This young up and coming talented country music performer started yet another year off with a bang in the country music industry.

Tori Darke, 17 of Mt. Annan traveled to Tamworth for the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. Entering the three major Talent Quests held throughout the festival with entrants from all over Australia and New Zealand. Winning the “Mal Gardner Memorial Award” for “The Best Young Talent 14-17yrs” in the CCMA Talent Quest, also receiving the Junior Overall highest point score which had in excess of 120 entrants, awarding her a second Scholarship into the Camerata Junior College of County Music which is held in July each year. As Tori had already received a Scholarship through the St. Arnaud Country Music Club, the Scholarship will be passed onto another deserving young performer.

Camerata comprises 21 young artists considered by the industry to be the best in Australia and NZ. The aim is to ensure these young up and coming performers and their parents receive training and knowledge in all aspects of the country music genre.

Tori also received Runner Up in the “Aristocrat” Entertainer Of The Year, was a grand finalist in the Bundaberg Rum “Jazzer” Quest and placed 3rd in the Karaoke Idol Competition.

Being invited to perform at the Album Launch for Gina Timms along with Beccy Cole, Brianna Lee and Ryan Sampson, as well as performing on the JTM Rising Star Stage plus several other guest spots throughout Tamworth all helped make this festival the best ever for Tori. “The excitement has been “overwhelming” says Tori as she starts off another very exciting year in the country music industry. As well as 2 major sponsorships Tori acquired 8 bookings one of which is a guest appearance at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Busking outside the “Inland Café” in Peel Street throughout the festival was one of the main highlights as Tori performed for festival fans and patrons of the restaurant.

Tori’s list of achievements continue to grow, recently achieving the prestigious Australian Country Talent Seekers Quest (ACTS) held in Parkes as well as being the 2007 runner up in the NSW/ACT Nationals and Qld Champion of Champions Vocal for 2007.

Tori is looking forward to the challenges ahead this year and is determined to cement herself a place in Australian Country Music.
Each year the CCMA (Capital Country Music Association) offers a window of opportunities for up and coming talent throughout Australia and New Zealand to perform at these festivals.

For more information www.toridarke.com would love you to sign my guest book