KERRY Hodge has spent his entire life performing. Whether on stage or busking in the street, he lives and breathes country music.
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So he considered it his greatest honour when he heard he'd been nominated for an award at the Country Music Spectacular and Awards to be held in Dubbo from June 7-9.
Hodge, often seen busking in the streets of Bathurst, has been nominated for his contribution and dedication to country music in Australia.
He got word of his nomination from organiser, Mal Norton, a few weeks ago.
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Hodge has toured Australia over the years with some big entertainers including Dale Hooper and Lance Birrell. He performs for sick kids in hospital and his balancing acts while singing are among his most popular.
Over the years he has also used his busking to raise money for different charities. He said he was very happy to be nominated.
"I'm really excited about it. To have people nominate me for my contribution to country music, it's just fantastic," he said. "I've travelled around Australia performing for over 40 years, it's what I Iove doing."
Hodge enjoys meeting people while performing.
"I really just like singing to people," he said.
"I was performing in the street today and a lady came up and was talking to me. She has a few issues with mental health, she sat alongside me while I was singing and when she left she walked away happy.
"That's why I love singing."
I'm really excited ... to have people nominate me for my contribution.
- Kerry Hodge
Hodge has a few small performances before he goes to Dubbo for the awards on June 9.
"I'm at the Mad Season Cafe near Coles at 11am on Saturday morning if anyone wants to come down and have a listen," he said.
Organiser of the Dubbo Country Music Spectacular and Awards, Mal Norton, said around 80 awards would be announced over the weekend.
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