Category: Bands of the Past

Career highlights:

5 th in Australasia JBL DJ Championship

Curtainraiser to Principal act ‘M People’ (Western Springs)

Resident DJ – Azure, Coyote, XO’s, Bailey’s 818, Firehouse, Palladium ( Christchurch ), Arena ( Wellington )

Master of Ceremonies ‘World Deaf Games’

RadioNetworkBroadcastingSchool Certification

Music & Sound co-ordinator Miss Wellington Pageant

Specialising in:

Corporate functions, weddings, theme parties, birthdays etc. I have provided entertainment services to many function venues around Canterbury over the past years.

Top quality clarity of sound assured using the latest JBL Newmark technology.

The Middlemen have a vast array of music ranging from the 60’s all the way to the 21st century. Pop, rock, jazz, blues and so on. We cover all genres of music. We will be your contact for a night of bliss filled entertainment. We’ll be bringing top shelf music that’ll entice you to get up and dance.
Malo Seumanutafa – Bass/Vocals:Has played at Canaan downs festival, Christchurch jazz festival for some of ChCh’s upcoming originals artists such as Natalie Elms & Lotus. He is a tutor at Vision College and has been a musician for over twenty years. Lydia Solvander – Vocals/Keys:Co-founding member and lead singer of the Global Battle of the Bands 2009 semi-finalists, DRIFT and Smokefree Rockquest Solo Artist. She has been in an originals rock band for 2 years with regular paid gigs, tv appearances, newspaper articles, photoshoots by Bob King, international gigs and a full length album. Josiah Dayo – Guitar/Vocals:With 15 years of playing experience, Josiah is an accomplished guitarist with an arsenal of styles that will blow you away and has performed at various festivals around NZ. He is also a professional DJ and works all around ChCh in various venues.Because of his DJ background and vast knowledge of all genres of music, Josiah offers The Middlemen valuable insight into creating a well established setlist that can cater to everybody’s musical taste. Thomas Lochrie – Drums/Vocals:Dynamic drummer who has toured with Y1 all around NZ. He is currently attending a prestigious music school in the bid to perfect his already impeccable drumming skills. Tom is also a session musician for various artists around ChCh. He is a maestro sound technician and uses this skill to enhance the live sound quality of The Middlemen

the Crush are a covers band playing a mix of current pop/rock/party music with a number of classics from the 60’s through to the 90’s. Members have a proven success formula in the Christchurch hotel and night club scene and have often played as the pre match   entertainment at Super 12 games. the Crush (Lesley, Grant and Damien) are a 3 piece band with 1 female and 2 male vocals, guitar, bass and electronic backing drums & sounds which enables the Crush to produce a full band sound. They are a strong party band who know how to   “entertain” a crowd – not just play to a crowd. A guaranteed great night! the Crush carry their own production which includes a excellent sounding PA and lighting show . As an extra, the Crush carry a good selection of ‘break music’ should the need arise

the Crush are suitable for parties/corporate functions/private functions/weddings /pubs……..

the Crush can adapt their repertoire to suit any occasion

Grant

Guitars – Grant adds guitar and sound to the Crush. Working with international artists in lighting, sound and stage has given the Crush the professionalism required for the type of performances they undertake

Lesley

Vocalist – 15 years coverband experience including popular bands the Avengers – Juicy Jamm , Lesleys sweet voice and dance, adds energy and presence to the look and sound of The Crush

Intention

To deliver a variety of music which is also diverse in style and appeals to all age groups. To provide this in a manner that is entertaining and audience responsive. To associate with clients and agencies in a way which demonstrates our professionalism and work ethic.

History

Mister Meana was established in 1990. The band has played at numerous functions for a variety of clients, they include:

• Cancer Society
• Harcourts N.Z.
• Child Cancer Foundation
• G.L. Bowron Ltd
• Ashburton High School Ball/PTA
• South Island Advertising Awards
• World Paraplegic Games
• NZ Law Society
• P.D.L Industries
• Fairlie PTA

Although most recently our clients have been from the corporate sector, we have in the past enjoyed playing for private functions such as weddings, 50th birthdays and social clubs.

Band Members

Every band member without exception has been in the music industry for many years, all having experienced either professional or semi-professional careers.

Pania Tapara – Lead vocalist. “I believe a band can make or break a night. I know that people have a fantastic night with Mister Meana”.

Peter Burdon – Keyboards/vocalist.

Michael Davis – Guitarist.

Kevin Taylor – Bass Player.

Wayne Allen – Drummer.

Robin Cocks – Trumpet Player.

Russell Officer – Trumpet Player.

Summary

Our band has attained a high level of respect and support from previous and ongoing clients. The basis of which is due to our professionalism and our ability to perform. We have no doubt that future clients will feel the same.\

Modadji is a three-piece band from Christchurch whose sophisticated style and repertoire has been designed to specifically cater to patrons attending weddings, balls, parties, nightclubs and corporate functions .

