An extract from the Port Augusta & District’s Country Music Club Sept/Oct Newsletter
“This is your life John Sharp, Vice President Pt Augusta & Districts Country Music Club / Sharpe's Music.
John has been playing in numerous bands over the years and It could be said that music is Johns passion, he says “I simply love playing music with others”, John has been involved in Jazz, Cabaret (Encore, Delta, Melodians). Port Augusta Brass Band (Trombone), Trad Jazz bands (Guitar, Vocal), Swing band (Gateway swing band) bass guitar and Piano. Country/ Folk bands (Eyre) Shenanigans band, Bush bands etc, to name a few.
John has also been involved with the Port Augusta and Districts Country Music Club on and off for the last 13 years, he currently holds the Vice President position and states he has enjoyed being involved with the clubs committee which strongly promotes young musicians and supports them performing in the area.
“I enjoy passing my knowledge and experience on to others”, therefore after leaving the Australian National Railways back in 1991, John decided to open a Music shop in Port Augusta.
This move helped John to up skill his business expertise, & repairs of equipment, recording, hiring of equipment (musical) and many other facets of the music industry, a spin off was to get involved in workshops for young people and not so young people interested in learning this exquisite craft called music, which means different things to different people yet has a unilateral understanding worldwide. In turn launching Eyre 2005 CD.
Given the above it has also given John the opportunity to learn the Mandolin and Banjo which are instruments that not many people play. John has also been writing songs and instrumentals, & thinks the Eyre- Caroona bands which he was part of in 2003-2007 & was definitely one of the highlights of his career, whereby they won the open group section 4 years in a row, Wow well done John.
Music to me is life. It is great for the soul, and incorporates brain over finger memory which is better than playing poker machines. In other words it gives you something to do when you have nothing to do.
At the moment John is involved with a project called 100 years of Music in Port Augusta, which will be shown next year. John is looking forward to being part of this event which will bring back some of the people he played with over the years, and reminds people of the part music has played in our lives over the past 100 years. We have in this town and surrounding areas some great up and coming musically talented people which the Country Music Club endeavours to support by giving them the opportunity to perform and be supported. The main thing we need to do is pass the word around that any genre/style of music is welcomed not just country. The Cabaret nights usually followed the next day by a walk up show are a great community organized event, which provide an opportunity for people to socialize and enjoy music.”
By Marie Hodson, Publicity Officer, Joint Entertainment Officer.
On Sat, Nov 3, 2007 John Sharp was awarded the SACCM Industry Award
For contact information check here.
