Creative Keyboard Club December 2015 Meeting

MC for the occasion was Marlene Forrest and the Christmas arrival music was played on clavinova by Denise Gunson. The Farley's once again made a beautiful job of the cake.
Program ...
Mary Barrett was first up on her Korg keyboard with a short excerpt from the 'Warsaw Concerto', 'Body and Soul', 'This Masquerade' (a medley with a Christmas ending) and 'Zing! Went The Strings of My Heart'
The Creative Quartet of 3 keyboards and piano consisting of Marlene Forrest, Barbara Powell, Barbara McNab and Rob Powell, played 'C'est Magnifique', 'Chicago', It's Now or Never' and 'C'est Si Bon'. This was their debut performance
Denise Gunson on clavinova ended the first half with 'The Way You Look Tonight', 'La Vien Rose', 'Chen Son De More', 'Bye Bye Blackbird' (lounge style) and 'At Twilight Time'
After a sumptous afternoon tea the Hamper's were drawn and we settled back to enjoy the 'Jackson 5'.

Our guests: Chris Larking on clavinova, Ian Jackson on drums, Richard and Michael on Lead Guitars and Tony on Bass Guitar. Lots of Jazz, Rock 'n Roll and Country music, some with vocals and all with a good toe tapping beat ... there was dancing in the isles and singing to add to the party atmosphere. Tunes included 'Autumn Leaves', 'Moondance', 'Last Night', 'Livin' Doll', 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore', 'Ring of Fire', 'Move It', 'Bird Dog', 'I'm Going to Knock on Your Door', 'Just walk On By', 'Me and Bobby McGee'. They sure showed us their professionalism and everyone had a ball! Thank You All for a wonderful afternoon.

More photo's in the Photo Gallery

Creative Keyboard Club November 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club November 2015 Meeting

Barbara McNab was the MC for the occasion and the arrival music was played on clavinova by Audrey Henden.
Program ...
Laurie Condor on his Roland keyboard with 'Save The Last Dance For Me' and 'I Saw Her Standing There'
Sylvia Joseph on her keyboard with 'Whispering Hope' and 'Il Silenzio' (The Silence), very appropriate for this Remembrance Sunday
John Beale on his  keyboard with 'This Can't Be Love' and 'Somebody Did Somebody Wrong Song'
Allan Powell on his keyboard with 'Beer Barrel Polka' and 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' (with vocals)
Peter Jackson on his keyboard with 'What I Did For Love' and 'Grown Up Christmas List' (both with vocals)
Sandi Crawford (debut) on her keyboard with 'Dark Haired Marie' and a toe tapping Irish Medley
David Winslade (debut) on his Tyros 4 with 'I Dreamed a Dream' and 'Pretty Woman' (with vocals)
A very talented bunch and with vocals to boot. Thank you all, it was a great start to the afternoon.

Our guest this week was piano accordionist Lionel Reekie. Lionel started with 'Under Paris Skies' and 'Ain't Misbehavin' (with vocals). We were treated to some history and explanation on the internal workings of the modern accordion. Lionel's tunes included 'Orange Blossoms', 'Quando, Quando, Quando', 'Hush-a-bye Now', 'I've Got You Under My Skin' and 'Buona Sera Signorina'. A good mixture with some wonderful vocals thrown in. Thank you Lionel, it's always a pleasure to hear you perform and we look forward to your return next year.

More photos of the occasion are in our Photo Gallery



Creative Keyboard Club October 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club October 2015 Meeting

Marlene Forrest was the MC for the occasion and Colin Crann played the arrival music.
Program ...
Michael Bramley on keyboard with 'All I Ask Of You' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters'
George Markwick on keyboard with 'Heartaches By The Number' and 'Lonesome Tonight'
Marlene Forrest on clavinova with 'Feelings'
Sue Bain on clavinova with 'Tammy'
Barbara Powell on keyboard with 'You Are My World' and 'Colours of The Wind'
Colin Crann on keyboard with 'The lady Is A Tramp' and 'The Man I Love'
Denise Gunson on clavinova with 'Titanic' and 'Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps'
Thus ended the first half with even some dancing in the aisles!
Thanks everyone for an entertaining first half and remember if anyone wishes to play (even if you are a beginner and age is no object) just contact Marlene who will book you in.

Our guest artist was Rob Powell who plays keyboard and clavinova and who was joined by wife Barbara for some items. Songs included 'You Make Me Feel so Young', 'Stars Fell On Alabama', 'Magic Is The Moonlight' (duet), 'I Get Ideas' (duet), 'I Know Why and So Do You', 'Wonderful Copenhagen', 'A Little On The Lonely Side', 'You Are My Everything', and 'Hurrah for Hollywood'. Thank you Rob and Barbara once again.

