Billy T brews a choice show

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, 28 July 1987, Page 3

Billy T brews a choice show

Billy T. James and Hawaiki appeared live in Waiouru on Saturday night and was everything one expected and more. The six-strong band Hawaiki warmed up the near capacity crowd for the first 45 minutes with a medley of songs from the past three decades, including an original of their own entitled "Heartache". Female lead vocalist, the talented Tasha did justice to familiar favourites and displayed an amazing ability for rappin' as did the other members of the band. After an intermission the audience was regaled by the star of the show, Billy T. himself. He was joined by Tasha in performing a hilarious imitation of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' duet "Islands in the Stream". Although there was a little confusion at times as to who was taking which part. This was followed by a brilliant solo impersonation by .Billy T. of Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias singing their popular song "Of all the girls I've loved before".

He was then joined by the band, appropriately attired, to sing the Beach Boys number "Good Vibrations". No show would have been complete without the appearance of his infamous 'Abe Pukitiphino' character which the crowd really appreciated judging by the raucous laughter and number of people rolling in the aisles. Billy T. says his philosophy is to make people

smile, even if only for a minute or two, and if he can pick up $2000-$3000 a night for doing it - all the better! While in the Waimarino he has been filming clips for his new series which is to screen shortly. The series will include sequences of "Splatoon", "Indiana James" and "Turangi Vice". Judging by the success of his stage show it will be a series not to be missed.