PORT NICHOLSON SILVER BAND.

Evening Post, Issue 19, 23 July 1934, Page 3

PORT NICHOLSON SILVER BAND.

There was a large audience at the De Luxe Theatre last evening when the Port Nicholson Silver Band advanced its 1934 winter season. a further stiip by presenting one of'the best programmes of the series. Mr. J. J. Drew conducted, the band, and secured excellent volume and tone froni his playere. The band programme included H. ScotneyV "Prayer Song"; the marches "Liberty Bell" (Sousa) and "CKR.B." (Anderson); ' Wallace's "Lurlino" selection; "If I Were King," and the novelty "Gomin' Thro' the Eye" (arranged by Hawkins). Miss Myra Sawyer was unable to appear, and Miss B. Godier deputised for her. She has a flexible and-sweet mezzo-soprano voice, and sang ■ "Bells' of Love" and "Only a Rose." Miss Veronica Bell, a newcomer to Wellington ! who possesses a beautiful soprano, also sang, her selections being "II Bacio" and "Pale Moon." Both singers mado a deep impression. Little ■ Jean Cerchj is a popular performer, and her well-rendered songs were warmly applauded; they were "Bird Songs at Eventide," "The First Spring Day," and "Cupid's Army." Mr. Dan Hopa. baritone, chose "The Desert Song," and received a triple encore that included "Waiata Poi" and another Maori song, and "Million Dollar Doll." Mr. Vivian Middleton, surely the youngest ventriloquist in New Zealand, delighted with his turn, assisted by Jerry, his patter being amusing and entertaining. His encore was "Yodelitus," in which difficult yodelling was accomplished. Mr. Paul Cullen's Wurlitzer organ solos were "Valley. of the Moon," "I Raise My Hat," and other popular numbers. He was unable to sing owing to a. microphone .fault, but his instrumental numbers were very popular. Mr. Franlc Crowther's accompaniments wore a treat in (hcmselve*. .