Spotlight on a rising star

MACKAY schoolgirl Brittany-Elise Johansen will perform alongside country music star Lee Kernaghan at the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival on Friday.

MACKAY schoolgirl Brittany-Elise Johansen will perform alongside country music star Lee Kernaghan at the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival on Friday.

It’s the third time the up-and-coming musician has been invited to perform with Mr Kernaghan, but that hasn’t lessened her excitement at the prospect.

“It’s such an honour,” Ms Johansen said.

“He always loves giving people a chance, especially young people.

“He gives us help on how to get into the music world.”

The 15-year-old, who is about to begin Year 11 at St Patrick’s College, said she would perform on stage with the country music icon in Toyota’s Concert for Rural Australia.

A host of other musicians will also perform at the free concert, which will be held at Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park from 5pm.

Ms Johansen said Guy Sebastian, Gina Jeffreys and The McClymonts were included in the concert’s line-up.

“I’ll be singing alongside lots of top artists,” she said.

It’s the perfect stepping stone for Ms Johansen, who hopes to reach stardom herself.

“I hope to one day win a Golden Guitar,” she said.

“I’m writing songs at the moment and I’d like to keep writing.”

Ms Johansen said she was working to produce a CD, with a mix of original songs and covers, in six months.

However, she said she still had time for many other interests.

“I’ve been to the Australian titles for futsal (indoor soccer) and to the state titles for hockey.”

Ms Johansen said she also played touch football and competed in athletics.

And while she’s better known for playing the guitar and singing, she also plays the piano.

“I was the college captain at Mercy (College).”

In past years Toyota’s Concert for Rural Australia has donated thousands of dollars to not-for-profit organisations, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the KIDS Foundation.

This year, funds raised will assist Aussie Helpers, which provides important resources to those affected by adverse situations such as droughts, bush fires and floods in rural areas.

Originally published as Spotlight on a rising star