Talent and variety at Dannevirke Club
Every third Sunday the Dannevirke Services and Citizens Club hosts the Dannevirke Country and Western Club for the afternoon and locals flock along to enjoy the hospitality and entertainment.
An experienced backing band of Buster Neill on a dobro guitar, Peter Lobb and Barry Franklin on rhythm guitar, Shannan Stafford-Hyde on bass and Peter Pokaia on lead provide support for singers who supply it with music, usually sight unseen and the result is an easy and enjoyable sound.
Singers put their names on a list and have the opportunity to sing two songs initially, with others later depending on the list.
Regular singers like Barry Franklin and Shannan Stafford-Hyde are always popular and the programme is supplemented by visitors from the Manawatu¯ , Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, some of whom are invited guest artists for the month.
This honour is reciprocated when Dannevirke members visit these clubs, especially when they hold a festival and for many members there is hardly a free Sunday.
Shannan Stafford-Hyde has been thrilled to receive a number of invitations to fill the guest spot, the most recent being the Marton Country Festival.
Three locals — Buster Neill, Linda Hyde and Dave
Gundersen — even ventured to the home of country music Nashville last year taking in Memphis and Gracelands, the Hank Williams Festival in Montgomery, Alabama and New Orleans.
On Sunday a crowd of over 40 swapped the 30-degree heat for the air-conditioning of the club, were thoroughly entertained and finished the afternoon with a pork roast for dinner.