Hi folks,

We have had a few engagements since the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival in May and we are looking forward to once again having The Mountain Mist Band join us in 2026 should our application be successful. As a catch up here is what we have been doing since then.

In June we had a private gig entertaining the 60’s Up Convention held this year at the Distinction Hotel here in Whangarei.

July, October and December saw us performing for the Wednesday night crowd at the Kamo Club Dance Section. Always a good crowd to entertain and so enjoyable to watch them all dancing the night away. We will be back at the club on the 4th of March 2026 so come along for a great night of dancing.

July was a busy month for us as we were invited to attend the South Waikato Country Music Awards held in Putaruru on the 12th and 13th to perform as Guest Artists on the finals show and judge the awards. Thank you to convenor Leeanne Dunn and her committee for the invitation and for organizing a great awards weekend and congratulations to the Overall Winners that went on to compete at the NZCMA Entertainer of the Year Awards 2025 and to those that entered the awards.

July also saw us performing at the Whangarei Special Olympics Fundraiser Concert with Guest Artist Dennis Marsh MNZM held at the Kamo Club to raise funds for the team to attend the National Summer Games in Christchurch December 2025. We were also treated to an amazing performance by the Nga Toanga Atawhai Kapa Haka Group. A very successful afternoon that raised over $4000.00 for the team plus substantial contributions from the Freemasons Association of Whangarei.

During labour weekend Annette was lucky enough to attend the Coal Miners Daughter Show staring our good friend Amber Joy Poulton as Lorette Lynn and featuring Lizzie Moore as Patsy Cline and Denis Surmon as Conway Twitty and backed by The Holy Men. Annette also caught up with old friends in country music Anthony and Tracey Stewart members of The Sherrahs harmony group. Be sure to catch Amber Joy at the Marton Country Music Festival 16th – 18th January 2026.

In November I was invited to be a part of my old High School friend, Kevin Friedrich, 20th Anniversary Afternoon of Music with Kevin Friedrich and Friends “From Baylys To Broadway” concert held at the Lighthouse Museum in Dargaville. An amazing array of talented musicians and singers entertained a very appreciative audience with a variety of musical genres. So good to see so many familiar faces and to catch up with old friends that attended Dargaville High School in the ’70’s.

Filling out the year we performed as Guest Artists at the Whangarei Country Music Club for their Christmas Breakup. An enjoyable afternoon of country and Christmas music once again catching up with familiar faces and friends.

Our final 2 gigs for the year was entertaining the folks at the Palms Lifestyle Village for their Christmas Dinner evenings on Saturday and Sunday. Very enjoyable evenings sharing our music watching folk dance and sing along to our music. Thank you for your hospitality.

Thank you to everyone that has supported us during the year it is very much appreciated. There is nothing we enjoy more than seeing audiences enjoying the music we are playing.

We will see you all at the Wai Worri CMF 3rd and 4th of January 2026 to be held in Waipu. Really looking forward to 2026 and getting out and entertaining you all again.

Please have a Very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year and remember to Keep It Country.

Best wishes, Annette and Kim