Bay a walk in the park

Jane Emerick
PERFORMING for thousands is a walk in the park compared to fulltime busking, says modernday soul man Juzzie Smith.
Juzzie will join headliners Paul Kelly and The Hoodoo Gurus at Apollo Bay Music Festival this weekend before heading to Torquay’s The Rose on April 24.
The oneman band says his background in busking has given him a strong sense of musicianship and prepared him for bigger shows.
“When you’re busking you have to draw 300 to 400 people and keep them at your show,” Juzzie laughs.
“When you step onto the stage at something like the Apollo Bay Music Festival the crowd is just waiting for you. It’s phenomenal.”
Juzzie says hearing the other bands play and getting inspiration from performances was one of the best things about playing at festivals.
“I’m expecting good music and good people,” he says.
“Watching other acts is one of the best things about festivals,” he says.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with Ash Grunwald. He’s multitalented and I always enjoy watching him play.”
Juzzie will arrive at Apollo Bay after touring the east coast with his partner and two children.
He says touring is challenging at times, but with his family is mostly “magical”.
“Sometimes it can be hard with lots of driving and the kids are falling asleep.
“When I have time off, it’s great.
“Today I’m going surfing so that is really great.
“Australia is a big country and this is a good way for the kids to see it.”
Touring with his family started after the birth of Juzzie’s first child.
Sick of late night gigs in smokey pubs, he left his band, bought an old school bus and began touring with his family to perform solo.
He just released his third album, Happy Daze and Triple J has picked up his music.
Juzzie says he’s never looked back from his solo career.
“I’ve received so much positive feedback. I have the opportunity to play with great musicians like John Butler,” he says.
“Playing with someone and making good music is like having a good conversation.
“Seeing people singing your lyrics and dancing to your songs is just unbelievable.”