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Ryleigh James Bennetts

Having been born into a family of music professionals, it is not surprising that Ryleigh has been inspired to forge a career in the music industry. His father was the drummer with popular 1980′s band Eurogliders and music producer, while his mother Elizabeth Lord was with Wa Wa Nee, performed in musicals, a Sydney session singer and actress and continues to be in demand as a singer on cruises and at clubs around Australia.

After completing his HSC in Murwillumbah High, Ryleigh undertook a Certificate in Hospitality Kitchen Operations and Barista training. He tried his hand at a variety of jobs including hospitality and bush regeneration, before deciding to venture down to the big smoke to learn and join his dad’s business, Pop Idol Parties.

In addition to choosing music and drama as his HSC electives, Ryleigh focused on drama as an extra-curricular. In 2001, as a member of the Murwillumbah Theatre Company, he performed in Fossils by Australian playwright, Aston Manuel and played a snake charmer in the end of year pantomime Aladdin and the Cave of Terrors. Encouraged by his father, Ryleigh also began recording his own CDs, sometimes even writing and recording his own songs.

As a volunteer at Queensland’s famed, Woodford Folk Festival in 2007/08, Ryleigh got the opportunity to play Dragon Boy in the children’s Clownsville area. Working as a “liftie” as Australia’s family friendly ski fields, Mt Selwyn, in 2007 also gave Ryleigh plenty of experience assisting kids.

Ryleigh’s natural affinity with kids however, started at home where he has two younger siblings, a sister Lara and little brother, Jesse.

Since joining Pop Idol Parties in 2008, Ryleigh has been assisting with all aspects of the business, from creating colourful artwork for the CD covers to conducting party recording and photo sessions and learning the fine art of mixing music and post production.

When the opportunity arises, Ryleigh also enjoys doing “extras” work and has appeared in Home & Away, Out of the Blue and Underbelly: a tale of two cities.
His hobbies include surf lifesaving, going to the gym, concerts and camping.