The Burtones play at Grace O'Malley's Irish Inn.
The Burtones, made up of selected musicians from King’s, were invited to play at the Mercury Bay Music Festival in Whitianga from Friday 2 June to Sunday 4 June.
Their first gig was played on Friday 2 June at the Lost Spring Spa, with the spa owner being so impressed by the performance that he invited the students back the next day for a complimentary dinner and spa. Students spent Saturday exploring Whitianga and enjoying the Lost Spring Spa.
Later that evening at the Whitianga Town Hall, they played a 45-minute set to packed out audiences. Sunday saw the band play two sets, one at the Whitianga Hotel, followed by a longer performance at the Grace O'Malley's Irish Inn.
Band Manager and Teacher in charge, Gary Burton performed for the audience on Sunday evening, with a stellar rendition of the classic Cab Calloway number Minnie the Moocher.
Year 11 student James Hancock (Marsden) says the trip was an absolute success and the students are grateful for all the hard work and effort put in.
“Mr. Burton is awesome as our band manager and does an excellent job making sure we sound good at every performance and the Coromandel trip was no exception,” says Hancock.
