Hi Folks
Welcome to 2018. We would just like to mention the last few gigs we did in 2017 before we move on to the new year. During Labour weekend we ventured down to Rotorua to entertain at the National Street Rod Association Nationals. The event was held at the Ngongataha Bowling Club and adjoining Domain. Over One Hundred and Fifty Hot Rods and Vintage vehicles turned up for the weekend. We were performing on Sunday afternoon and although many of those that had been participating during the weekend were a little leg weary it didn’t stop them from cutting a few moves on the dance floor. The them was country and along with the usual Cowboys and Indians there were an assortment of farm yard animal costumes out in force. Everyone had a great evening and we certainly enjoyed entertaining them and being entertained by them. We look forward to the next one maybe.
In December we once again celebrated with the Kamo Club Dance Section at their Christmas break up. We had on our Christmas garb and even a red nose to brighten up the evening. Another great night with everyone joining in the festive spirit. Then just before Christmas we played our last gig of the year at the Whangarei RSA. A good crowd turned out for this night with a lot of new faces in for the evening’s entertainment as well. They danced the night away in good spirits. We will be back at both these venues in the New Year.
Which now brings us to 2018. Happy New Year everyone we hope you all have had a safe and enjoyable festive season. We have already performed at two events this year. The first was a return to the Wai Worri Country Music Festival held at Phil Godfrey’s property at Aranga. This was our first time back for a few years. The weather was a bit dicey during the week with the area being hit hard on the Friday before the festival. The decision was made to move the event in doors to Phil’s wool shed to get everyone out of the weather. A large number of Mobile Homes arrived for the weekend and with the drive up’s included there was a good sized crowd for the weekends entertainment. Which apart from ourselves featured festival organizer Carlene Still, NZ Country Music stalwart Reg McTaggert and well known Northland country music identity Jim Wallace snr backed by the festival band Ray, Bruce, Ted and John. John also joining his regular band “The Tradesmen” to entertain for the Saturday night Hoedown. Both bands also supported the walk up artists for the weekend and did a fantastic job.
The following weekend we were invited to be on Ray and Val Thurgoods Charity Concert in Te Awamutu. It was our first performance in Te Awamutu since 2014. Around 350 – 400 people came out to listen to a variety of acts put together by Ray to raise funds for the Bible Chapel. We were joined by Kay Tappin, Nancy Muller, Trevor Stevens, Merv McInteer, Grae Addison, Ron Samson and young Jade a very talented young lady that will be a great addition to New Zealand country music should she choose to continue. We wish her all the best. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. It was great to see so many familiar faces and to catch up with old friends again. It was also nice to catch up with my relations Peter and Rae Mutch and Sheryl Adams again.
Unfortunately we have already had one disappointment in 2018 and that is not being able to join Allan and Maureen Webster on Norfolk Island for the “Count Us In” musical tour but as you are all aware circumstances were out of our control. We know Allan and Maureen and their tour group are going to have a fantastic week. We have so many great friends on the island that we have met over the years of touring who are more than willing to assist them during the week. Thank you Tara and Chrissy at The Travel Centre, Terence ( we miss you as well) and the team at the RSL, Louci for helping out with the gospel concert details, Desleigh for just being you thank you and all the artists that will be entertaining Allan and Maureen’s group during the week and giving their time freely. We appreciate your help very much and really do wish we were there.
We are also looking forward to working with our band again this year “The Mountain Mist Band”. It has been a while since we have played together and we hope to be with them at the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival in May with some new songs and a new sound.
We will be one of the acts performing for the Mobile Home Convention to be held at Barge Park at Easter. So if you are a Mobile Homer make sure you have registered.
We will also be returning to the Barham Country Stampede in July, the Lockington Country Music Festival at the beginning of August and will be doing a guest spot at Pleasant Sunday Country Music club at The Sphinx Hotel in North Geelong on the 5th of August all of these in Victoria Australia. We will also be doing a small tour of the Victoria area performing Morning Melodies with our good friends Allan and Maureen Webster and Bidge Boyd as we make our way up to Adelaide, South Australia, to do another guest spot at the Southern Country Music Club on the 12th of August. It is going to be a busy and exciting year.
Keep a look out on our web site “Show” page for upcoming gigs and also on our facebook page which Annette does a sterling job of keeping up to date on where we will be performing next.
Once again have a great 2018 everyone and we will catch up with you all somewhere sometime during the year and remember to keep it country.
Best wishes
Annette and Kim
