The guitar sensation who won the Prime TV program Australia’s Got Talent last week will be among the artists performing at the Wingham Akoostik Music Festival this October.
Sixteen-year-old Smokin’ Joe Robinson from Temagog, near Kempsey, accepted an invitation to perform at the festival last month, before he shot to prominence thanks to the high-rating talent quest.
Akoostik Festival Committee members Kevin and Donna Ballard discovered the talented youngster earlier this year when he performed at the Byron Bay Blues Festival.
He was approached to perform at the festival and he jumped at the chance.
The self-taught guitarist (pictured) took the top prize of a quarter of a million dollars after being voted audience favourite on the show which aired Tuesday, July 1.
Smokin’ Joe first picked up a guitar at the age of 10 and he immediately fell in love with the instrument.
Seven Network’s website reports that, in year 10, Joe woke at 4am everyday to practice guitar until he had to catch the school bus at 7.30am.
He would sleep on the bus for an hour, practice guitar again at recess and lunchtimes and then again for three or four hours after school.
Joe knew something had to give if he was truly going to follow his passion, so over 12 months ago he quit school to concentrate on his guitar playing full time.
“My friends are passionate about different things in their lives too – footy, swimming – but I was always kind of the odd one out as I just loved guitar so, so much,” Joe told the website.
“I didn’t go out with my mates on weekends as I was busy playing gigs or travelling to watch gigs – 100 per cent committed to learning more.”
The Wingham Akoostik Music Festival will return to Central Park, Wingham, for two days of live performances, music workshops and market stalls on October 18 and 19.
With a little over three months until the festival begins, the Wingham Akoostik Music Festival Committee is looking to local businesses to support the event.
Sponsorship of the festival provides a unique opportunity to support a cultural event that reflects positively on the Manning Valley.
If you would like more information about sponsorship and how your business can benefit, phone 0477 771 736.