The final curtain is drawing on a remarkable era for Barry Harley OAM, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Tamworth Country Music Festival into a phenomenon that resonates across the southern hemisphere. It all began back in 1973 when Barry was busy crafting displays for Myer, completely unaware that he would soon be at the helm of a music festival that would capture the hearts of many.
At that time, Barry wasn't particularly passionate about country music. "Good music is good music, so I have a lot of country music in my library," he explained, noting that much of his collection consisted of iconic sounds from the 60s and 70s—think The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. It was during his stint creating band posters for Tamworth's local radio station, 2TM, which played a crucial role in founding the festival, that he first dipped his toes into the world of country music.
Once he transitioned his marketing prowess from retail to the vibrant atmosphere of live music, Barry found himself captivated by the community surrounding the country music scene. "I developed a deep appreciation for the country music family—not just because of the music, but due to the incredible individuals behind it," he shared, emphasizing the friendships that blossomed along the way.
These strong connections motivated him to remain involved, and by 2015, he had taken on the role of coordinator. Now, as he prepares to step back after overseeing 54 festivals, he can't fathom life without the rhythms and melodies of country music. "This job has encompassed my work, social life, hobby, and even my sport all rolled into one," he remarked. "Conceiving the idea of it all coming to an end on a single day feels like a monumental task that I haven't fully processed yet."
Reflecting on the festival's humble beginnings, Barry recalled how the streets of Tamworth were nearly deserted during that inaugural event in 1973. "You could have fired a cannon down Peel Street and not hit anyone," he joked, acknowledging that the festival didn't start off with great success. However, the partnership between 2TM and the Country Capital Music Association’s talent search led to the creation of the Golden Guitar Awards, igniting a spark that would transform the festival.
"In no time, the town hall where the awards took place saw its audience swell from a few hundred to a thousand attendees," he said, highlighting how quickly the event gained traction. Today, it proudly stands as the largest country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year who flock to enjoy performances from 700 artists across 80 venues.
Mr. Harley noted that the festival's evolution mirrored the changing landscape of country music itself. "The transformation within the genre has been essential in keeping the Tamworth festival thriving for over five decades," he stated. "No drastic changes were necessary to draw in new audiences; instead, the music has evolved in ways that broaden its appeal."
The camaraderie Barry fostered among artists made it impossible for him to single out any one favorite musician. "Artists like Troy Cassar-Daley are genuine and relatable, while newcomers like Max Jackson, who won Star-Maker, and Wade Forster, who continuously impresses, showcase the incredible variety within the scene," he noted.
Max Jackson, a country musician hailing from Coonamble, expressed her disbelief at Barry's decision to step back from his coordinating duties. Now serving as the festival ambassador, she credited much of her success to Barry's inclusive vision, stating, "His consideration for everyone—from the buskers to those receiving their first guitar—ensures that opportunities are available for all. It highlights their significance in this community. I look forward to sharing a drink with Barry at a show now that he won't be working!"
As a third-generation musician from Tamworth, Ashleigh Dallas reflected on the support her family received from Barry throughout the years. "I’ve watched his children grow up too, so our relationship is deep-rooted, and it won’t change just because his title is shifting," she shared. "My hope is that he enjoys quality time with his family and indulges in his personal passions, while still being connected to the shows through his family's name."
Although Barry Harley's primary role as the festival coordinator is concluding, he intends to continue contributing in an advisory capacity for future events. Joel Ulbricht is set to take over next year, and Barry is already collaborating with stakeholders and learning from his extensive experience.
Barry humbly concluded that his career isn’t about leaving behind a legacy. "What we see today, 54 years later, is the culmination of countless hours and efforts from hundreds of dedicated individuals who have contributed to where the festival stands now," he remarked.
