Entertainment scene Glad tidings

Press, 12 July 1984, Page 10

Entertainment scene

Glad tidings

By NEVIN TOPP Touring bands return to the Gladstone Tavern this week, first on the list from this evening being Working With Walt, from Dunedin.

A decision was made at the beginning of last month to have resident bands playing at the Gladstone, but the promoter, Mark Cassin, said that there had been a change of heart.

Working With Walt play at the tavern for three consecutive evenings starting tonight, and next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings Richie Pickett and the In-laws, the country band that is featured on the “That’s Country” television programme, are booked to With Walt is an interesting opening choice because the band won the Radio Active band of the year competition against 50 other bands. Prizes include a national universities tour, yet to be set up, and recording time. Although the band comes from Dunedin, they do not regard themselves as a typical band, in the tradition of

the Chills and the Verlaines, from the city, describing themselves as a dance band. The band consists of Chris Berryman (bass), Peter Guy (drums), Peter Hamilton (guitar), and Robert Helreigal (acoustic guitar and vocals). But if it is glad tidings for the tavern re-opening to tour bands, then it’s an ill wind for the show of four stars who were meant to present an evening of jazz, comedy, and blues. Peter Rowley, the comedian; Hammond Gamble, the blues musician; Beaver, the singer, and Geoff Castle, formerly the keyboardist with lan Dury’s band, the Blockheads, were meant to present five shows in Christchurch this week, but the tour was cancelled at the last minute. Dates included the Star and Garter tavern tomorrow and Saturday evenings. At the tavern this evening are Scorched Earth Policy with And Now We Are Six. The Verlaines, from Dunedin, play at the venue next Wednesday and Thursday,