MINSTRELS FROM 2FC

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 937, 2 April 1930, Page 7

MINSTRELS FROM 2FC

NOVELTY ON SATURDAY An old nigger night will be presented from 2FC on Friday, when Wal Hockley’s Old Time Minstrels will appear from the radio and electrical exhibition at the Sydney Town Hall. Wal Rockley who is directing the minstrels has been producing these shows for over six years, and is known in the show world as “Uncle Wal.” He has taken part in practically every principal minstrel show in U.S.A., and commenced his career with “The King of Minstrels," Billy Emerson. He was also with Frank Clark’s “Silk Stocking Minstrels,” and many others in Australia. His last appearance was at the Grand Opera House a few months ago. Mr. Rockley’s numbers will include two coon songs “That Minstrel Show,” by Leasing and Moncio, and “Dixie Once More,” by Pinhard. The programme will open with a chorus “Kentucky,” followed by Jay Penn (baritone), who will sing “Deep Night” (Eales). Mr. Penn comes from Primroses’ American Minstrels, which was one of the most famous combinations in America. Syd Haynes, another well-known minstrel and a onelime member of Fisk’s Jubilee Singers, will sing “Dixie Band” and “Mammy’s Jubilee.” An interesting act in the programme will be a dance given by Les Ship, comedian, and the champion hardshoe dancer in Australia. The microphone will be placed on the floor to enable listeners to hear the rhythmical tap, tap of the dancer Will Raynor (tenor), an ex-member of the Moran Burgess Minstrels, will sing “When Sweet Marie Was Sweet Sixteen” and “When You and I Were Young, Maggie.” The programme will conclude with “Floating Down the Mississippi River,” sung by the entire company.