February 2010
The Peers of harmony once again competed at Ryton Music Festival in the barbershop chorus category, and after coming a close second last year, this time they won! Well done guys (and gal)! Then back to base for a celebratory drink with the trophy!
January 2010
The new year could not have got off to a better start for the Peers of Harmony. Tuesday the 19th January turned into a 'red letter day' when news reached us that we had been awarded a grant by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. The successful application will mean we can commence the next stage of our dev elopement programme. The funding will be used towards the cost of new stage wear and for ongoing educational & teaching expenses, which will benefit our existing personnel & assist with teaching potential new recruits to sing.
Year end 2009
Once again The Peers were invited to take part in the Christmas program of events at the north east's' premier music venue the Sage,Gateshead & opened the season with a 45 minute spot on the spectacular main concourse. This was quickly followed by two shows, the first being a return visit to Marsden Ladies Friendly Circle for their Christmas Party ,where we entertained along with guest ladies quartet Two AM who were very well received by an enthusiastic audience.
Three days later The Peers were on the road to Hexham,Northumberland to sing at the evening wedding reception of Robert & Helen Smith who had tied the knot earlier in the day. Robert , an ex barbershoper, joined the boys to serenade his bride with the old favourite 'Heart of my heart'. There wasn't a dry eye in the room !
Bringing the curtain down (literarily) on our 2nd successful year the full chorus made their debut at The Gateshead Little Theatre in a Christmas Show arranged by popular girl trio Accord. Also on the bill were Old Gold, Masquerade & Plan B. The Peers sang just before the interval and again at the finale,closing the show with their hosts Accord singing the ever popular 'White Christmas' complete with winter mufflers and stage 'snowfall'. Little did we know what real weather was awaiting us.
Our December shows were especially enjoyable as we were able to integrate several of our new members into our show chorus for the first time. Congratulations to all considering the short space of time they have been with us & that some of them have never sung in public before. After such a busy month it was finally time to celebrate our progress in 2009 ,so on the 22nd it was off to Cafe' Vivo on Newcastle Quayside for our Christmas Party.
Wednesday 16th December
Another trip the offices of the South Shields Gazette - this time to meet the King, and get all shook up! Click on logo to read the article & watch the video
Friday 20th November
A successful ' Music & Laughter' show held at South Shields & Westoe Club on Friday 20th Nov. marked the conclusion of the first part of our special fund raising campaign to provide new stage wear for our expanding chorus. Opening the show the Peers,Masquerade & Old Gold were well received by an appreciative audience which included several of our recently recruited new members with their friends & families. Judging by the way they were singing along they are obviously 'itching' to get up on the risers for their first public performance. After enjoying a hearty pie & pea supper everyone was eagerly awaiting guest entertainer,comedian Alan Fox. They were not disappointed - Alan had tears of laughter rolling down the cheeks of many in the room as he gave a 90 minute master class of comedy. The evening was concluded with the draw for our first ever raffle. At the time of writing final figures are not yet compiled ,but the proceeds of the raffle plus a small profit from our social evening should produce some £2000 plus for our funds. A big thank you to all our sponsors who kindly provided prizes & a big pat on the back for the Peers who worked hard to make both the raffle & social so successful.
Tuesday 13th October 2009
Ahead of their first open night the Peers were invited to the offices of the Shields Gazette. Click Picture to read the article & watch the video.
Saturday 7th March 2009
The Peers competed at Darlington Music Festival and won 1st place in the Barbershop chorus category! Old Gold also triumphed in the barbeshop quartet category!
Wednesday 29th February 2009
The Peers competed at Ryton Music Festival and came a close second in the Barbershop Chorus category.
Thursday 29th January 2009
Guesting on the Jonathan Miles Midmorning Show on BBC Radio Newcastle, the chorus were represented by quartet Very Old Gold due to the restricted space in the studio. Peter Jones, Eddie Evans, Mike Kimber and Geoff Ramsey sang live on air then taught host Jonathan a tag which he sang with them. Jonathan was so impressed with the sound the guys produced he asked them to record a jingle which he will use on his future shows. Click picture to listen (edited down to 10 mins).