Jimmy Keys Music Clubs Concert 19th October 2009

The R'Toto Beach Club of 134 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna was packed to the rafters to see British entertainer Jimmy Keys who really turned it on for the audience. This private concert was specially arranged by Roger Smith of Music Planet/Orewa Music as a thank you to all his customers. We were warmed-up with a dazzling keyboard performance by our very own "Johnny Keys" (John Bercich) on his Korg Pa1X. Then, Jimmy performed for a jam-packed hour and a quarter with amazing rock and roll keyboard playing, together with some more sensitive ballads, on a Korg arranger piano and taking-off such stars as: Elton John; Billy Joel; Ray Charles; Stevie Wonder; Rod Stewart; Mick Jagger; Jerry Lee Lewis; and Prince Charles! Thanks Jimmy and Roger Smith for making this special concert happen just for us Auckland music club members.

Although the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club were the main promoters of the concert for Roger Smith, thanks is extended to the efforts of the other music clubs in Auckland to make this such a successful private concert. In particular, thanks go to Rob and Barbara Powell of the Organ Society of New Zealand Inc.; Marlene Forrest of Creative Keyboard Club of Browns Bay; Pam Rea and Peter Jackson from Hibiscus Organ and Keyboard Club; and Peter Littlejohn of the Eastern Suburbs Organ Society.

Members of the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club will have to admit this was something special for our mid-month Monday Coffee Day get together! Finally, we hope everybody's eardrums have recovered by now from the onslaught of full-on Rock'n Roll music powered by the Wharfedale Titan PA System! 



 


"Johnny Keys" (John Bercich) did the lead-up slot and gave us a dazzling exhibition of slick keyboard playing on his Korg Pa1X.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jimmy Keys as Ray Charles 

 

 

 

 

 

'Sir' Elton John

 

 

 

 

 

                               

 

           

Our Club's Delyse Whorwood getting up close and personal with Rockin' Rod Stewart!

The Phantom did not escape Jimmy's singing and keyboard playing talents.

 Jimmy Key's Web Site is: http://jimmykeys.com/

Club Night 6th October 2009

Another very special Club Night. In the first half of the evening, our 6 members thrilled us with their lovely chosen pieces. As this evening was our 32nd Birthday meeting we had a lovely chocolate cake kindly made and donated by Delyse Whorwood to eat at the interval together with a choice of wine, orange juice, tea or coffee - not to mention the cream to go with the delicious chocolate cake - I said not to mention the cream (dieticians may be lurking!). The second-half of the evening was given over to professional musician and music tutor, Dave Hallam, who brought his superb Yamaha PSR S900 arranger keyboard and his Yamaha PAS300 PA System. Dave chose a wonderful selection and variety of pieces which he arranged and played so magnificently both on the keyboard and the Club's Clavinova. Thanks Dave for making our Birthday Club Night such a memorable occasion. It was pleasing to have a large attendance of members and visitors to enjoy the music and special occasion. As always a big thanks to the Committee for making it all go so smoothly. The raffle prizes kindly donated by Evelyn Evans, were won by Barbara Powell and Delyse Whorwood (ladies purses set and jig saw puzzle respectively). And now for some of the magic moments captured as a lasting remembrance of such a great evenings' entertainment.

Dave Hallam, our special guest artist, showing his magic touch on the Club's Clavinova CVP-305.

 

 

George Watt did the honours playing the arrival music on both the Club's GA3 organ and Clavinova.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roy Evans setting-up the Clavinova before playing two super classical pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ngaire Lonergan played her Technics KN2600. Very nice Ngaire thank you for bringing your lovely keyboard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Mahy brought his great Korg Pa80 along and entertained us with three pieces. The tuition with John Bercich is starting to show with the smoothness of Ken's playing. Well done Ken!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marlene Forrest played two lovely orchestral arrangements for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marlene Forrest (left) and Phyl Briscoe played a great duet arrangement for us. Thanks Marlene and Phyl, we know that duets take an awful lot of time and practise to perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phyl then played a solo on the Clavinova showing her very nice touch on the piano.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colin Crann played a few great arrangements on the Clavinova despite being hampered by a memory stick or operating system that was not co-operating! Thanks also, Colin, for making that great music stand - very professional!

 

 

 

Below: Lighting the Birthday Cake - quite a challenge with 32 to light! Delyse Whorwood (the cake maker) and Gordon Sutherland assisting. Photo courtesy of Colleen Kerr.

  Below: The lovely chocolate cake that Delyse Whorwood made for the Club's 32nd Birthday celebration disappearing at a rapid rate of knots!

  Below: Some of the audience. A good turn-out to listen to our guest artist and music tutor, Dave Hallam - they were not disappointed!

Below: President, Gordon Sutherland, presents Dave Hallam with a well earned bottle wine. Photo courtesy of Secretary, Colleen Kerr.