General News
3 December, 2024
‘Tis the season
Gilgandra kicked off the festive season with the ‘Cruisin’ into Christmas Concert on Sunday evening.
The Gilgandra Shire Hall came alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday season during the Cruisin' into Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 1.
A vibrant crowd of more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the community's talent, with a lineup that left everyone in awe.
The event, divided into two acts, showcased an array of performances, blending humour, music, and dance with festive cheer.
The event was hosted by Gilgandra Alive, directed by the group’s president Jessica Reed. Gilgandra Country Women’s Association Evening Branch put on a delicious afternoon tea for the crowd during the intermission.
Stuart Border was the master of ceremonies for the event.
He opened the concert by explaining that the fundraising for the night would go towards purchasing a town drum kit in memory of the late Terry ‘Toss’ Nangle.
Mr Border read out the following message from the family: “As you know, our father Toss Nangle was a talented musician who loved performing and being involved in concerts such as this and his drum kit was often used to support the musical acts and has continued to be utilised since his passing last year”.
“However, the time has come, as per his wishes, for his precious bright orange drum kit to retire from its community service and be passed on to the next generation of Nangle drummers. We felt though, that we couldn’t leave Gilgandra without a drum kit!
“With the funds raised tonight along with our current Go Fund Me campaign, we plan to purchase a quality professional kit to honour dad’s legacy and help ensure the music community in Gilgandra continues to grow and thrive in the future. This is definitely something that Dad would want.
“Lastly, it may surprise you to know that even though Dad was a seasoned performer…who could sing... and act…and play drums… and play the trumpet…. and the piano…the list goes on …. he still put in hours and hours of practice and he also got very nervous before he performed!
“But, as soon as he hit the stage, he was right at home! Chrissy, Kylie, Jen, and Shell.”
Cameron Wendt began the evening with a moving rendition of “A Merry Little Christmas".
The Point Blank Writers Group presented "Oh No – It’s Nearly Christmas," a witty piece by Francis O’Neill, read by concert director Ms Reed.
Justin and Paul Bywater, of the band ‘D.A.D’ (Drunk Aunty Dancing) had the crowd singing along with "Feliz Navidad".
The ‘Curban Fast Bowler’ (AKA Greg King) bowled the crowd over with skits the "Christmas Cat" and "Rescue in the Restaurant".
The skits throughout also featured the acting talents of Lucie Peart, Cameron Wendt, Sophie Schier, and Stuart Border.
A beautiful performance of "Lord of the Dance" with Di George and Lyn Edwards on the recording accompanied by vocalists Bianca Williams and Ms Reed.
Naomi McCutcheon and Janet Cheal performed the heartfelt duet "Christmas Lullaby".
Emily Horan entertained with a humorous skit, "How to Grill Your Elf?"
Dancers Freyer Williams and Allie Claire Williams showcased stunning choreography with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Matilda," respectively.
Haylee Bishop evoked nostalgia with her piece "Nan’s Boiled Pudding".
‘Kevin, from Balladoran’ brought laughter with his ill-advised "Dating Advice" skit, helped by a ‘non-receptive pick-up target’ in Ms Peart.
The duo Jess Reed and Cameron Wendt ended the first act with a delightful rendition of "Baby, It’s Cold Outside."
To being act two, Michelle Loevendie and students from St Michael's Primary School in Blacktown presented a video of the school orchestra performing "Threshold."
Mrs Loevendie is the daughter of Toss Nangle; she works as a music teacher at various schools in Sydney and wanted to contribute to the concert by sending a video performance of some of her students.
Mr Border told the audience that the orchestra students are in years five and six.
The students play either violin, viola, cello or double bass.
They are relatively new to playing their instruments but are very eager and passionate young musicians.
The title of the piece they are performing is 'Threshold', composed by Tyler Arcari.
“This piece has challenged the students and is still very much a work in progress!” said Mrs Loevendie in her message to the concert.
“The students were very excited at the prospect of being shown at a concert all the way out in Gilgandra (Shelley had to explain where it was!) and they also wanted to pass on a huge hello from the big smoke to all of the audience members and wish the other performers the best of luck tonight and hope that you enjoy their performance of Threshold.”
Freyer Williams returned with the jazzy "Ice Cream Freeze," followed by Allie Claire Williams with her empowering lyrical piece, "Fight Song".
The Curban Fast Bowler delivered more humour with the "Robbery" and "The Heckler", this time also joined by Sophie Schier and Justin Bywater.
Madeline Foran shared a heartfelt message with "What Christmas Means".
A lively group of Di George, Lyn Edwards, Jess, Beth, and Dottie Reed performed "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
A stirring rendition of "Oh Holy Night" played by Jess Watson on piano, featuring vocalists Cameron Wendt, Lucie Peart, and Jess Reed captivated the hall.
Justin and Paul Bywater returned with a George Michael classic cover of "Last Christmas”.
Janet Cheal entertained on the grand piano with her creative "Christmas Carol Mashup".
Stephen Bignall and Jess Watson gave a unique performance of Banjo Paterson’s "Santa Claus in the Bush".
The popular duo of Maxine and Alana Elsom delighted with their performances of "Summer Wonderland" and "Silent Night".
The quartet of Dorothy, Elizabeth, and Jess Reed, with Lucie Peart closed the show with a festive "Jingle Bells."
The evening was a testament to Gilgandra’s vibrant community spirit. "It’s incredible to see such a showcase of talent and togetherness," said director Ms Reed.
The evening finished with all the cast returning to the stage to sing together a reprise of "Feliz Navidad" (Spanish for happy/merry Christmas) led by D.A.D.