Unfortunately no photos this time as the editor was away

Creative Keyboard Club September 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club September 2015 Meeting
The MC for the occasion was Marlene Forrest and the arrival music was played by Roy Steen on his Korg keyboard.
Our Program ...
Ros Bissett on keyboard with 'Misty' and 'You Can't Take That Away From Me'
Jimmy Puppyn on keyboard with 'Climb Every Mountain' and 'Out of Nowhere'
Audrey Henden (club debut) on clavinova with 'Star Dust' and 'Georgia'
Diane Lyons on keyboard with 'For All We Know' and 'Hello Dolly'
Roy Steen was back on his impressive looking korg combo with 'Singing In The Rain' and 'No Business Like Show Business'
Finally to end the first half we had Ian Jackson on clavinova with 'Autumn Leaves' and 'Memory'

Our guest artist was Chris Larking accompanied by his sons Alex (saxophone) and Josh (guitar and vocals). Chris brought a Yamaha S670 keyboard and commenced with 'Let's fall in Love', 'House of The Rising Sun' and 'Spanish Flea'. Josh was up next with his guitar and vocal rendition of 'Autumn Leaves' and 'Bourbon Street'. Chris with 'Stormy Weather' and some Chopin followed by 'Somewhere My Love' which morphed into 'Land of Hope & Glory' and 'Climb Every Mountain'. Alex (who is only in his first year of studying the sax) with the theme from the New World Symphony ('Going Home'). Chris continued on clavinova with 'Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat', 'Close Every Door' and the Elton John 'Your Song'. The trio then jammed which included the 'William Tell Overture', 'Song of Joy', 'Rule Britannia', 'Waltzing Matilda' and 'God Defend NZ' - an overall good selection from 'The Pops'. Well done boys, you both have great musical futures ahead of you following in your dad's footsteps.
Many Thanks to all our performers today.

 

More photos can be seen in the Photo Gallery

Creative Keyboard Club August 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club August 2015 Meeting

The MC for the occasion was Marlene Forrest and the arrival music was played on clavinova by Yuko Tani.
The program ...
John Beale on keyboard with 'Just One More Chance' and 'Fools Rush In'
Hanna Tani (Yuko's daughter) on clavinova with 'Fur Elise' and 'Storm'
Pam Rea on keyboard with 'The Masquerade' and 'Music to Watch Girls By'
Peter Jackson on keyboard with 'Delicado' and 'Yesterday' (also vocals)
Barbara McNab on clavinova with 'Frim Fram Sauce' and 'Red Red Robin'
Colin Crann on keyboard with 'Making Whoopie' and 'I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling'

Our guests today were the North Shore Youth Accordion Orchestra lead by Christine Johnstone. We were fortunate to have Lionel Reekie giving the introduction and an explanation on the capabilities of the these accordions. The full orchestra commenced with '16 Going On 17' which was accompanied by their young drummer. Individual children then took to the stage to play their solos. The full orchestra concluded with 'The Pink Panther'. Terrific to hear the children again and a great reminder that all ages are very welcome at our club each month. A BIG thank you to all our performers.
The editor was away this month but ably represented by Beverly Barnes ... Thanks Bev!
Photos will be posted as soon as available.

Creative Keyboard Club July 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club July 2015 Meeting

The MC for the occasion was Marlene Forrest and the arrival music was played by Michael Bramley on keyboard. This was Dave Hallam's 2nd farewell from the club. He might even be back for a third!
Program ...
Noni Walker on clavinova with 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' and 'It's a Wonderful World'
Zyon with 'Short Story' and 'Minuet' then followed younger brother Cuba with 2 pieces both on clavinova
Barbara Powell on keyboard with 'Come Back to Sorrento'
Rob Powell then dueted on clavinova with Barbara 'Man With The Mandolin' (with lyrics) and 'Dream a Little Dream of Me'. Rob then alone with 'The Gypsy
Denise Gunson on clavinova played 'Cry Me a River' and 'When You Wish Upon A Star'
Dave Hallam with 'Do You Know Where You're Going to' (clavinova) and 'Swinging Safari' (tyros 4). The first half ended with a presentation to Dave and Christina and we all sang 'We'll Meet Again' (thanks to Denise Gunson). Thank You to all our performers today.

