CONCERT AT ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 734, 12 May 1876, Page 2

CONCERT AT ALEXANDRA.

What may he considered the first of the Winter Evenings' Entertainments to he given in the Alexandra Library Hall during the ensuing winter, was given on Wcdnes° day evening last, and drew a crowded house, and in saying the audience had no occasion to complain of the entertainment provided for them, we arc sure we hut express the mind of all who were present. The Entertainment was in aid of tho funds of the Alexandra Brass Brand, andlthe principle performers were the Clyde Band, who kindly gave their sendees for the occasion; there were also a bevy of ladies and a host of gentlemen, who vied each with tho other in their efforts to give satisfaction, and render the affair a success. Tho instrumental part of the concert devolved entirely on the Clyde Brass Band, who played some choice selections. Messrs Wilde, Nottlofold, and Smith played a trio on cornets and euphonium, and tho two former plavcd a duet, “ All’s Well,” on tho cornets. This latter piece of music may he styled the gem of the evening, and for which they received tho most hearty applause. The singers comprised the Misses Hastic, Webb, and Doyle,and Messrs Rees, Austin, Hall, and Fish. To particularise

the singing of either would bo invidious, as, taking into consideration the difficulty of singing as it were right in amongst the audience, and some of those emitting not the most pleasant odour from their oily, opium-soaked frames, and further, with the head all but touching the ceiling ; yet, it was far above what we have heard by more pretentious performers, and that the audience thought so was evidenced by their hearty applause and determined demands for encores. We must perforce, however, give Miss Hastie credit for being the best and sweetest of the lady singers, and Messrs Austin and Eees among the gentlemen. The concert over, the room was cleared and dancing commenced and was carried on with great spirit till (past throe o’clock, at about which hour the band played in grand style “ God save the Queen.” Here followed votes of thanks to the Clyde Brass Band for their presence, and to the ladies and gentlemen singers by James Samson, Esq., Mayor of Alexandra, and responded to, on behalf of the Ladies and the Band by Mr Nettlefold. This brought to an end one of the most pleasant and successful entertainments at which it has been our good fortune to attend for a long time, and we only hope that before the winter closes we shall enjoy many such treats. Amongst the audience we counted some thirty ladies and gentlemen from Clyde, and we hope, at the next concert to be given at Clyde, to see a like number from Alexandra.