Hi Folks
Well, here we are at the beginning of another Decade. We are now 20 years into the 21st Century everyone and the Sun is still rising in the East and country music is alive and kicking in the West. And to that end on the 7th of February we headed off to New Plymouth to be a part of the Egmont Country Music Festival run by Lynn Putt and her team of volunteers. It is such a nice trip down the West coast of North Island New Zealand always something to look forward to. We arrived Friday evening to be welcomed by our lovely host, Noeline Western, who had graciously opened her home to us for the weekend and which had fantastic views out over the Tasman Sea. Also staying with us was the very talented fiddle player Marian Burns and her husband Phil. It was soooo great to catch up with them both again. Marian has performed quite a bit on our Albums over the years which we are very grateful for. She is an amazing Lady and a real hoot to boot. And Phil has some very interesting life stories to tell as well if you are ever lucky enough to share his company. We just had time to cart our bags into the house a quick cuppa and head down to the venue to catch Noeline’s brother, Hank, performing with his duo partner Owen on the Friday night show. A great start to the weekend with the Motor-homers parked up and ready to enjoy the awesome talent on display. The convenor even had time during the weekend to share a song or two with the very appreciative audience. Awesome one Lynn.
Saturday we were at the venue around 10:30am for the start of the day’s entertainment and to catch up with many of our friends. An enjoyable day with the weather even playing its part with just a bit of wind whistling through, maybe call it a slight Zephyr. The Saturday Night Show saw the likes of Keinan Ngapo, Luana Karl, Sophie Toyne, Sean Pawson, Dave Ewart Jr, Kylie Austin, Annette & Kim, Marian Burns and Dennis Marsh taking to the stage to Wow the crowd before the main act, New Zealand’s very own John Denver, Bevan Gardner finished the night off in roaring fashion. Well worth the entrance fee I thought. Once again well done Lynn and team. Big big thank you to the bands that backed the singers during the festival. Hired Gunz, Derek, Robert, Lance and Gary. Derek also performing with his lovely wife Lyn Evans during the festival. The Merrilands Country Music Club band with Pedal Steel player Joe Martin sitting in. Steel players are becoming few and far between so it’s nice to hear that traditional sound played well in our backing bands and to all those that shared their talents during the weekend, thank you so much.
As I mentioned we had the chance to catch up with many of our friends that we sometimes only see once or twice a year at shows or festivals around the country. These include Lloyd and Nancy Muller, Leeanne Dunn, Angela Edwards, Bev Gardiner, Derek and Lyn Evans, Robert and Pam Antonio, Pam Austin, Kylie and Jackson Austin, Sean Pawson, Keinan Ngapo and we can’t forget God, our dear friend Anne George great to see you all again.
Sunday morning we were up early ready for the long trip home after saying our goodbyes. Maybe we might have to start flying to festivals. Would give us more time for singing for sure. Will think on that one.
Speaking of flying to festivals. Not long now and we will be in Dunedin for the Silverpeaks Country Music Club Hoe Down weekend 20th to 22nd March at the Taieri Bowling Club. Hope you all have your tickets. Looks like it’s going to be an awesome weekend. Looking forward to seeing you there.
That’s about all for now folks. Take care and remember to keep it country.
Best wishes
Annette and Kim
