President’s Report
Hello Everyone,
Doesn’t it make you proud to be part of a club that can provide such great entertainment as the “Morrinsville Spectacular”? Congratulations to the committee who invited such talented people to present two outstanding shows.
This talent was attracted from, near and far and included our own club members, Lisa, Kuini, Gavin & Paul (and his four sons) and all artists performed admirably. An excellent band and backing vocalists added to a delightful day’s entertainment.
Many compliments have been received from our visitors regarding the hospitality accorded them, and for the plentiful nourishment provided for them.
There is a huge amount of organization required to present a show on this scale, and all those who contributed to its success, many who are in the background working efficiently, congratulations and thanks.
Now I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that your request night has had to be deferred because of the unavailability of some band members in November. The good news is that in place of that night, two country music artists will have some of their songs presented by nominated member. Many of you will be surprised who those chosen artists are. Our request night will be in February or March next year.
I hope this newsletter finds you all well and looking forward to enjoying more country music.
See you soon
Allan Findlay

2011 Morrinsville Country Music Spectacular Report
By Committee Member, Marilyn Holmes
After months in the planning our 2011 Spectacular is now behind us. We have had a lot of wonderful feedback; interestingly enough opinions have been varied as to who were the favourite acts on the night. I think this attests that the entertainment was a good mix, which resulted in there being something for everyone.
Chris Gunn, singing his tribute to the late Ritchie Pickett ‘Searching for the writing on the wall’ was an impressive way to open the show. Chris had written the song in Ritchie’s honour and performed it at his funeral earlier this year.
We were delighted to have Camille and Stuie from Australia singing some of their finest music, many of the songs performed on the night were written them selves, which often reflected on their life’s experiences. They also include some old favourites including ‘Mr. Sandman’, ‘Jackson’ and ‘Orange Blossom Special’. Tremendous musicians, who sing with such passion and clarity, they truly are very fine entertainers.
Phil Doublet, who was also a member of the backing band Baccus, stole everyone’s hearts as he performed ‘Hallelujah’ a spine tingling, heart stopping performance. His guitar skills are quite remarkable. If you ever get an opportunity to hear Phil again, I suggest you act upon it.
Up coming Country music singer, 16-year-old Cameron Luxton from Christchurch performed three songs including the John Fogerty number ‘Southern Streamline.’ Cameron was a part of the ‘Topp Twins’ Summer Hoedown’, earlier this year, it was great to have him come to Morrinsville as he launches himself into a country music singing career.
For the first time ever the ‘Trenwith boys’ performed as a family. Paul and his four sons, Jeremy, Sam, Tim and Michael, all accomplished musicians in there own right, performed three songs penned by Sam, a talented songwriter and music teacher. It was a very special night for them, with their unique style of music adding to the variety of the show.
The gracious and surreal stage presence of Khona Va’aga Gray from Manurewa was mature, way beyond her 14 years of age. She captured the audience from the start, opening her performance with Sarah McLachlan’s ‘Arms of the angel’.
Joining us also this year was Lana MacKay from Dunedin. Lana is a Southland girl who has been in the Country Music scene for 15 years and has competed and had many successes in the Award scene. Lana performed three songs, concluding her set with a wonderful version of ‘How Great Thou Art’.
Once again, three Morrinsville Country Music Club members were invited to appear on the show. Gavin Austin, with his unique sense of humour entertained the crowd as he reminisced about his last appearance on the Morrinsville College stage, prior to singing his songs ‘Don’t fence me in’ and ‘Drivin my life away’ which were well received by our audience.
Lisa Dalziel chose a well-known Bill Munroe song to begin her set ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ followed by ‘Starts with good-bye.’ This was her first appearance on the Spectacular, I am sure she enjoyed the experience and we loved having her on the show.
Kuini Thompson looked fabulous in her especially designed frock; she has such energy and stage presence that flowed through in her performances of ‘In my daughters eyes’ and ‘Another piece of my heart’ Thank you Kuini for being a special part of our show.
‘Baccus’ was once again our backing band for both shows. We are so privileged to have the talents of Renny, Matthew and Jeremy Hantler, who were joined by Phil Doublet and Stuart Pearce, to provide the expert backing music for our artists. Matthew sang out the first half of the show with ‘Viva Los Vegas, and Renny, in the second half, sang the popular number, ‘Heartbroke’. Sharon McIntyre and Rose Hack once again provided their special talents as the vocal backers for the artists.

