When it comes to country music two up and coming Illawarra performers have struck a chord with industry leaders out Tamworth way.
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Figtree’s Grace Gladwin Paffett, 10 and Shalani Thomas, 13 from Woonona are two of only 20 young musicians to be selected into the Junior Academy of Country Music in Tamworth in July. Both are members of the South Coast Country Music Association (SCCMA) and credit it with helping them develop their performance skills. The girls, who sing, learn guitar and write songs are regular visitors to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, with Shalani successfully entering the national talent quest.
“I love country music,” Shalani said. “I’ve been singing since I was two, started learning the guitar when I was eight and I’ve written three songs. I hope I’ll learn more about songwriting at the academy and collaborate with other musicians.” Grace will be the youngest musician to attend the academy. “I’m really excited,” Grace said. “Hopefully I’ll learn more about the guitar as well as songwriting.”
SCCMA will hold a fundraiser on June 18 for the girls.