Allegra Dunning is an 11-year-old singer-songwriter from The Blue Mountains. She has been awarded the 2019 Junior Folk Artist of 2019 from the NSW Folk Federation. Allegra performs a mix of rearranged covers and her originals. She writes songs about experiences, emotions and things we fear, with a distinctive Americana/ folk feel and a strange obsession with the 1950's! She performs with her trusty guitar yet is a multi-instrumentalist and plays Drums, Piano and Ukulele. Her Music will move you and leave you in awe as her music is wise beyond her years and her experience from many festivals and events shows with her stage presence. Allegra as a songwriter is the ultimate storyteller, that will take the audience on an emotional journey.
Allegra first ever Tamworth appearance filled the stage area and it was standing room only when she Performed at Tamworth at Regional Australian Bank Stage on Australia Day, January 26, at Noon. She was asked to sign Hats and was told by a Toyota Star Maker grand finalist 2019 performing after her, that she is the one to watch with a huge future Tamworth. One Audience member said to enter next years New Star Maker and he will be there to watch her win!
"Allegra Dunning is THE most talented young musician in the Blue Mountains - FULL STOP! Her near virtuosic grasp of songwriting and incredible musicianship is well beyond her years, however, her real skill is the ability to connect with an audience. She also has the knack to perform almost any genre of music and has experience on festival bills, at corporate functions and performs regularly in venues in the Blue Mountains and further afield. All I can say is - WATCH THIS SPACE because it’s only a matter of time before the rest of Australia discovers this future star!"
Chris Cannell, Music in the Mountains.
“Allegra Dunning possesses an authentic stage presence with vulnerability, coupled with an unlikely ability to be convincing considering she’s younger than the life experience she sings about. She can feel her way into each story she sings and nails it! Her originals allow her to shine even brighter, with a surprising maturity of musical skill.
Tough guys have been known to weep in her presence. Allegra has a promising future !” Meg Benson, Music Hunter
Reservations Essential:
The Winter Magic Festival is the highlight of the Katoomba calendar. As such, Aunty Jack's is going to be very busy on Saturday, June 22nd, so reservations are recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a meal. Each seating on Saturday, June 22nd, will be for a maximum of 2 hours. There will be limited spaces available for anyone looking to just have a drink and this will be on a first come, first served basis. Please call the team on (02) 4760 8837 to reserve a table now.
What is Aunty Jacks?:
The best-est and most kitschi-est slice of retro Australiana this side of Paul Hogan throwing a prawn on the barbie! Put on your best 'thongs' (those are flip-flops, or 'flimsy sandals' for our non 'occa' speaking friends) and head to Katoomba's best 'underground' restaurant and bar (it's not a secret, it's literally under the ground in a basement - we'd keep it a secret but that's bad for business). Forget small servings of deconstructed dishes that you saw last night on Masterchef (who wants a meal out that requires assembly anyway), think 'chips, bits and gravy', 'chicken parma bites', 'meat & 3 veg', or a 'zucchini burger' for those who choose to make friends with salad. Whilst the food might remind you of a time when your grandmother used to make you a spam sandwich before you went outside to run under a sprinkler (the smartest thing kids had to play with before iPhones), the bar is all about the best beer, wine and cider you can get your hands on today . . . but don't worry - beer comes in 'tinnies' so you’ll feel right at home. If that doesn't take the lamington, Aunty Jack's is home to the best cocktails (and mocktails) in the Mountains. Long story short, the food is tasty, the bar is 'fully stocked' bro, and it’s family friendly . . . and your Aunty is welcome (even if she has a moustache).
Where is Aunty Jack’s?:
122 Katoomba street, Katoomba. If you're driving and hit Echo Point, Skippy or the Milkybar kid - turn around and ask for directions . . . unless you're a man, in which case you continue driving until you’re ready to admit you're lost.
. . . Who is Aunty Jack?:
There’s an Aunty Jack in every family. She’s the one who never had kids of her own, but knew that family was more important than anything; who travelled far and wide but always called Australia home; who wasn’t afraid to break from tradition, making new ones of her own along the way; who was unconventional and unpredictable, but always loyal and dependable; who collected trinkets wherever she went, but knew memories were the best souvenirs; who was the keeper of all the family recipes and secret ingredients; There’s an Aunty Jack in every family.