Bringing the country air to the city

Press, 4 July 1985, Page 18

Bringing the country air to the city

By

NEVIN TOPP

The Connoisseurs, formerly known as Rent Hamilton and the Country Connoisseurs, have had a busy last few weeks, including playing at the Victorian Coffee Gallery last Friday night and a stint for raising fnnds for Telethon at the State Trinity Theatre 24hour band special last weekend. But, the Connoisseurs come home to play at the Zetland Tavern’s new rock spot, The Secret Venue, on Saturday evening, along with what the group calls some “surprise” (unnamed guests.) The band play a mixture of country music, some original material and some covers from famous C. and W. artists from the 30s onwards, including Hank Williams, George Jones, Tex Ritter, Slim Dusty, and New Zealand’s own Tex Morton.

Perhaps, an unusual aspect of the band is that they have twice gone down to play in the Golden Guitar Awards show at Gore, although each time they have come back without even a “highly commended.” But the group is not surprised because of the type of material and the style in which they play it. However, the group was pleased that people remembered them from the last time they played at the Golden Guitar Awards.

Rent Hamilton, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, says that they want to show folk that it is nice to have fun and have a laugh at yourself while having fun.

The band has been known to give away bottles of wine, hold dancing competitions, and play bingo, plus play country music. The band ask you to introduce yourself to the Connoisseurs, it will make their day.