OnStage Manawatu
August 13th 2021 Newsletter
It was a pleasure to welcome the Dominion President of Kindred Clubs Bill Oram to our August Concert. He was accompanied by his sister Shirley.
Bill gave us a short background to the Savage Club origins as well as an update on the present state of the clubs throughout New Zealand. Many clubs have closed, some have retained the traditional format and others have changed to reflect today's society
and needs. Thank you Bill and Shirley for your visit, we trust you enjoyed the concert and the company.
The concert opened with the orchestra giving us two tunes, "Heather on the Hill" featuring Peter Hales on Flugel Horn and a Duet by
vocalists Anne Merriman and Pete Elliott, "You're just in Love." Senga Imrie and her piano accordian gave us two toe tappers, "Shuffling Samuel" and "Irish Reels" Steve Allen reminded us of the days when Flare bottom trousers were the fashion with an
Elvis Tribute. Liz Watts performance of "Cavatina" and the the theme tune from The Deer Hunter "From a Distance" was followed by some old troopers, Murray Jamieson , accompanied by Colin, Terry and Bill . Our sound manager Simon took to the stage for a couple
of great numbers with backing tracks and NZ's first lady of Jazz Erna Ferry followed suit with swingin' versions of "On the Street where you Live" and "Never let me go". That brought us to a Cuppa break . After Bill Orams address the second half got under
way with the Swing Band featuring Murray singing "With a Wink and a Smile" and Colin Eglinton taking the Sax Solo in "Sweet Lorraine". Armani was back at OnStage Manawatu for the second time with a very mature vocal of Sinatras arrangement of "Fly me to the
Moon". Master of the Keyboard Mike Ronowicz entertained with "Viannese Medley" and some "Celtic Confusion"which led to the return of Anne and Peter, dressed for their stage presentation of "People will say we're in Love" with a quick change for "If I Loved
You." The infamous and always entertaining Bogtrotters stomped us home with "San Francisco Bay Blues" and "Charlie Mopps". All for a modest entry fee and a raffle ticket !!
The Club Rooms are getting a lot of use both by Club Members and regular user
groups plus the odd casual approved Hire. This has led to a fair amount of members and users gear being left in the rooms either occassionally or on a semi-permanent basis. The Club has sought advice from our insurer and as a result we have advised users that
all equipment left in the Club Rooms that does not belong to the Club is left there at the owners risk. This raises the question of who can use what gear. The accoustic pianos are for Club use and group/solo practices and are available
to other groups by arrangement.
The Drums technically belong to the Jazz Club but have been left with us on permanent loan and as such their use is as for the Pianos. The Electric piano belongs to the Jazz Club and is available to our Club on
request.The main sound system and guitar Amps belong to individuals and they should be asked for permission before using them. Simon does set up a "practice" PA when he knows who needs a PA to practice. We would ask that all groups using amps should use their
own unless another member/owner has agreed to the use of theirs.It would help if people named their gear. While some groups such as the orchestra and swing band have regular practice days and times other members wishing to practice for a concert should make
arangements with Peter Elliott to avoid clashing with other bookings. Practices are generally around 2 hours. I hope this helps with the way we try to manage the Club and the Club Rooms so everyone can enjoy participating in what the Club has to offer.
And finally, an invitation to join me at the annual President's Dinner which will be held on 3rd December 2021 starting with pre dinner drinks from 6pm at the Masonic Hotel. Once again there is an enticing menu – cost $38. Members are subsidised to
$30 per head. Bookings can be made through Peter Elliott by email at gizmo@inspire.net.nz and payment can be made using online banking to our account 06 0729 0023004 000 .Please give your name as a reference. Alternatively you
can see Peter at the Club Concert. I'm exhausted.
Alan Horsfall
President