Thursday, October 28, 2010

Tyros 4 Launch

Atwaters Musicworks launched the new Yamaha arranger keyboard flagship - the Tyros 4. An enthusiastic audience enjoyed Musicworks National Demonstrator, Andy Keys, highlight the exciting new sounds and features of the latest iteration of the venerable Tyros - the Tyros 4. Atwaters Musicworks, Piano and Keyboard Manager, Murray Hancox, finished off the hour and a half launch with some great R & B songs. A splendid luncheon then awaited the attendees whilst discussing the exciting new features of this magnificent instrument. Thanks to Darren Smith of Musicworks, Murray Hancox and Andy Keys for making the launch so enjoyable to all present.

Yamaha Tyros 4

Murray Hancox, Manager of Atwaters Musicworks Piano and Keyboard Department, welcoming the attendees to the launch of the Yamaha Tyros4                        Andy Keys, Musicworks National Keyboard Demonstrator, highlighting the great new sounds and features of the Yamaha Tyros4

Murray Hancox wrapped-up the Tyros4 launch with some great songs

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Music Planet Extravaganza at Barrycourt Conference Centre

An enthusiastic audience celebrated the 30th anniversary of Music Planet's original music mega store at 42 Taharoto Road, Takapuna. The owner of the Music Planet Group of music stores, Roger Smith, welcoming the audience to the Musical Extravaganza.The Musical Extravaganza started a little after 10.00 am and carried through until about 6.30 pm with just a one hour break for lunch! What a fantastic day the attendees were treated to with a veritable orgy of gorgeous musical keyboards to listen to and enjoy the wide variety of songs and genre articulated by the professional artists. What with two concert by International variety artist, Jimmy Keys (from Florida, USA); Steve McNally the Worldwide demonstrator of Korg keyboards (straight from Canada) we were spoilt with such amazing music - we learnt some good technique tips too during the day! Not to be intimidated by the International artists, Music Planet engaged some of Auckland's top professional keyboard artists to round-off the Extravaganza. Artists playing were: John Bercich; Kane Steves; Dewald Kritzinger; Chris Larking; and, surprise guest artist,  Peter Parkinson! Wow, all this for $25 including a scrumptious morning and afternoon tea break.
A big thank you to Roger and Vicki Smith of Music Planet for sparing no expense in providing the audience with a first-class days musical entertainment. If you haven't yet visited Music Planet's newly refurbished Mega Music Store at 42 Taharoto Road then it is strongly recommended - with a wide variety of brands and models of acoustic and digital piano/keyboards, guitars, hi tech and peripheral supplies.

Some of the keyboards on show and demonstrated           Some of the keyboards on show and demonstrated

John Bercich putting the Korg Pa1X through its paces           Dewald Kritzinger played some lovely semi-classical passages on this amazing Kurzweil workstation     Kane Steves demonstrating the magnificent Roland Atelier AT800         Chris Larking really enjoyed working with the Korg PA588 for a few days prior to the Extravaganza and he certatinly matched its quality with his playing                           Surprise guest artist, Peter Parkinson, wowed the crowd with his "three hands" technique. Seen here playing the Korg SP250              Steve McNally, the Worldwide demonstrator for Korg, playing the incredible Korg SV-1 designed with Italian flare and genius. 

                 Even Elton John made an appearance (courtesy of Jimmy Keys!)    

Jimmy Keys interacted with the audience very well even having a dance with several of the ladies present!    Rockin' Rod Stewart had the audience electrified (courtesy of Jimmy Keys)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Lady Allum Concert 19th October 2010

It was the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club's  pleasure to give a concert for the residents of the Lady Allum Home in Milford. Members Peter Jackson, Roy Steen and Peter Brophy generously gave their time for free to share their great music and singing with the appreciative audience. The show was so popular that the management requested that we make more bookings for 2011! A big thank you to Emerson and Frances on the staff of the Lady Allum Home and not forgetting resident Bruce Mills doing a magnificent job on the ‘spoons’!

Left to Right: Peter Jackson; Roy Steen; and Peter Brophy and Bruce Mills on spoons!         DSCF1968  DSCF1971           DSCF1972

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