through the songs in the accommodation, we make our way to the International Showcase. We nail the show. Heaps of people come up to me afterwards talking about how much they loved it. We even had a selfie request as we were about to cross the road after the gig towards our next event. Fun times.
 
Joseph, Tanya, and I completed in the Aristocrat Finals. Although I wasn’t able to take anything out at this show, both Joseph and Tanya managed to secure runner-up titles in both of their sections. Thank you so much to everyone who attended and support us. Your backing is always gratefully received. It was good to hear from a number of people after the show saying that I should’ve taking it out, however I know the judges had a really difficult decision ahead of them for the awards.
 
Overall highlight for me is definitely the Toyota International Showcase at Toyota Park. I hope for many more opportunities like this in the future. 

​We sleep in. Hallelujah. I forgot what these things were like. I know my body was looking for that for a while.
 
We have a look throughout town, however I have a couple of people I want to see perform during the festival, and they feature today. Firstly I’ve been told good things about The Viper Creek Band, so I want to go see them. Turns out the venue I thought they were playing was wrong, so I missed that. It did give Maree and I an opportunity to see the Toyota Park stage again however, which I will be playing on again as I have the opening set in the big International Showcase concert tomorrow night. (7pm if you’re here in town).
 
We go to check out Hayley Marten (a fellow Academy student, and Top 10 StarMaker finalist). She sounds great as always. We couldn’t stay longer unfortunately as we went to be part of the Landrebe support crew for their Aristocrat heats early in the afternoon. It was good to catch up with the family again. Additionally, good to hear that they have a pool, and gave us an invite for a BBQ. I’m pretty sure it’d be rude to decline such an offer.
 
After this, we have an opportunity to see other fellow Academy students play … Tanya Cornish on the Fanzone Stage and Liam Kennedy-Clark on the Atrium Festival Stage. Both were awesome as you’d expect … talented people that they are and all.
 
I send a thank you text through to the team at Pig & Tinder Box, and get a glowing response, asking me if I wanted to play again next weekend. I’m absolutely over the moon to hear the positive praise. I therefore lock in a set for Saturday from 3pm-3:45pm. If you’re in town that day, please come and offer your support. It’s well worth it. Great music, great food, and great drink.
 
As the day is creeping on, We race back to the room, I have a quick glimpse at the charts for my songs, and we head to my Aristocrat Heat. The NZ crew are strong and supportive during my song. Unfortunately, we can’t stick around, as Liam Kennedy-Clark and Hayley Marten are both in the StarMaker top 10 finals tonight, and we need to get there quick. Liam (#legend) hooked us up with tickets, so we are all sorted for a big night.
 
StarMaker is massive here in Australia. The prizes would value in excess of $50,000 in my calculations. The top 10 were we’re chosen. I’d hate to be a judge at this event, as they all did so well. I was really keen for Liam to get one of the top three spots (with his NZ connection), however it didn’t happen this time around. A real shame, as I thought he was a sure thing from his performances, but perhaps I’m being biased.
 
I hear during the show that I won a spot in the Aristocrat Grand Final tomorrow night. Exciting!!! Joseph and his dad tell me that they organised the times with them so that I was able to still play the big Showcase event as well. This now means we will be playing Toyota Park at 7pm for a set, then race to our Grand Final (me in senior and Joseph in junior) straight after. Man I like living on the edge. 

​It’s a slow rise for some people here at the Academy, as we’re taxed from jamming till the little hours of the morning. Well worth it however, as for some people, it will be the last time that we will perform alongside each other for ages.
 
I pack my gear, and start making my way down to my new home for the next couple of weeks during the festival with the NZ Tamworth Tour people (set up through Philip and Jackie Geary). On the way down the road (only 1km away) an older guy walks beside me, notices me from performing in the Tamworth Country Music Festival opening ceremony, and congratulates me on my work. I thank him obviously, all the time thinking it must have been difficult for me to be identifiable from 25-30 others on stage. I love the complements however. Hopefully he gets to see more of my shows during the festival.
 
Maree turns up about 30 minutes after I get there. It turns out we’re sharing a room with Joseph Balfe and his father, so guitars and speakers are sprawled everywhere. Typical of us guitarists.
It’s been 2 weeks since I’ve seen Maree, so it’s exciting to show her the sights. In amongst walking through the busters and other performers, we check out a couple of stores to see what’s on offer in this town.
 
Earlier in the week, I got a gig set up for the Pig & Tinder Box. Today is gig day. It’s great to continue working alongside Andrew and Jacob again. Andrew started the earlier set, I took the middle, and then finished the last set with Jacob by playing guitar for him. It was a fantastic experience to play for a bar here in Tamworth, and my music was really well received.
 
After we finished the gig, we cruised off to a Bushwakers event at The Longyard. I managed to get tickets through Roger and Dobe from the Academy, so it was choice az to see both of them again, alongside 90% of the Academy students. It was an incredible gig. So much so that Maree and I walked away with an album. Great stuff. It follows that “Pog n Scroggin” type sound that is popular with the folky types in Dunedin, so I’m sure there will be heaps of NZers who would be keen for a NZ tour.
 
