Hi Folks
As I said in February’s newsletter after returning from our Australia trip we were straight back into it. We flew in to Auckland on the 2nd of March at approximately 6:30pm and once we had collected the car from Heartlands Hotel we headed for Whangarei. On Wednesday the 4th of March we were celebrating Kamo Clubs Dance Sections 15th Birthday. A good crowd had turned out to enjoy the evening and dance the night away. We look forward to entertaining these guys for another 15 years. The following Sunday we caught up with The Mountain Mist Band for the day to go over some new material and refresh our existing songs ready for the Bay of Islands festival in May. We had an awesome practice and are looking forward to bringing you all some new songs with this great band.
F
rom the 12th until the 15th of April we were guests of Mike Butterworth and the Opotiki Charity Trust at the 20th Annual Charity Country Music Concert raising funds for local charity’s such as St John and the Volunteer Coastguard. Mike had assembled a great line up of singers which included some young up and coming entertainers along with some legends of New Zealand country music such as the ever popular John Grenell and the consummate showman Dennis August supported by Annette and Kim. All were backed by the Opotikicountry Show Band with B.V.’s by Sharon MacIntyre and Ali Blue. The three shows were ably M.Ced by New Zealand country music’s very own Kylie Austin and local radio personality L J Dobbin. The audiences were treated to three exceptional concerts and it was nice to see some familiar faces from the country music scene also there. We had an awesome weekend and managed to find some great bargains in the local shops as well. It was great to catch up with old country music friends Bob and Rangi Katipa, Dennis August and Gaylene Brennan, Kevin and Kay Tappin, Graeme and Sharon MacIntyre, Merv and Ali Blue and Shaun and Donna to name just a few. Thanks to everyone involved for a fantastic weekend. We hope to catch up with you all somewhere sometime soon.
The other great thing about traveling to Opotiki are the antique shops along the way where we did find one or two gems that were either purchased on the journey or remembered for the future.
Take care and remember to keep it country.
Best wishes
Annette and Kim
