CATHERINE Britt has always been a source of pride for Novocastrians. She's our girl. Newcastle's queen of country.
Even people who've never met her or who don't enjoy country music have ridden the highs and lows of her career.
We've watched her as a Kahibah 14-year-old kick-start her career with the country hit, That Don't Bother Me, co-written with Kasey Chambers. By 16 she was receiving worldwide attention after Sir Elton John gushed over her album Dusty Smiles and Heartbreak Cures.
Newcastle viewed her from afar as Britt moved to Nashville at 17 and continued to build her career in the country music mecca as one of Australia's best emerging talents.
Equally the city's heart broke when Britt was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 aged 30 and underwent chemotherapy and surgery. But it filled us with pride as Britt spoke publicly of her battle and helped raise awareness, before eventually beating the disease.
Throughout it all Britt has maintained her relatable, genuine and no bullshit personality. It was on show again on Wednesday night as Britt kicked off her Home Truths album preview tour at Lizotte's.
The 35-year-old mother of two was in stunning form vocally as she led the crowd on a chronological journey through her career, starting with Hillbilly Pickin' Ramblin Girl and Swinging Door and stopping constantly to give the audience insights into her story.
Several of Britt's enthusiastic brothers in the audience ensured a buoyant atmosphere, and another brother, Adam, was on stage playing bass in her band for just the second time.
Adam's t-shirt and shorts stage attire was out of sync with the rest of the country-styled band, but as Catherine explained, he comes from a heavy metal background.
"I didn't tell the rest of the band he was my brother because I was worried he might suck," Britt joked.
Britt then proceeded to perform I'm Your Biggest Fan, off her 2012 album Always Enough Said, which was written about how Adam became a father as a teenager.
Boneshaker was a highlight as Britt cast aside the acoustic guitar momentarily to deliver a bluesy rendition of one of her rockiest tracks.
The purpose of the tour was to preview songs from her forthcoming album Home Truths, which will be released independently on January 15.
Britt performed five tracks from the new album, including the first single I Am A Country Song which was well received, and four unreleased tunes.
One was a duet with good friend Natalie Henry, written about Henry's relationship with her mother. It'll likely become a tear-jerker of future sets.
Another, Fav'rit Song, referenced Knights playing the Sharks. You can't get more Novocastrian than that.
While Gonna Be A Mumma Today detailed the realities of Britt's life since she welcomed the birth of her first son Hank in 2017.
Musically the new material steers towards a more traditional Australian hillbilly country sound, which initially brought Britt success back in the early 2000s.
Britt's popular tracks F U Cancer and That Don't Bother Me brought us to the encore.
When artists flog their merchandise it's always an awkward moment at any gig. More so for the artist.
The newly-independent Britt embraced the awkwardness by actually performing a comedy song advertising her merchandise so she could "feed her kids", all the while Henry danced among the audience with items for sale.
However, the biggest selling point of the night was Britt's voice. It's matured from her early days and subsequently has developed greater character.
Newcastle has watched Britt with pride for 20 years. You suspect we'll be watching for 20 more.
