By day he's a dedicated music teacher with Heritage Christian School, but by night he's the lead guitarist and singer in a bluesy band called Bulldog Blues.
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Leigh I'Anson says his upbringing was a home where church and music were always combined.
"I am just a long time music lover," he admitted.
"My mum is a piano teacher and got me involved in church and music while my dad taught me a bit of guitar when I was about aged 10," he said.
"I suppose it all came about from there.
"I've been involved in writing and performing at church for many years but I also enjoy playing with my mates in bands over the years."
Leigh's love and enjoyment of contemporary church music has taken him all over the state.
He has organised music for conferences, written several songs and worked on several albums.
After school Leigh a few mates got together to form a band and started playing original music. "We ended up going in different directions," he said.
"After that I went out as a solo performer and that lasted for about 10 to 15 years, around the Newcastle area."
After that I went out as a solo performer and that lasted for about 10 to 15 years, around the Newcastle area.
- Leigh I'Anson
That all changed after securing the teaching role at Heritage Christian School.
Wanting to concentrate fully on his new role, Leigh opted to put the performing side of things to one side.
"I just wanted to make sure I could do my job to the best I could," he added.
Now feeling more comfortable in his role, Leigh has started reconnecting with the local music scene.
"I joined Bulldog Blues this year and have also been doing some solo work as well.
"I basically play anything from 50s covers right through to the present. It could be anything from the Rolling Stones, to Bruce Springsteen to Stealers Wheel (Stuck In The Middle With You).
"I've played Port Macquarie Hotel, Beach House, Fork and Blade, Lake Cathie Bowling Club, as well as Wauchope markets and up in Coffs Harbour."
He says he is happy to play to the crowd too.
"I will normally look at the crowd and gauge their age and go with what I know from that era," he added.
Leigh will be playing at the Foreshore Markets on Saturday, November 10.
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