After five decades of strumming and singing, the Northern Suburbs Country Music Club is still going country strong.
To mark this milestone, the club will host a 50th Golden Celebration on Saturday, 17 May at the Bald Hills Memorial Hall, during their regular monthly open social event.
Club president Jim Dionysius, a member since 1988, said the club had humble beginnings – founded in 1975 with only a handful of members, growing to over 100 in its heyday, and now boasts around 60 lovers of local, live country music.
“The 50th year of operation as a country music club is quite a milestone and quite an achievement with a couple of original members still active in the club,” Jim said.
“Many juniors have passed through the club to move onto bigger and better things.”
One such ‘junior’ was none other than country superstar Keith Urban, who got his start at the club before making it big.
A Legacy of Country Talent
According to Jim, the club’s greatest achievement was winning the Queensland Country Music Champion of Champions for several years in the club show category. Two members also earned Senior Champion awards.
“As president, my favourite memories would be around being part of the winning club show team at Champion of Champions and I guess winning the Senior Champion section at that event,” he said.
More recently, the club’s show team participated in the Redcliffe Country Music Club Festival, where they won the trophy for the best performing club.
The Northern Suburbs Country Music Club is inviting past members to join in the anniversary celebrations and hopes that many will also take to the stage. A special 50th anniversary cake is also set to be cut by a mystery guest.
Looking to the future, Jim encouraged anyone with an interest in country music – whether it’s singing, playing an instrument or just enjoying the tunes – to join the club’s weekly jam sessions, at St Faith’s Church Hall in Strathpine from 6pm to 9pm every Wednesday.
“We have friendly members able to help you as a singer or musician to get started or continue on your musical journey,” he said.
For more information, call Jim on 0401 078 087 or Rhondda on 0416 085 575.
North Suburbs Country Music Club 50th Golden Celebration
- Saturday, 17 May, 12pm
- Bald Hills Memorial Hall
- 2126 Gympie Road, Bald Hills
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