The Monkey House in Whitianga recently played host to an extraordinary open mic night, and it was an evening filled with captivating performances and a lively atmosphere. From soulful melodies to side-splitting comedy, the event showcased the remarkable talent that thrives on the Coromandel Peninsula. Under the guidance of the fantastic hosts, Kasper and Molly, The Monkey House once again proved to be a warm, comfortable, and fun venue for both performers and the supportive audience.
Yazmin Todd Enchanting Rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne”:
The night kicked off with Yazmin, who mesmerized the crowd with her rendition of Leonard Cohen’s timeless classic, “Suzanne.” Despite having recently learned the song, Yazmin Todd effortlessly infused it with her own beautiful, dreamy, and bluesy tones. Her performance set the stage for an evening filled with heartfelt musical expressions.
Bong’s Tribute to Astrud Gilberto:
Yazmin was soon joined on stage by Bong on keys, presenting a heartfelt tribute to the late Astrud Gilberto with “Girl From Ipanema.” As Astrud had recently passed away at the age of 83, the performance became a poignant and fitting homage. Bong’s contribution added depth and soul to the night’s repertoire.
Ian Thorne’s Acoustic Guitar and Poetic Musings:
Ian Thorne took the stage next, armed with his acoustic guitar and a wealth of talent. He commenced his set with a New Zealand classic, Talking Heads’ “Heaven,” which resonated deeply with the audience. As a finale, Ian shared a unique piece, “On Shore,” where he set a captivating poem to music. His trusty sidekick, Gibson, was a constant companion on stage, adding to the intimate ambiance.
Folk Harmony with Good Gracious Annie, Alan, Pip, and Julia:
The night took a folk turn as Good Gracious Annie, Alan, Pip, and Julia graced the stage. This talented group of musicians flawlessly combined their instruments, voices, and humor to create a harmonious performance. Opening their set with “Long Summer Day,” Pippa’s voice shone brilliantly throughout the evening. Their captivating presence drew the audience further into the magic of the night.
Stewart Pedley’s Eclectic Repertoire:
Next up was local favorite Stewart Pedley, who captivated the crowd with an eclectic selection of songs. Starting with a Graham Parson’s number, he transitioned seamlessly to the softer tones of his original composition, “True Right Now.” Stewart then delighted the audience with The Pogues’ crowd favorite, “If I Should Fall from the Grace of God.” Closing his set with a New Orleans vibe, he immersed the crowd in the rhythms of “St James Infirmary,” complete with his trusty egg shaker and a hint of Louis Armstrong persona.
A Night of Laughter and Heavy Metal in Coromandel:
The event took an exciting turn with Richard’s comedic interlude, injecting laughter into the mix. Following the laughter, Scott brought the house down with his powerful and energetic Heavy Metal performance. These diverse acts showcased the variety of talent and entertainment that graced the stage at The Monkey House.
A Venue in the heart of Whitianga to Celebrate Local Talent:
Although the evening had more in store, unfortunately, the final performances were missed due to an early departure. Nonetheless, the event at The Monkey House proved once again to be a testament to the abundance of talent on the Coromandel Peninsula. Thanks to the exceptional hosting skills of Kasper and Molly, the venue provided a warm, comfortable, and supportive space for performers and audiences alike.
