Residents were going about their business as usual in the morning, butwhen the town clock chimed 12, everything changed.
The unmistakable twang of country music claimed the air as musicians of all ages vied for the public's attention and a place in today's busking finals.
A small boy with a big grin, almost dwarfed by a glossy black guitar, soon had a small crowd about him.
Decked in matching denim, cowboy boots and hat, bandanna, and scarf jauntily tucked about his neck, Jayden Jesudhass (8), of Dunedin, is no stranger to busking. He often plays around the city, and began busking at the Otago Farmers Market.
Jayden offers a cheeky grin and a confidence that far exceeds his age as he strums his guitar and begins to play. His mother, Lien Jesudhass, said Jayden was born with a good voice and a love of music.
''He really enjoys busking; he busks the streets of Dunedin and when he comes home, he's still singing.''
He began to play guitar when he was 5, and is learning seven other instruments - bass, flute, piano, drums, saxophone, ukulele and violin.
The awards continue today with auditions and the junior final tonight, followed by the senior finals tomorrow evening.