Originally a jazz duo, the trio formed in 1993 due to the trend in electronic backing which enabled a small ensemble of musicians to produce a full band sound.

The group consisting of keyboard, saxophone, and three lead vocals is able to reproduce a variety of styles including pop, soul, reggae, disco, rock and jazz

Modadji’s repertoire covers a range of the most sophisticated  popular music from the 70’s to the present day

The trio pride themselves on their professionalism and their ability to accommodate every audience.

Modadji  performs as either a trio or a duo depending on the clients requirements and budget.

The Band

Simon Lean-Massey: has a First-class honours Bachelor of Music degree from Canterbury University and is a double major graduate of The Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School. He is the founding member of the group Modadji and is responsible for the arrangements and programming that give the group their unique sound and style. Apart from his stunning adeptness at playing the tenor saxophone, he also sings and plays keyboard.  He is currently a music tutor at The Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School. His advertising jingles can be heard on radio and television. Simon’s first love is jazz – and along with other tutors and ex-graduates of the Jazz School he is available to perform in this idiom, when required.

Katherine Smith: joined Modadji in January 2000. She has brought style and flair to the trio, drawing from her vast experience as a performer and a fashion photographer. Kate performed in America during a two year residence in L.A., and upon her return to New Zealand fronted the successful duo ‘Smith and Jones’ for seven years. More recently she has carved a niche for herself as the voice behind many television and local radio advertising jingles. Her vocal talent has enabled the group to perform an even wider variety of styles and has strengthened the close-knit harmonies that distinguish Modadji from other groups.

Sarah Lean-Massey:  has been singing professionally since the age of 15. A vocal performance graduate from The Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School, Sarah is currently teaching vocals at the Hagley Community College Jazz School and on the Christchurch Polytechnic Rock Course. Throughout her career she has experimented with many styles of music including Country, Middle-of the Road, Rock, Heavy Metal, Standard and Fusion Jazz, however; her forte lies within the rock/pop idiom and Modadji is the perfect vehicle for her talents. Sarah can also be heard performing advertising jingles for radio and television.

Christchurch’s only 10 piece band!

Collector’s Edition feature a 4 piece brass section of saxophone, trombone, two trumpets and even the flugel horn on the odd occasion!

Also to complement this fantastic lineup they have experienced musicians on drums, bass and guitars, keyboards plus backup vocals.

A totally live band that plays music the way it used to be, from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s with a front man with boundless energy and a great voice.

So if you want something special for your wedding, corporate event, gala dinner etc then Collector’s Edition is the band for you.

Collectors Edition provide “more band for your buck”
Dont delay listen to our sound clips today!

REFERENCES

Collector’s Edition provided outstanding entertainment for our night, which made the event very successful. From the first song to the last the dance floor was jam packed and everyone had a very enjoyable evening which has been talked about ever since!!!
All our dealings prior to the event and on the night were hassle free and very professional.

Collector’s Edition are one of the few bands that I’ve seen be able to get people dancing within the first couple of songs and able to keep people on the dance floor right to the bitter end with everyone wanting encores. They are extremely professional in their approach both before and during the event.

Collector’s Edition is a big band with a big sound, from the outset the band exuded high energy and the audience could not fail to respond. Everyone was up dancing, enjoying the well-rehearsed repertoire of party rock/pop dance music. The dynamic lead singer has “showman” presence and the level of enthusiasm was unflagging for the entire time the band played, they have already been booked again for next year.

Collectors Edition played for the South Island Masters Games in Christchurch in October of 2007.They played in a huge marquee to a crowd of between 1500-1800 30-55 year olds on the last night of the sporting festival that is the Masters Games.Collectors Edition were the perfect band for this night with their energy and music selection keeping the crowd up dancing from beginning to end.The night was a huge success and we have received a considerable number of positive comments about Collectors Edition from party goers.I will definitely be using Collectors Edition in the future and recommend them unreservedly.

When Megan and I were deciding on our wedding we wanted our friends and family to have the best time and we felt to do this we needed 3 things, a great venue, great food/wine and great music.
And we got all 3 in spade loads. Collectors Edition were incredible, 10 of the most enthusiastic musicians playing music because they love it.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a band keep the dance floor more full than this lot – and we had folk from 7 months to 93 years of age (well ok the 7 month old’s decision to dance wasn’t voluntary!).
We still get friends mailing us saying how fantastic the band was, and that includes folk who went to two other weddings as parents of the bride – who wished they could have had Collectors Edition as well.
If you can’t get everyone up at awedding with these guys here, then you need to swap your friends and relatives for people who can dance!!!!!

