Tuesday, March 26, 2013

St Annes Club for the Blind Concert

As part of The North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club's Community Music Programme, it was our pleasure to entertain the members of St Annes Club for the Blind at their weekly meeting. For this meeting it was Peter Littlejohn and Gordon Sutherland who entertained. Plenty of foot tapping  by the members as they enjoyed their luncheon.

Gordon Sutherland playing his Korg Pa3X for the members of St Annes Club for the Blind Peter Littlejohn playing his Korg Pa1X for the members of St Annes Club for the Blind

Members of St Annes Club for the Blind enjoying their luncheon whilst Gordon Sutherland and Peter Littlejohn entertained them on their keyboards.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Coffee Day/BBQ 18th March 2013

A big thank you to Yvonne and Flemming Moller for sharing their lovely home with the Club for our March Coffee Day. Whilst the weather was a little unsure the weather picked-up for us to have our evening BBQ on the terrace - perfect! Probably due to the distance and being over the Harbour Bridge, not as many members made the effort to come to the Coffee Day which is a pity because is was an absolute corker of a day with lots of music, food, laughter and convivial company. Hopefully, the photos submitted from the day articulate the fun we all had.

Our host, Yvonne, playing her Korg Pa1X for us

Starting to set-up our hosts' lovely lounge for the musical instrument invasion. Yvonne Moller, our gracious host, preparing lunch prior to most of our members had arrived for the Coffee Day. Peter Litllejohn and Jeanette Beamish assisting.

SAM_1609a Yvonne welcoming guests as they arrive for the day with her beloved Korg Pa1X fired-up and ready to roll.

Partial view of lounge John Perkin, Delyse Whorwood and Barbara Bailey taking an early lunch. John and Barbara had another appointment in the afternoon unfortunately.

Jan and Kevin Johnston rocking-it-up to the delight of those present. Bobby the family pet showing his excitment for the musical happenings!

John Perkin jammed-along with the other keyboard players and using the Club's Korg SP-250 digital piano Jan and Kevin Johnston playing their lively music with John Perkin accompanying on digital piano

In between being a great host, Yvonne managed to squeeze-in some great playing for us on her Korg Pa1X keyboard.                John Perkin couldn't stay long but had some fun on the Korg Pa3X entertaining us with some lovely arrangements

Kevin Johnston jamming with John Perkin    Kevin, Jan and Peter Littlejohn playing together with Delyse Whorwood enthralled with the music

Kevin, Jan and Peter Littlejohn playing together with Delyse Whorwood enthralled with the music         Desiree Barrows playing the Korg Pa3X like a seasoned pro whilst Delyse is watching on absorbed

Desiree Barrows enjoying the Korg Pa3X Jan Johnston and Delyse Whorwood taking a keen interest in Desiree Barrows playing using the Korg Pa3X

Yvonne preparing to play her Korg Pa1X Sunset on the terrace and after a scrumptious dinner/BBQ. Left to Right: Jeanette Beamish, Peter Littlejohn, Ken Mahy, and, host, Flemming Moller.

And the band played on! Left to Right: Peter Littlejohn, Yvonne Moller, Gordon Sutherland, Jan Johnston, Delyse Whorwood and Flemming Moller. 

And the band played on! Left to Right: Peter Littlejohn, Yvonne Moller, Gordon Sutherland, Jan Johnston, Delyse Whorwood.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Club Night 5th March 2013

The evening commenced with the AGM at which Delyse Whorwood was appointed our new Secretary and we were delighted to welcome Diane Lyons to the Committee. Diane will take over the Catering Manager/Raffles role. After the AGM Peter Jackson entertained us on his Korg Pa1X keyboard. After the raffle draws and a 'nice cup of tea' our energies were recharged for an amazing concert given by our member, Takashi Iida on his wonderful Yamaha Electone Stagea organ. What superb playing skill and sensitivity along with a terrific selection of rousing music including amazing versions of pieces such as "I Dreamed A Dream", "Greensleeves", and "Amazing Grace". Thank you so much Taka as we know that it takes months of practice to attain the level of perfection in playing that you articulated. As always a big thanks to the Committee and door staff (Yvonne Crann and Diane Lyons). Also, Committee member, Peter Littlejohn deserves special mention for helping with the logistics of getting Taka's Stage organ to and from our Club Rooms.

1_SAM_1582  Colin Crann kindly stood in the breach to cover the arrival music. As always, Colin played very nicely on the Club's Yamaha Clavinova CVP-509

SAM_1577                  SAM_1580

Taka in full flight on his gorgeous Yamaha Electone Stagea organ 

Gordon Sutherland thanking Takashi Iida for his wonderful concert. As you can see, Taka discards his sheet music as he plays and does not have time to stack it to keep up with the fast, pulsating music. Photo courtesy of our new Secretary, Delyse Whorwood. President, GordonSutherland, presenting Takashi with a gift as a thnak you for his wonderful performance on his Yamaha Electone Stagea organ. Photo courtesy of our new Secretary, Delyse Whorwood.