Monday, December 10, 2012

Christmas Party 10th December 2012

What a wonderful Christmas Party for The North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club! The fun and frolics commenced at 10 am and continued full-on until about 9.20 pm. During the day, we used our Whiteboard to make sure everybody who wished to play had the opportunity to do so in 15 minute sessions. Lunch was available from the Fairview Village dining room and the Club provided tea/coffee and biscuits on tap for the entire day. About 60 members and guests sat down to a fabulous BBQ outside on the patio early in the evening - delicious! Refuelled by the fab dinner, we were energised to enjoy The Band giving us dance type music to have some fun on the dance floor. The Band included no less a personality than acclaimed musician/entertainer, Marian Burns. What a great way to finish the Club's activities for 2012. Joining us for the Party we were also pleased to welcome Rendall Miller and his wife Shirley and Rendall very generously played a cameo on the grand piano in our Happy Hour as well as accompanying Marian Burns for a number later in the evening! We also celebrated four Birthdays during the evening. Congratulations and Happy Birthday to: Diane and Dennis Lyons; Peter Littlejohn; and Bob McNab.

A very big thank you to the Club's Committee for organising this wonderful Christmas Party and special thank you to Fairview Lifestyle Village for sharing their lovely facilities with us. A special thanks to Barbara Bailey and her bar staff for providing 'refreshments' during our two hour Happy Hour! It was great that Chris Larking from Music Planet, Taharoto Road Branch, could join us for the occasion and share his great music with us also.

 

The Band really ripping it up! - L-R: Peter Brophy; Marian Burns; Len Hancy; Jan and Kevin Johnston

A guest artist, Mary Barrett, entertained us on her Korg Pa800 and later on the grand piano. Barbara McNab entertained us on her lovely Yamaha Tyros 4. John Beales gave the Korg Pa3X a whirl. Well done John, this was his first serious performance since his recent illness.Former Club President, George Watt, entertained us on grand piano. Acting Secretary of the Club, Peter Littlejohn, played and sang along with his Korg Pa1X. Ngaire McRae played for us on the Club's Korg SP-250 digital piano.Birthday Girl, Diane Lyons, entertained us on her Korg Pa500 including some great vocals as well. Diane used a wi-fi microphone whilst singing. Maestro, John Perkin, gave us a session using his Korg Pa3X. Some of our members enjoying the music whilst having a snack. Foreground L to R: Ngaire McRae; Jeanette Beamish; and, June McCrorie.Some Fairview Village residents enjoying the music and festivities. Preparing the stage for the evening's entertainment. Peter Brophy talks with Kevin Johnston. The oil painting in the background had arrived earlier that day for mounting. The painting depicts a scene north of Orewa and was painted by our multi-talented member, John Perkin. A guest artist, Mary Barrett, entertained us on her Korg Pa800 and later on the grand piano.Club President, Gordon Sutherland, playing his Korg Pa3X. Photo courtesy of Peter Littlejohn. SAM_1460 Michael Bramley played and sang for us on Peter Brophy's Yamaha PSR-910The Band L to R: Peter Brophy; Jan and Kevin Johnston; and John Perkin. Our talented member, Denise Gunson, played a session during Happy Hour. 

We were honoured to have Rendall Miller join us for our Party and he joined in the activities with some splendid playing on the grand piano during Happy Hour. Later in the evening he duetted with Maran Burns! Great stuff. 

Barbara Powell played Barbara McNab's Yamaha Tyros 4 very nicely. Ian Jackson also played during Happy Hour on the grand piano whilst Carey Forrest watches on.

We were joined at our Party by Chris Larking from Music Planet Taharoto Road, Takapuna. Thanks Chris for sharing your music with us even though you are very busy in retail at this time of year.

Members Diane and Dennis Lyons were celebrating their Birthday's at the Party and are seen here receiving a singed Birthday Card by Gordon Sutherland and announced by Len Hancy in background (with the customary 'Happy Birthday' having been sung). All our members present were pleased to sign the Birthday Card for Diane and Dennis. Also celebrating their Birthdays were Bob McNab (left); Dennis Lyons; Peter Littlejohn; and Diane Lyons. Peter was commissioned to make the magnificent Birthday Cake for Dennis and Diane and we see them here at the cake cutting ceremony. 

Club President, Gordon Sutherland, congratulating Acting Secretary, Peter Littlejohn, on his Birthday. All the members present were pleased to sign the Birthday Card. Photo courtesy of Colleen Kerr.  SAM_1481A

A close up of Diane and Dennis Lyons Birthday Cake. So magnificently baked and decorated by Peter Littlejohn. Peter Littlejohn also made a Christmas Cake for the Party as well!

The Band really ripping it up! - L-R: Peter Brophy; Marian Burns; Len Hancy; Jan Johnston; and Kevin Johnston

Marian gave us a few virtuosos on her electric fiddle. Amazing music.

Marian Burns stepping-out into the audience whilst she enthralled us with her wonderful music - such energy and dynamism as she plays her fiddle.

Posted by North Shore Music and Keyboard Club at 10:00 PM

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