Hi Folks
Besides our trip to America we have been busy doing other things since our last newsletter update. On the 2oth of July I was in Te Awamutu for Val and Ray Thurgoods charity concert raising funds for prostate cancer. What a great show it was with a variety of artists keeping an enthusiastic audience entertained. Thank you to John King the M.D. for allowing me to play in the band when they found out they would be short a rhythm guitarist. Thank you also to Val and Ray for inviting me to perform. We look forward to being a part of any future concerts you will be running.
On the 10th of August we travelled to New Plymouth to perform for the Merrilands Country Music Club. We flew from Whangarei to New Plymouth on the Saturday morning. Well, we eventually did after the cloud cover had lifted enough from Whangarei airport and they decided that they could take off. We arrived a little later than expected but all was good. Angela met us at the airport and delivered us to the Westend Bowling Club where David Nepia had set up the sound system for us and helped out with the sound check, very professional the whole set up, thanks David. Angela then took us around to Judith’s home where we would be staying. Judith was busy organizing the most amazing roast dinner for us and a few friends before our gig started. Once fed and water we were off to the venue. What a great night we had and a great weekend as well. Thank you to everyone that came along to support us. We look forward to returning sometime in the near future. Thank you to Angela, David, Judith and the committee for all your help and for a great weekend.
The 16th of August, for those that don’t know, is the anniversary of Elvis’ death and we were booked to play at the Whangarei RSA. We could not let the evening go by without a small tribute to the King. It was an awesome night and great to see lots of people joining in on the Elvis theme especially Bill and Francis in their jumpsuits and Chris in his best Elvis getup. Look out for the photos on our website.
Following our trip to America we were off to Morrinsville on the 20th of July for the Morrinsville Country Music Clubs’ 2013 Spectacular. We were one of a number of guest artists performing on the show with special guest and m.c. Suzanne Lynch from The Chicks fame in the 60’s and 70’s. It was a fantastic show to be a part of and featured a wide variety of country talent. This included, The Heartley’s from the South Island, a talented duo who are having great success in Australia, Craig Robertson, an amazing songwriter and also my cousin who has been on the Australasian country circuit for many years, Hayley and Ryan, a brother and sister act, and Chris Holmes who has a classic country voice both these acts have a great future in country music, Peter Williamson provided a touch of traditional country and Dan Cosgrove showed why he is going to be one of New Zealand’s top country guitarists.
The Johnny’s are an all female Johnny Cash tribute band and provided great entertainment once you see them you will not forget them. The backing band for the show was Bacchus with musical direction from Renny Hantler. What an awesome band to perform with. So professional and very tight, thanks guys. Once again backing vocals were provided by two talented lady’s that we always look forward to working with Sharon McIntyre and Rose Marie Hack. Congratulations to Marilyn and her team for two great shows that were both sold out. Thank you for inviting us to perform, we had a blast, and thank you to everyone that supported the shows.
That’s all the catching up to do folks. October sees us off to Rotorua for the NZCMA Entertainer of the Year Awards. We will let you know how that went next time. Until then take care and keep it country.
Best Wishes
Annette and Kim