Country music club to celebrate anniversary

THE Ballina Country Music Club will mark its 18th anniversary with a full day of live music at the Ballina RSL Club on Sunday, June 1.

The six-hour show will run from 10am to 4pm and feature a mix of guest singers and walk-up performers backed by a live band. Headlining the event is featured guest artist Lyn Jerrett, originally from Ballina and now based in Tamworth.

Ann, Bill and the 2Js are also on the bill.

Formed in 2007, the club aims to support local musicians by providing a professional stage, sound system and backing band. Its free monthly shows regularly attract up to 200 people and feature as many as 20 walk-up artists.

“We usually get a wide variety of artists and all of them are very good quality,” club president Bob Bolewski said.

“In the last 10 years we’ve gone from strength to strength, we don’t charge anyone and it’s a full day of entertainment.

“We have a loyal supporter base, and we’ve picked up some new faces over the last few years, too.

“All the walk-ups need to do is to bring a couple of copies of their music that the band can play along with.”

Performances range from traditional country to pop, rock, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, folk and ballads. Walk-up artists are given three songs each, while showcase artists have 30-minute sets.

Music days are held on the first Sunday of each month, and the club relies on support from raffles and lucky door prizes to keep the events going.

“We try and support as many locals as we can,” Mr Bolewski said.

“Last time we had the Paradise Pluckers ukulele group play while the band was having lunch.”