Macksville Country Music Muster Leigh Warren wins the Walkups
We arrived on Sunday February 16th which is the night before the Macksville Country Music Muster starts. What a trip it was as we left straight after RSL Sub Branch GM & AGM, although a rush it was nice to get there as we could get set up and relax before rush in the morning of the others arriving.
I had been there in 2024 and made a promise that I would enter the Walk-Ups to both my mate and entertainer Drew Blundell, and Vanessa Sanger – and they remembered, so that was that I had too.
Well I did my normal thing of when there was nothing playing or happening I would practice/play and it was nice that people would come along and listen, even bringing along their chairs and a wine or two.
And the walk ups… they were held on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in both the morning and afternoon, which kept us busy actually.
I don’t normally do walk ups, but I promised and it was actually a bit nerve racking as you are competing against 20 plus other people (see photo) and working with a band you don’t know, and they don’t know you or how you play. But I won and my prize…
Playing on the main stage in 2026 as a Main Stage Artist – happy days and yes I am wrapped…
Oh, and actually I had a great week, meeting people/artists listening to other acts and I really can’t wait until 2026 – do yourself a favour and go, its worth it!
Ok so a bit of credit… 1st photo is Ash Donovan on the sound; he was fantastic and the next is the backup band for the walk ups they did a great job considering they had to follow the walk up artist and keep it in time even if they were unsure of the song…
As I said I was wrapt to win the walk ups as I get to work with the dream backing band next year.
The caliber of the backing band is incredible, artists such as Pixie Jenkins (great catching up with him) on fiddle, Michel Rose on Pedal Steel. Michael Green and the list goes on – wow talk about a dream band!
Anyway one last photo which is of everyone waving goodbye and Pixie being pixie.
Anyway I have rambled on for too long, hey if you see me out on the road say gday or hit me up on UHF Channel 40
Till next time, take care, yours in country music – Leigh