With the festival underway, and me lacking a great deal of sleep due the intensity of the Academy, we tap out after the show, and try to recharge for tomorrow. Who knows what that will bring.

​The last day was very chilled. Everyone was relatively slow to rise after last night. It was a well-deserved rest for us all.
 
We had a shared BBQ lunch, where a few parents of the Australian students attended. This was followed up with a graduation ceremony. All the tutors talked about the students and their involvement at the Academy. It was heart-warming to hear KB talk about me being a positive motivating element for our group, as this is an aspect of my character that I want to be remembered by throughout my life.
 
After the ceremony, most of us sat in the Theatrette to watch the performance from the night before. We got to just before my song, and then needed to make our way to Bicentennial Park for our Opening Ceremony sound check. Turns out it does rain in this town, as we were pelted before we hit the stage.
 
We went for a quick dinner at Hogs Breath down the road, and returned to a park to see large numbers of Country Music fans filling the venue. We hit the stage, and kicked the Tamworth Country Music Festival into gear. I had a little freak-out moment, as the guitar chord giving me the cue for me to sing the first lines acapella was muted. I took a punt, and hit the note. Wow … life is exciting living on the edge.
 
A few went into town afterwards to listen to some bands; however I cruised back to the accommodation to party with others at the Academy campus. We jammed on the guitars till the little hours of the morning. I know that there will be a few sore heads in the morning, but let’s face it … you can sleep when you’re dead.
 
I will miss seeing my new country music family, however I know that his won’t be the last time I see these talented souls. 

Right … let’s do this!
 
Our day started with a focus on that infamous finally that needed work the night before. After a few runs, I think we have it. The lyrics are sorted … the rhythms are being ironed out … people know their entries. It should be a great finish to the show.
 
The venue is sensational. I wasn’t expecting Wests League Club to be so huge. You could feel that the numbers were starting to heat up here, with bands performing in the main bar throughout the day, whilst we set our levels in the big showroom next door. I know that there are a few different events which are happening during the festival here, so I’ve picked up a festival membership for just $6. I always like being part of the team.
 
With just under a couple of hours before, everyone is making a real effort to pretty themselves up for the big event. I spent most of my time working on charts for the Aristocrat and CCMA National Talent Quests happening during the festival, so didn’t get too much time to beautify myself. It wasn’t really a big issue, as all I really needed to do was flick on jeans, a shirt, my cap, and some deodorant. 5 minute set up. No fake tan or artificial lashes required like the ladies.
 
As we enter the big room, there is a strong sense of anticipation. People are excited to showcase what they have been able to achieve during the Academy. It was sensational to see my dear friends Matthew McNeilly, and his lovely wife Amelia from Neillyrich. I haven’t had a laugh with both of them in so long since Matt made the move to Australia from New Zealand a couple of years ago.
 
SHOWTIME! Everyone nails it. Everyone hits the harmonies, lyrics, and much more to a 400+ audience. My version of “Like A Cowboy” was so well received, that heaps of people congratulated me out front during the intermission and after the show. I have to say that there are sampling too many people to thank for making the night as epic as it was. First and foremost to my family in TeamKB … your passion and drive made working towards this event an absolute breeze. To all the performers this year, you are all so talented, and I look forward to performing alongside every single one of you again. To the band, words can’t describe how much you mean to all of us. Please know that everyone appreciates all the hours of playing that you have done to support us with a wall of awesome sound. To everyone who helped put the show together (side stage, back stage, MCing, front of house, etc.), we couldn’t have put a show like this on without all your help. To all the visition tutors/speakers/co-writers/etc, your wealth of knowledge and experience has shaped us all. Lastly, to Lyn, Roger, and the very talented tutors, Cathy, Karl, KB and Simon … I know that everyone has loved the complete experience of the CMAA Academy Of Country Music, and will miss you dearly when we return to our home towns. I know that I will be making the effort to stay in contact with all of you, and return the favour to you in some way or other. We all love you to bits (said with a kiwi accent especially for Dobe).
 
After the show, Andrew, Sonic, and I cruised into The Albert … a bar in town with a jam night set up (thanks to Aleyce Simmonds). Unlike any other jam night I’ve been to, it seemed that everyone had their own bands to back them. WOW … there is so much musical talent in this place. I got asked to do a spot, and filled the floor with a couple of drinking anthems (With Or Without You, and Working Class Man). Andrew jumped on guitar with some lead, Simon Johnson (#TeamSimon) fattened the sound with some bass work, which was supported by a highly talented drummer (I think someone said his name was “Sticks”). Performing my high energy sounds in a room full of immense talent was incredibly special, and to be recognised, approached, and commended for your work by talented people in the industry.
 
Just one more day (and show) to go before I say goodbye to my CMAA family. I’m almost choking up just thinking about it.