Going country at twilight

James RAy and Keith Prictor showed their passion on guitar with Rick Cotter on drums, at Saturday's Twilight Concert.

Hardcore country boy JamesRAy and band the Geronimos had a blast performing for a crowd of about 700 in glorious weather in Katikati's picturesque Haiku reserve on Saturday.

James opened their performance dedicating the first song, Okie from Muskogee to American country music legend, Merle Haggard, who died in 2016.

The crowd erupted into song, "We don't smoke marijuana in Muskogee; We don't take no trips on LSD," setting the scene for a foot-stomping, toe-tapping night with the dance space in front of the stage chock full of people of all ages.

The band of Keith Prictor (guitar), Nick Jones (fiddle and keyboards), Greg O'Donnel (base guitar) and Rick Cotter (drums) displayed a wealth of experience in their polished performance delivering classics All My Exes Live in Texas, She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy, I'm from the Country.

Drummer Rick Cotter said when packing his drum kit he had forgotten his cymbals.

"So after a quick call, the Assembly of God Church in Katikati kindly helped out. Bless you for the cymbals - thank you."

James, who is now based in Te Awamutu, praised organisers the Twilight Concert committee for their hard work and the way they were so well catered for.

Committee president Jenni Wilson said James was fantastic.

"He was in his element. He loves singing in Katikati - he loves the atmosphere and the family vibe."

Opening for the band were talented local musicians Karen Merriman and 15-year-old Louie Campbell, known in bands LA and Zuhana and in demand to play at weddings.
Karen's daughter Caitlin, also 15, joined in for their final set.

In the crowd were Western Bay mayor Garry Webber and his wife Carole, attending a Twilight Concert for the first time and they were impressed.

"We've never been to a concert before and we're thoroughly enjoying it," he said.
Nancy Merriman had also come along to see her family members perform and was thrilled.

The final Twilight Concert in the summer series is Broadway to BoogieVille covering a wide spectrum of music from film and theatre, to the blues and beyond.

It's on next Saturday, February 11 at the Haiku reserve.