By Luke Voogt
Geelong’s newest busking sensation Star Lawson was just 18-months-old when she climbed onto her dad’s lap to have a jam on the drums
The Torquay 11-year-old’s percussion skills impressed the judges of Geelong’s Best Kid Busker as she sang while playing a drum box and tambourine.
“I was very proud of myself and a little bit overwhelmed,” Star said on Tuesday, after winning the comp last month.
Star regularly combines drumming and singing in her school band.
“I practice them separately first,” she said.
“Once I’m comfortable with the beats I’ll start with the singing.”
She encouraged other youngsters to have a go at the comp, despite feeling quite nervous before performing herself.
“Once you’re up there on stage you’ll work your way through (the nerves) and have a great time,” she said.
She had not expected to win against the other two finalists, she admitted.
“There was lots of good competition out there and they did really well.”
Her proud dad Alistair was similarly impressed by standard of performing in the final.
“I thought it was quite hard to pick, even if I was going for my daughter,’ he said.
“Star was a real busker because she got the crowd going and really involved them in what she was doing.
“She was getting the crowd to clap and she didn’t have any backing music.”
Alistair remembered Star as a baby wandering into the garage to sit on his lap as he practiced drumming.
The earmuff-clad tot would sometimes grab the drumsticks and start “jamming” herself, he said.
About 1500 people watched Geelong’s Best Kid Busker in Little Malop St over three days, according to organiser Steve Thew.
“Mums, kids and dogs – they all had a great time,” he said.
Steve praised Star and the other entrants of the competition.
“She was just outstanding. She’s a great little trooper.”
