"VARIETY CALLING": A Chance For Local Talent

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 60, 16 August 1940, Page 14

"VARIETY CALLING": A Chance For Local Talent

‘c ROM accordion players to xylophonists, let ’em all come!" said an NBS official after last week’s "Radio Variety" show presented from 2YA. He was referring to the need for local talent for future variety shows and in particular for "Radio Variety" which is to be broadcast on successive Thursday nights. Few listeners to "Radio Variety" last week realised that here was a show composed entirely of local artists, and a jolly good show, too, Always on the look-out for new talent, the NBS tried this as an experiment. They wanted a vehicle in which local performers could go through their paces. It was to be just what the title implied -tradio variety. It was not intended to be a revue containing stars of great magnitude but a happy little combination of artists who would appeal to every taste-with an ounce or two of novelty thrown in and a spot of humour just for good measure. They got what they wanted in " Radio Variety," and so have decided to continue the show. Here is the bill of fare offered by "Radio Variety" next weeks

First there’s Anne Luciano, a soprano whose songs should appeal to everyone She should be well-known to New Zealand audiences, for she did several tours with revue companies a few years ago. Then there’s John Parkin, a pianist who is no newcomer to radio. A touch of novelty and a great deal of musical skill is added by Edward Sundberg, a youthful star of the xylophone. Another highlight of the show is " The Harmowaians," an unusual musical combination who contribute some real Sol Hoopi hits in a distinctive style. These "Harmowaians" are versatile artists. There are five of them, Viv. Middleton (leader), Bon Wrightson, Stan Donoghue, Bill Hoffmeister, and Ted Hall; and each one is capable of playing three or four different instruments. And we haven’t mentioned the compére who throws in his share of humour, aided by the band of artists who will provide another of their entertaining little sketches. To keep the show going is the headache of the NBS officials at the moment, They want more artists. As one of them remarked, "I don’t care if people come along who want to show me how well they can sing through their ears, I'll

listen to them and if they are good, then there’s a place for them in ‘Radio Variety.’" So, come on all you piccolo-players or what-have-you- it’s "variety calling!"