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Pearl Beach Progress Association Music & Irvine Family Piano Scholarship Concerts presented a weekend of music performed by students from the Central Coast Conservatorium

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 May 2022 – Pearl Beach Memorial Hall

The annual Scholarship concert has been jointly presented by the Pearl Beach Progress Association and the Irvine Family since the inaugural concert held in May 2005 and in partnership with the Central Coast Conservatorium to offer performance opportunity to students who have excelled in their chosen field.

Patrick Brennan, Artistic Director, Central Coast Conservatorium comments “the Central Coast Conservatorium is most grateful for the financial awards totalling $3,250.00 which includes the Irvine Family Piano Scholarship and Pearly’s Cafe Pearl Beach Scholarship each valued at $1,000 and Russell Grove, Coast Realty and Central Coast Financial Planning Group, the prize money will help them further their musical studies at the CCC”.

The Junior Showcase concert was introduced in 2013 to celebrate solo instrument and vocal performance by the Central Coast Conservatorium junior students.  The showcase concert embraces the concept of “pure performance” rather than “competitive performance” and allows the  younger musicians to perform with focus, passion and conviction.  This year an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a diverse program performed by 10 students with ages ranging from 8 years old.

Winner of the Irvine Family Piano Scholarship Chris Chen, a year twelve student at Central Coast Grammar School performed beautiful renditions by Clementi, Albeniz and Chopin.  Chris has been playing for 11 years and has received numerous accolades over the years. 

The 2022 Pearl Beach Music Scholarship, sponsored by Pearly’s Cafe, adjudicator, Benjamin Kopp said he was generally moved with the high quality and talent presented over the weekend making it extremely difficult to choose.  Announcing the winner, vocalist Mia Cross he commented her beautiful renditions of ‘Meadowlark’ and ‘The Girl in 14 G’ were very moving and her stage presence extremely impressive.

Russell Grove, President of the Pearl Beach Progress Association presented the popular ‘Peoples Choice Award’ valued at $500 in memory of his late wife Frances to fifteen-year-old violinist Kaito Deed, saying – “Frances was an avid musician all her life, she started studying piano at age 8 and continued her love of music through professional roles in schools and private tuition.  Whenever possible she fostered and nurtured that love of music with young people.   I congratulate  Kaito on his amazing performance this afternoon”.

New this  year, ‘Peoples Choice Runner Up’ generously sponsored by Coast Realty was awarded to violinist Minjy Lee, a 14 year old Narara Valley High School student  who played Violin Sonata No.5 by Beethoven and ‘Spring I Allegro by Vivaldi.

Guest performers this year were the 2021 Pearl Beach Scholarship winner Kayla Lush who has  been playing flute since she was 6 years old, and past Irvine Piano Scholarship winner  Kimberly Gilbert.  Noah Peres accompanist for the two days has extensive experience and is most sought-after with his accompanying skills, compassion and  talent as a supporting musician.

End: Lynne Lillico

Publicity, Pearl Beach Progress Association

Photos:  Junior & Senior Groups and Chris Chen with the Irvines.

From Darwin to Harden, Queanbeyan to Far North Queensland, we have writers and thinkers joining us from all corners of the country. Together we will ponder why land matters; whether human brains can handle the truth (in an age of Fake News); the benefits of beautiful friendships; what it means to belong; why our politicians like to lie; and whether creative self-expression can lead to luminosity. We will consider death and mortality; representation in the creative arts; and why we love Aussie crime noir. We will hear fiery debate, brave histories and life-affirming stories.

Program: https://wordsonthewaves.com.au/words-on-the-waves-writers-festival-program-2022/ 

Pearl Beach Memorial Hall

Saturday 14 May 2022

The concert starts at 7.30 pm, door open at 7pm.

Tickets are now on sale at $45.00 Cash or card sales – 4344 2319

Swing into Jazz with the George Washingmachine Quartet.

We invite you to come along and enjoy a fabulous evening of great Jazz in the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall.  Our hall is a special place where the community can come together and enjoy socialising again after the last two years of the Pandemic regulations. 

George on violin/vocal, Jim Pennell on guitar, Brendan Clarke on double bass & Andrew Dickeson on drums.  This band have worked together on and off since the late last century, touring Internationally and appearing at jazz festivals nationwide.

George has been involved in the entertainment industry since the last century.  He has worked in television, theatre and film.  His greatest pleasure though in travelling around Australia and various parts of the world is playing music and making art.

Jim Pennell has a background in classical guitar, then traditional jazz, swingin’ jazz, Brazilian and South American guitar styles, gypsy jazz and big band and he has worked with many Australian big bands.

Brendan Clarke is an Australian jazz bassist who was born in Brisbane and raised in Canberra. Since coming to Sydney he has become one of the busiest double bassists on the jazz scene and is known for his sublime sense of swing. 

Andrew Dickson was born in Newcastle and grew up in a musical family.  He has been working professionally in both classically and jazz settings.  He is a drummer, educator and bandleader.   

The band have selected a terrific range of tunes penned by some of the world’s greatest composers.  The arrangements are freewheeling and give each member a chance to show off their considerable skills.

Repertoire will include songs from the Great American Songbook.

Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Harold Arlene, Jimmy Van Housemen, Irving Berlin, Walter Donaldson, Harry Warren, Victor Young and more.

***  Proceeds from the concert toward Pearl Beach Community Priojects and the Memorial Hall upkeep.

Drinks available for a donation

Photo: George Washingmachine & his band.

Starting Wednesday 4 May, 2.30 pm then first and third Wednesday through the Winter months.

The joining fee is $20 and then $5 per film afternoon including light refreshments or a drink for a donation. Following each film, opportunity to have a light-hearted discussion.

To book contact: 4344 2319

GEORGE WASHINGMACHINE with Jim Pennell guitar, Brendan Clarke double bass, & Andrew Dickeson on drums

7.30pm

Pearl Beach Memorial Hall

Bookings essential

Card or Cash 4344 2319 –

$45 ticket cost

Drinks available for a donation

Swinging jazz is the name of the game. The band have selected a terrific range of tunes penned by some of the world’s greatest composers, the arrangements are freewheeling and give each member a chance to show off their considerable skills.

Concert proceeds to Memorial Hall upkeep and Environmental initiatives

pearlbeachprogress.org.au