THAMES NAVAL BRIGADE BAND BENEFIT.

Thames Advertiser, Volume IX, Issue 2462, 4 November 1876, Page 3

THAMES NAVAL BRIGADE BAND BENEFIT.

The amateur entertainment tendered in aid of the funds of the Thames Naval Brigade Band came off last evening in the Academy of- Music, before a crowded audience. AH the Volunteer companies on the Thames were well represented by officers and men, as well as the Fire Brigades. The band was also in attendance, and in the interlude performed some excellent musical selections. The entertainment opened with a capital Ethiopian Minstrel Troupe, composed of members of the Faval Brigade, with instrumentalists, bones, leader, and "corner"men complete. Mr.T. Gavin fulfilled the duties of conductor very creditably, and the irresistible fun and humour of the '■ corner" men, Messrs J. Parslosv (bones) and B. Hurfifc (banjo), kept the audience fully amused. Some of the minstrels possessed excellent' voices, and all acquitted themselves with credit. Mr W. Harris rendered the song "Dear sunny days of the past," with much pathos and sweetness, whilst the chorus was perfect. "Darling Little Jessie" was' well rendered by Mr T. Mills, and Messrs B. Hurfifc and J. Parslow gave the Christy songs very effectively. Mr C. Brown's " Holy Friar" richly deserved the encore it received. Messrs Hurfifc and Seagar's double song and dance was loudly applauded and re-demanded. Mr Wm. H. Eecd's ■ new local' medley on the Kauwaeranga. School Committee and their chairman, given a la Small's " Unfortunate-Man," with a capital make-up in the character of an undertaker, was a source of much merriment, and was,, of course, encored.' Mr J. Whitford. gave the English character song "On tho beach at Brighton," and, in response to an' encore, substituted " Strolling on : the Sands" in good style. The accompaniments were played by Mr Frederick Beed in a stylo superior to any. other amateur pianist' on the Thames. The*burlesque of " Villikins and his Dinah" followed, given by members of the Thames Amateur Dramatic Club, and the _ entertainment was brought to a close with the patriotic song " The Union Jack of Old England." Mr C. Brown rendered the solo, and the Naval Brigade Minstrels and members of the company the chorus, very effectively, This brought down the house, and it was necessary lo repeat it. Capt. Brassey, through our advertising columns, thanks those who tendered the benefit and thoso who assisted to make it pass off so successfully. . ■