An Americana star ‘stuck’ in Queenstown is helping raise funds for local young songwriters. 

Originally from Gore, Jackie Bristow began her musical career singing in her local choir and at Gore’s Golden Guitar awards. She now lives and works in Nashville, USA and has a string of critically-acclaimed albums to her name. 

Jackie will headline a Turn Up the Music Trust concert on 9th August (4pm – 6pm, Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall), with funds raised going towards the Trust’s song writing competition for young people in the Wakatipu region. 

Jackie returned to New Zealand earlier this year to tour the country but was unable to return to the USA due to Coronavirus restrictions. She’s decided to make the most of being happily ‘stuck’ at home by inspiring the next generation of musical talent. 

“I have done music my whole life – song writing was something I naturally ended up doing – but when I was young, it wasn’t really encouraged at school. We always sang other people’s songs, even when I got into country music. So, I think it is fantastic that they're now encouraging song writing in schools,” she says. 

“Music and song writing is an amazing outlet. It gets young people off their devices and gets them being creative and in touch with their feelings. If I’d had that encouragement and guidance at that age, I would have been elated to have that connection. 

“It’s so good to tune into that creativity, even if you don’t feel that calling to become a musician. And if you do have that calling, that help is invaluable.” 

Jackie will be joined by Queenstown music stalwart Mark Wilson, the Wakatipu High School Choir led by Margaret O’Hanlon and other young local musicians.

Fast Facts 

Turn Up the Music Presents Jackie Bristow and Friends

A fundraising concert for the Trust’s October song writing competition. 

Sunday 9th August 2020, 4pm – 6pm

Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall 

$25 for adults, $5 under 18s via Eventfinda: