Pirongia Mountain Men and Ma
Pirongia Mountain Men was established in 1997 when local musicians got together for Jams and recording sessions. All musicians are entertainers in their own right to name but a few groups would be too sad and to name them all would take too long. This wee place of sounds nestled on the slopes of Mount Pirongia is a place of hard work, great company and fun for all those involved.
Keith Pendergrast: The Mountain Man himself is the founder of this mission and stands tall for all ageing rockstars. He performs also as a solo artist... He is also one of Santa's cousins and gets dropped (no really) out of the sky sometimes or tied to the side of a mini stockcar to deliver gifts to children. Sometimes he's the "Bad Santa" at Christmas parties or he works with the well known storyteller Mike Joyce as "The Claus Brothers". He is a full time musician on the Waipa Delta cruising the mighty Waikato River. Or for large bookings when he is under pressure his partner in crime is Jan and their Duo act is that of "Beauty and the Beast" . He is adamant he is the beauty and she is the beast: photographs will be shown to the public and we will take a vote.
Keith is also a drummer of old or as he'd say an old drummer.
He is a song writer, singer, recording artist, CLOWN, and just a full time loose unit who enjoys life in the entertainment world.
Jan Mellsop (Ma): Singer, songwriter, recording artist, potty some would say! Wrong - it's pottery and in her spare time she is a nurse with a smile to beat. She enjoys working with Keith as "Beauty and the Beast", but assures us that she once was a beauty. She has fronted for many years as lead singer for her own group in the King Country working the circuit in reputable clubs and some places that weren't so flash but the food and hospitality was wonderful.
Peter Archer, Harp to boot: He's busked from Benneydale to the United States. A bikey from way back and don't ask how he got that limp cause the bike's not here to tell you. Known to sing the odd song, has a lot to say for himself and writes a nice blues number.
Gary Spain, Guitarist: One man band, recording artist, music teacher, animal lover (he has to be to work with these guys) and a man that has done a lot of backing in the NZ Country Music scene. Sense of humour needs a bit of work but he copes (Just).
Richard Middleton, our professional bass man: Awesome voice awesome entertainer, well known by musicians all over the country, has that special talent which allows him the privilege of settling nicely into any tune. Sense of humour ....Learning.
David Masen Riseborough (known to all as Herb): Raw aging International Talent returned home from the circuits of R & R in Australia. A founding member of Pirongia Mountain Music with a career span of over 30 years playing keyboard-blues harp, his vocals have class. Embraced by Blues societies in NZ, Herb shares his talent with people young and old. Herb runs workshops so you can pop along with an A harp. He's excited about catching up with a few faces in Paihia , and will surely have heaps of news to share. It's an honour to have him back on board for a great festival weekend and nice to have him home in the Waikato once again.
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