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| Taranaki Country Music Hall of Fame |  |
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History
The Hall was originally built in 1912 to serve as a band Hall for the Manaia Town Council. It was later used as a hospital during the 1919 influenza epidemic and in 1953 as a picture theatre after the Manaia Town Hall burnt down. Over the years the hall has been used for tap and highland dancing, Girl Guides, and a builders workshop.
On 14 September 1992 Pam Willing opened the doors of the Taranaki Country Music Hall of Fame to the public, in honour of the memory of her two sisters, Violet Kennedy and Irene Price.
World renown country musicians, Helen and Ian Braithwaite purchased the hall on 20 September 2002 and expanded on Pam’s vision. Helen and Ian have toured the world performing and have recorded two albums that are played on radio stations in the U.S.A, Germany and …….
Museum
The hall is adorned with collections of photographs in antique mirror frames of the stars of country music from around the world.
Displays include farming memorabilia of New Zealand’s yesteryear and household items that brings back memories of the good ol’ days singing around the piano.
Entertainment
Many world famous country musicians have performed here – including Patsy Rigger, Gray Bartlett, Jenny Blackadder, Marion Burns and Rodger Tibbs.
Helen plays lead guitar and many other instruments she can demonstrate to visitors. Ian plays the bass guitar and can pedal the Pianola. We can entertain you with a song while you enjoy lunch and a cuppa!
Resident band Club Evenings
Every Thursday evening, 7.30pm
Doors open at 6.30pm
Come along and join us for a great time with our regular band and singers.
You can sit back, listen and enjoy the music, or you are most welcome on stage perform.
Reserved seats available for $2
Handcrafted and imported souvenirs relating to country music and a selection of recordings by New Zealand recording musicians are available to purchase. |
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Copyright © Venture Taranaki Trust |
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