FINE VARIETY CONCERT SEEN BY LARGE CROWD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 77, 2 August 1950, Page 5

FINE VARIETY CONCERT SEEN BY LARGE CROWD

A large crowd saw one of the best variety concerts presented at Whakatane for some time in the Grand Theatre on Monday night by the Blind Institute Band, of Auckland. Stirring selections by a silver band, fine vocal numbers * and snappy sketches gave the audience adequate entertainment for two hours. From start to finish the concert kept moving and each item was speedily introduced. Although every item received enthusiastic applause, that which was tendered versatile Tumai Taraewa following his version of “Twelfth Street Rag’’ on the piano accordian was, perhaps, the loudest. Not only did he thrill with this instrument but he also played the euphonium, alto saxophone, sang and took part in a comedy sketch. A snappy dance band proved a popular interlude and set many feet tapping. They swept in to two numbers with • the apparent abandon peculiar to such combinations. “Arkansaw and his hillbillies” drew delighted mirth with their jokes of local people and places.

An exhibition of braille reading created much interest. Although books in braille often went into many volumes they were very widely read. From the audience it was difficult- to note that any of the performers were blind. Apart from the few times when they were assisted to positions few of the bandsmen gave any indication that they had no sight. Some were totally blind and a few partially. There was a party of 23.

The band arrived at Whakatane on Monday morning and members were billeted out. Yesterday the secretary of the organising committee, Mr H. M. Dewar, said that there had been a great response to the appeal for billets. Those people who had taken bandsmen had been very taken with the men. Although a number of country people had offered their homes Mr Dewar explained that it was desired to keep the men in town as near as possible to the theatre.

There is a possibility that the band will be visiting Whakatane early next year to present another concert. The visit to Whakatane was arranged by the Whakatane district advisory committee of the blind institute, Messrs H. G. Warren (chairman), Dewar, and Meisdames F. Sumner, J. Murphy. The band left yesterday for Opotiki and thence it will travel to Gisborne.