Our popular guest artiste, pianist Vladimi Shilov then took centre stage on clavinova. Lots of Latin beats, some Jewish tunes, the blues, and a couple of his own compositions (one composed on the way here we believe). They included 'Blue Bossa', 'My Funny Valentine', 'It's Alright By Me', 'You Are So Beautiful' (for Dave Hallam) and the most popular pop tune of all time 'Yesterday'

We Thank You Vladimir and always so look forward to your visits

More photos of the occasion can be found in the Photo Gallery





Creative Keyboard Club June 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club June 2015 Meeting

The MC for the occasion was Marlene Forrest and the arrival music was played by our oldest performing member Jimmy Puppyn on keyboard. This was Dave Hallam's farewell from our club as he and Christina are moving up to the winterless north Kerikeri.

Our program for the first half was provided by the young keyboardists of teacher Cheryl Tong ...
Alea Gariddo played 'Calaypso Holiday'
Corinne Luis played 'Obladi Oblada'
Crizl Macaalay with Aaria Holton, Alan Tang (keyboards) and Justin Michael Ng on cello with 'A Thousand Years' (theme from Twilight)
Littleist student Mirabelle Holmes (with vocalist Cheryl Tong) played 'Hot Cross Buns'
Mirabelle's big brother Travis Holmes and Cheryl Tong with 'Rock Around the Clock'
Alea Gariddo took the floor again with 'Light and Blue'
Aaria Holton with Alan Tang, Crizi Maccaalay, and Justin Michael Ng played 'Beauty & the Beast'
Eowyn Dawson with Corinne Luis played 'Peter Cottontail'
Alan Tang played 'Red Roses for a Blue lady'
Corinne Luis with 'El Bimbo'
Aaria Holton with 'Yesterday'
Clarisse Luis with Allan Xu, Liam Kumerich, and William Dawson played 'Why Am I Blue?'

Next we had Ben Fernandez pupil Annika Neitzel from Germany (NZ Exchange Program) playing 'Fantasia in D' (Mozart) on clavinova. Her friend Charlotte then sang a popular number (Are We Out of the Woods Yet?) accompanied by Annika.
Barbara McNab concluded the first half with 'Budapest' and 'On My Own' on clavinova.
A BIG Thanks to all our guests today, I don't think we've had so many at one meeting! Barbara and Jimmy you did good too!

Dave Hallam took centre stage for his farewell performance (but we're sure he will be back!) on clavinova. In true Hallam style we were treated to 'Answer me', 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes', 'The Way You Look Tonight', 'Beyond the Sea', 'As Time Goes By', 'The Moon Represents My Heart', 'Ain't Misbehavin' to name a few. Ben Fernandez then joined Dave with 'Summertime', the treble and bass being shared equally between the two in spectacular fashion! Next a Ben Fernandez solo 'Bye Bye Blackbird' and just for Dave 'We'll Meet Again'. Dave concluded with 'New York, New York'. We can't wait for your next visit guys and we wish Dave and Christina all the best in their new home!

More photos are in the Photo Gallery

Creative Keyboard Club May 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club May 2015 Meeting (Mother's Day)

The MC for the occasion was Marlene Forrest and the arrival music was played on keyboard by Roy Steen.
Our program ...
12yr old Katrina Lin (a pupil of Jessica Chen) entertained on piano accordion with 'Mumbo Jumbo' and the 'Sabre Dance'. Well done Katrina and another star in the making!
John Perkin on his Korg keyboard with 'Tico-Tico' and the 'Theme from Black Orpheus'
Ian Jackson on clavinova with 'Sunrise Sunset' and 'I Only Have Eyes for You'
Laurie Conder on his new 88 note Roland keyboard with 'Sailor' and 'Never Ending Love'
Densie Gunson on clavinova with 'In My Mother's Eyes' and 'Scotch & Soda'
Roy Steen was back with 'Girl from Ipanema' and 'Begin The Beguine'
Thus ended the first half. Thank you all.

Carol Littlejohn then entertained with a Mother's Day selection including 'Thank Heaven for Little Girls' and 'You Are The Sunshine of My Life'. Then followed a Rhumba bracket of 'The Fool On The Hill', 'Arrivederci Roma' and 'Til There Was You'. A Tango bracket of 'A Kiss of Fire' and 'Blue Tango'. Other's included 'You Don't bring Me Flowers' (straight piano), 'You Light Up My Life', 'Can I have this Dance' and 'Vincent'. In true Carol Style was a blues bracket, the highlight of the afternoon for me. The weather was not forgotten with a 'Singing In The Rain' medley. Now into overtime there was no reprieve and Carol concluded with a Showtime medley from 'My Fair Lady' and 'Puppet on a String'. Thank you for coming all that way Carol to entertain us so brilliantly.