2011 Morrinsville Country Music Spectacular Report
By performer, Chris Gunn (from Facebook)

Last Saturday I had one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had in years. I was asked to perform at the Morrinsville Country Music Spectacular. I wrote a song about my old mate Ritchie Pickett and was asked to open the show with it as they dedicated the show to him. Ritchie was a member of the club and always supported it when he could.
I went to the rehearsal with a little trepidation as my past experiences of country music clubs has not always been rewarding. Man was I in for a shock. This was an extremely professional event run by enthusiastic lovers of my favourite music style, and the family involvement reminded me of my childhood with music surrounding me from everyone. Rich harmonies and great music skills.
The artists on the show were unbelievable. To mention names seems unfair to those I don't mention but that is not intended. Where on earth did Phil Doublet come from? This man is pure genius. Without doubt the finest exponent of country guitar I have heard in NZ.
Khona Va'aga-Gray, this lady is a STAR. 15 with a maturity far beyond her years, watch out for this beautiful young lady. The Trenwith Boys are banjo legend Paul Trenwith and his 4 sons. Beautifully crafted original songs from Sam played in a bluegrass style that would stand up anywhere.
Renny Hantler's band Bacchus were superb in backing duties and Sharon and Rose sang backing vocals with great sympathy for the music. The pairing of NZ's Camille and Aussie husband Stuie is musically exciting and entertaining. Camille's crystal vocals and Stuie's virtousity on guitar made for a stunning headline act.
I thank the Morrinsville Country Music Club for an awesome experience and for making me so welcome. Country music is in safe hands in Morrinsville. We all could learn from them.

October Spotlight Artist
Ron Woods
Morrinsville Country Music Club welcomes Ron Woods as our October spotlight artist. Ron lives in Hamilton with his lovely wife Wendy and their three children.
Ron Is a Project Manager for a construction company and is originally from the State of Oregon in the United States where he grew up on a beef ranch.
Has belonged to our club for almost three years, prior to joining the club the only singing he did was in front of family and friends. Now trying his hand at a little song writing and with the help of Kevin Joyce has been able to put some of his songs together, also is taking guitar lessons from Paul Trenwith.
All music lovers are welcome to come along and be entertained by Ron and our many other talented club members on Friday at 7.30pm, Senior Citizens Hall, Canada St, Morrinsville.

Our Musical Theatre performers!
You never know where time spent singing in the Morrinsville Country Club might lead you. Kayla Belfield and Hannah Cosgrove sang together during 2010 in several awards culminating in their appearance at Entertainer of the Year as a duo (Hannah winning the intermediate section in her own right). But this year Kayla and Hannah have each been separately been strutting their stuff on the boards and carving out solo careers as actresses in recent musical theatre productions.

Hannah is pictured above here with Henry Ashby (as Ren) in Musikmakers’ production of “Footloose”. Hannah won the lead role as Ariel (the wayward daughter of a strict preacher) and sang magnificently. But it was not only singing (and we all know how great Hannah sings) that dazzled audiences. Hannah had to learn to dance because as the musical is all about a town where the adults have outlawed dancing she was taken out of her comfort zone into a new discipline. This was a new experience for Hannah but one she enjoyed. The cast practised three times a week late into the night from June through the production’s 2 week run (10-24 September). The show was played to sold out audiences at Riverlea Theatre in Hamilton. The big thing that Hannah says she took away from her experience was “a lot more confidence”. It is not however Hannah’s first lead at Riverlea Theatre. In 2007 she was Annie in the stage show of the same name.