Would you be kind enough to pass on our sincere appreciation to Clive and ‘Collectors Edition’ for the fabulous performance they put on for us at our Christmas function on Saturday evening. The staff are still buzzing today about what a great night it was, and how terrific the band was.  Needless to say, there are a few forlorn faces from those staff who didn’t go! I’ve been told it was the best Christmas function the staff have ever attended, and that we must do exactly the same again next year! 

If you’ve already seen them playing Christchurch venues, you’ll know what great entertainment The Vivas provide! Whether they’re playing corporate functions, sports clubs, private parties, Christchurch weddings, or pubs, they’ll always choose songs, tempo and volume to suit the occasion. With top quality musicianship and equipment, they’ll create the right atmosphere and a memorable occasion for you. Dave reckons he was lucky being born in Liverpool at the right time to find himself playing guitar in schoolboy bands as a teenager in the 60s.  Helped also by his training in classical  piano and violin, he’s continued this passion ever since, playing lead guitar in bands in the UK and NZ.  A scientist in his ‘other’ life, Dave enjoys the creative freedom that playing live gives, especially improvising solos.  For the last two years he’s been playing a Line 6 Variax as his main guitar.  It’s a digital ‘simulation’ guitar that does an amazing job – from gentle Jack Johnson acoustic sounds to the Dire Straits clean sound, the rockabilly of Stray Cats, or the full-on grunt of Slash’s Les Paul. Nancy – the good looking one in The Vivas (sorry fellas!) – showed a musical talent from a young age playing classical piano, singing, playing guitar and writing songs.   Initially working as a DJ, she learned how to read a crowd and keep them happy. This busy lady somehow manages to balance being a mum with a teaching career and a passion for live musical performance. She’s been with the Vivas for two years now and also performs regularly at Twiggers Cabaret.  Nancy will keep you entertained whether she’s singing gentle songs by the Pretenders or Stevie Nicks, or giving it heaps as Pat Benetar, Blondie or even Axl Rose.  Dennis would keep you entertained by himself all night.  At home with any crowd of any size – you’ll have a great atmosphere right from the start! Chief raconteur, singer, and bass player-supremo, he has a long musical pedigree in the local musical scene lending his skills to shows as diverse as The Viscounts and The Gene Pitney Tribute show. He thrives on live performance, much preferring to work with other musicians rather than mp3s, sequencers, drum-machines or any of the other cheat-technology that gets passed off as live music these days. The Vivas play it real! Dennis’s skilled playing adds a lot of rhythm and sound colouration to their wide repertoire – he’s Flea, Sting, Paul McCartney, and John Paul Jones all in one! Terry’s orange 70s BMW, which he uses to transport his drum kit in, is a sure sign the man’s got style!    If you like Creedance, Stray Cats, Gary Moore and Pink Floyd, no worries,   Terry’s got the voice to nail ‘em all.   He’s been performing since he was a young lad, and has featured in some of Christchurch’s top bands including Tight Squeeze and Friar Tuck. No less impressive is his drumming which ranges across all styles from reggae to pop to heavy rock, as demanded by The Vivas repertoire. Terry does it all with flair and adds a lot of laughs to the evening’s entertainment.

Mark & Alan have extensive experience at providing 60’s / 90’s classic hits for all types of functions /events:

 

The Outwits are Canterbury’s most experienced corporate entertainment troupe.The performers for The Outwits are skilled craftsman in all aspects of our industry – as MCs, comedians, actors, voice-over artists, writers, filmmakers and professional silly buggers.   We each have over 15 years of experience making the toughest crowds in New Zealand laugh.  Thanks to the great flight options around New Zealand, The Outwits now perform over 50% of the time outside of Christchurch.  So if you are hosting an event anywhere in NZ (or the world) do not hesitate to contact us for a quote. 

But what do we do? The Outwits make shows specifically for corporate crowds and events. We have used our improvisational skills to move away from impromptu theatre/ sport games (a crowd pleaser for many years) to create slick, scripted pieces of corporate comedy. Having honed our quick wits in the fast paced arena of “making it up as you go along” means we are ready for anything. But having a script means that we have a sure fire arsenal at our disposal. There is too much riding on the night not to have some big guns ready at a moment’s notice. The Outwits are the best MC’s in New Zealand Utilizing all our skills we offer great options to MC events and conferences.  We tailor our characters to the event and our style of MCing is a blend of fast past comedy presented in a slick and professional manner. The Outwits believe it is important to have a good balance between content and entertainment.  While it is your job to create interesting and relevant content for your sessions, it is our job to make sure the crowd is energized and focused.  We have developed great techniques for doing just that.  As was evident at the Vodafone Awards at the Civic in Auckland.  Here is the feedback: “Madant Productions commissioned The Outwits as The Queen and Prince Philip for the Vodafone Best of British party.  The dedication and effort that The Outwits put towards their characters as The Queen and Prince Philip was astounding and unbeatable!  They were so convincing and rip roaringly funny.  Nothing was an effort and they are always such a pleasure to work with.