More photos can be seen in the Photo Gallery



Creative Keyboard Club April 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club April 2015 Meeting

The MC for the occasion was Marlene Forrest and the arrival music was played by Mary Barrett on her 1989 Yamaha Electone HC-2. Our musical afternoon was preceded by the AGM. All officers were returned unopposed and it's lovely to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic committee.
Our Program ...
Yuko Tani playing on Clavinova with "Aracque"
Daughter Hannah Tani then played her competition piece a Romanian Folk Dance. This was a very polished performance thoroughly enjoyed by all and we wish her all the very best for the competition.
John Beale was next on keyboard with "Wonder of You" and "Love Look at The Two of Us"
George Markwick on his Korg pa800 with "Nowhere Man" and "Spanish Eyes"
Mary Barrett was back on organ with the march "Semper Fidelis" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy".
The first half showed a variety of styles and genres. Thank you all.

Our guests were Jan and Kevin Johnston from Algies Bay ... with Kevin on guitar and Jan on keyboard. They played a variety of styles from Dance Band, Showtime, Bossa Nova, Waltz, Hawaiian and Rock. Jan commenced with "Stormy Weather" and "Never The Less" and was then joined by Kevin. Songs included "Spanish Eyes", "Cabaret", "Putting On The Ritz", "Moon River", "Apple Blossom Time", "Alley Cat", "Return to Me", "A Certain Smile" to name a few and ended with "Tico Tico". Thank you both for a very enjoyable afternoon.

More photos of the afternoon can be found in the Photo Gallery

Creative Keyboard Club March 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club March 2015 Meeting

Marlene Forrest was the MC for the day and the arrival music was played by Peter Jackson on keyboard. We wished our hard worker Sue Farley a very happy birthday and congratulated Alan & Lynn Powell on their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Program ...
Alan (on Yamaha keyboard and vocals) and Lynn Powell (vocals) with 'You Are My best Friend', 'Lay Down Beside Me'
Roy Steen on his Korg keyboard with a rousing march medley 'Stars & Stripes' and 'Anchors Aweigh', 'Just One of Those things' and 'The Entertainer'
Peter Jackson with 'Save The Best For Last' (keyboard) and 'Come Outside' (vocals)
It was lovely to have pianist Kuniko Nakatani who was here on holiday on Clavinova with 'The Way We Were', 'Tico Tico' and 'Nocturne'
Dave Hallam then joined Kuniko on Clavinova with 2 classical duets.
Thank you everyone, you all did a fantastic job.

Our guest Artiste for the second half was piano accordionist Tracey Collins. Tracey brought along her Roland Digital Accordion and entertained us with a variety of sounds and styles amongst them 'C'est Si Bon', 'Bluebell Polka', 'Volare', 'La Vien Rose', 'I Love Paris', 'She', 'Autumn leaves' and various Tangos. All very Parisian and a few tales to go along with them. Thank you Tracey, it's been a while since you were here so please don't make it so long next time!

More photos of the occasion are in the Photo Gallery





Creative Keyboard Club February 2015 Meeting

Creative Keyboard Club February 2015 Meeting

Colin Crann played the arrival music on keyboard and Marlene Forrest was the MC for the occasion.
Program first half ...
Marlene Forrest on keyboard with "Evergreen" and "Muskrat Ramble"
John Perkin on Clavinova with "Waltz of My Heart" and keyboard with "Memories"
Jimmy Puppyn on keyboard with "Softly As I Leave You" and "Lonely Ballerina"
Ros Bissell on keyboard with "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Cry Me A River"
Colin Crann on keyboard with "Night in Tunisia" and "I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling"
Jazz pianist Bennie Gunn on Clavinova with "The Way You Look Tonight" and "Cheek to Cheek"
John Perkin was able to do an extra on keyboard with the classic "Sweet Georgia"
Birthday girl was  Philippa Zink ... and Thank You Marlene for the accompaniment
Thank You All - A fantastic start to the year everyone!

Our Guest artiste was the highly qualified pianist, composer, arranger, music producer and (take a breath) educator Ben Fernandez who also brought along the most talented trumpeter, singer and composer Rick Roff. Ben and Rick entertained with all the favourites "Blue Bossa", "Autumn Leaves", "All of Me", "Lullaby of Birdland", "Hello Dolly", "What a Wonderful World", "Walking My Baby Back Home" to name a few. "I'm In Love With a Kiwi" an original composition from Rick concluded the afternoon. We were very privileged to have Ben and Rick (all the way from New Orleans) perform for us and look forward to a return visit guys - you are unsurpassed!

More photos of the afternoon can be found in the Photo Gallery