Meanwhile back in Morrinsville, Kayla took centre stage as the lead in “West Side Story” playing Maria. [WSS is basically an updated version of Romeo and Juliet]. Kayla’s only past musical theatre experience was a small part in “Jesus Christ Superstar”. But she stepped right up to the new challenge. Like Hannah’s role, Kayla had to learn choreographed dancing as well as her strong suit that won her the role - singing. The cast spent term 1 getting sufficient fitness for the dancing, term 2 they added in the singing and dialogue (as well as a production camp). Then the show was performed at Morrinsville College to very appreciative audiences 13-19 August. Kayla says that the role gave her greater confidence, increased her vocal range into the higher register of notes and gave more power to her voice. Both Hannah and Kayla say they are greatly inspired to chase other roles in musical theatre.

Nipping at the Hannah and Kayla’s heels, Tindra and Vivi Crossland (the Blondinis) together with older sister Kiri performed in Southwell School’s production of Oliver! in September; the second time all 3 have acted together (last year being “Bye Bye Birdie”).
Any of you knowing about other members performing in musicals let your editor know.

Upcoming Events
21-23rd October Sun City Awards in Nelson
22 &23 October Star Awards, Tauranga: being held at Otumoetai College, Tauranga, please come and support the singers from the club.
29th October Waikato Country Music Association: get together at Hamilton Cosmopolitan
Club, 12 mid-day.
19th November Veterans Awards at Narrows Park
19th November NZCMA 40th Reunion
26th November Country Music: Entertainer of the Year at Rotorua Convention Centre at 7pm. Tickets are $35 www.ticketmaster.co.nz or phone 073495141 (Hannah Cosgrove and Vivi Crossland from our club competing).
10 & 11th December Bootcamp: at Ngamuwahine Lodge, Lower Kaimais. Registration by 30th Oct.
20-22 January 2012 Marton Country Music Festival
28th January 2012 Phoenix Classic Gold Awards
23rd and 24th March Opotiki Charity Country Music Concert - Vivi from our club and Kay Tappin of Phoenix CMC are amongst artist from throughout NZ and Aust performing. For more info see www.opotikicountry.co.nz.
12th April 2012 Red Star Junior & Intermediate Awards.

Next Committee Meeting: Monday 17th October, 7.30pm at 69 Coronation Road, Morrinsville.

SINGERS’ CORNER
Extracted with permission from Ian Barnett from his 21 page booklet – “Know More About Stage Entertaining” he had prepared drawing on his experiences both as a performer and stage performance and singing coach. At your editor’s request Ian kindly gave his permission to reproduce some of his tips from his booklet in our newsletter. So here’s the second instalment. More will feature in subsequent editions of the newsletter.
1. Use some facial expressions and a few relaxed hand signals as you sing. Gently smiling and casually turn to each side of the stage while singing, for this will give you that much needed and closer touch with the audience, and the judges at awards.
2. Concentrate on your word endings, by placing them onto the far wall of the venue.
3. Try and dres to your song’s theme content of interest. Avoid loose looking slacks or sloppy jeans or rough looking shoirts on stage on club nights. Avoid too much decoration attached to your shorts or tops. Too much adornment look like Christmas Trees.
4.Practise regularly. If you don’t have a microphone – use a hairbrush, spoon or pen. At home practise your introductions. Walk around the house, imagine all the chairs have a person sitting in them and all the photos etc are your audience. This may sound silly but it does work. Sing quietly in the Supermarket to all the packets and bottles on the shelves. People look and smile and often comment. This will help you to get confidence on stage with feeling and phrasing.
Can’t wait for the instalments?; Copies of Ian’s booklet can be ordered from him direct for $10 – Ian Barnett 8/4 Nevada Drive, New Plymouth 4312 – tel 06 7533-066. If you do buy a booklet please respect Ian’s copyright and don’t go copying for your friends!

Upcoming artists performing at the Kiwi Pro-Am Vue Bar, Sky City, Hamilton
Thursday nights
13 October 2011 Helen Riley
20 October 2011 Max Smith
27 October 2011 Steve Grant Project

Sundays afternoons
16 October 2011 Joy Adams
23 October 2011 Mel Davies
30 October 2011 Tim Armstrong