A taste of Country

February 2018 | David Claridge

BLACKSTONE HEIGHTS resident Nathan Talbot is a country music fanatic. Not only is he part of a local band, the Blackstone Dukes, but now along with his wife Meg, he is bringing upcoming country music artists to Tasmania to perform.

“Tin Cup Country (TTC) is essentially a little business that myself and the wife have started just through a love of country music,” Nathan explained.

“TTC was born out of the idea of bringing new country artists to Tasmania and giving them a place to play, where otherwise they would not have been able to come and perform.

“We bring down people that we are fans of. The first one was Fanny Lumsden last October, next is Kirsty Lee Akers (who has been nominated for Female Artist, Video and Australian Artist of the Year). We contact them, let them know our story, and ask if they are interested.

“We want to give the artists a chance to play for a crowd they normally wouldn’t get to play for.”

The events are being held at Saint John Craft Beer, out the back in the barrel room that holds about 100 people. It’s a boutique environment and ticket sales go towards getting the artists here.

“For now, we want to do 3-4 events a year. The idea is to grow to become an outside festival, but there is a long way to go yet. We would hope to invite back the artists that have performed for us already to all play at the one event,” Nathan said.

Kirsty Lee Akers will be performing at Saint John Craft Beer on 24th February, tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased from Saint John Craft Beer, directly from the Tin Cup Country Facebook page and F.A.B Espresso Bar at Prospect Vale Market Place.

Local talent Hannah Lawes as well as the Blackstone Dukes will also be performing.