On Stage Manawatu August Newsletter

OnStage Manawatu

December 2021 Newsletter

Thanks to those who supported the Presidents Dinner at the Masonic on 3^rd December. It was obvious by the amount of talk that there was a lot of catching up to do.

It’s all go for the Christmas Concert on Monday 13^th December and our programme organiser Don Fulton has put together a great show. There are a few things we need to do to be Covid compliant. 

1. Only double vaccinated people will be admitted so you will need  a My Vaccination Pass or the proof of Vaccination you received at the time of vaccination. If you are having trouble downloading a pass you can get one from some Pharmacies. Rosies and The Palms are two that are doing them but you may need to take some proof of identity.
2. Various premises are having difficulty scanning the new passes so to save a bottle neck at the entrance I have asked Keith Jacob to visually check passes at the foyer then you can proceed to the sign in /payment desk and then at your leisure scan the Covid sign. A bit of a nuisance but at least we can hold a Concert. Note this is a BYO concert.

A few things coming up.

• Sunday 13^th February 2022. Picnic with the Jazz Club at the ex Rangiotu School. 11am to sometime in the afternoon. Bring a picnic lunch and drinks.
• The next one was to be the “Annual Concert” at Sumerset Village but I have just received advice that their Head Office have cancelled as they did last year do to the uncertainty of ongoing Covid rules. Bugger !!!

Alan Horsfall

President

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

OnStage Manawatu

July 2021 Newsletter

Another great Cabaret style concert. The Swing Band kicked the show off with an old favourite, The Sheik and  Mahnoor gave us two vocals. Jim Lawrence accompanied his two vocals on piano. We are used to seeing him playing guitar so well done Jim. Peter Hales and Trevor Castle with the familiar backing trio brought back memories of a South Island trip when they played tunes they did on that tour. The country guitar and vocals of Tom Roberts always adds colour to our concert and Keith Jacob continues to find some golden oldies to bring to us. Colin Eglinton and friends had us tapping our toes and The Saxophone Quartet gave us three very polished numbers.

The second half opened with Peter Elliott singing with the OnStage Orchestra who then played Ma, He's Making Eyes at me. Peter then moved to the grand piano to sing two beautiful songs. Where does Don Fulton keep finding those folk songs that bring a welcome ring of laughter to the room. New group and members "Mud Chalice" gave a solid first up performance to conclude yet another great night out at OnStage Manawatu.

On Sunday 18th July the Swing Band and the Campbell Street Boys shared the programme at the Manawatu Marine Boating Club which has its Club House on the estuary at Foxton Beach. What a great venue and audience. The rooms and bar are on the 1st floor giving a panoramic view across the estuary to the river mouth, and as the sun began to set I couldn't help thinking how lucky we are to live and play in this country.

I look forward to seeing you all at our August concert which will be attended by the Dominion Secretary/Treasurer of the Association of Kindred Clubs, Bill Oram who will be accompanied by his sister Shirley...

 Keep up the feedback on the Cabaret BYO format. So far it has all been positive.

Alan Horsfall