Head, Hands and Feet Musicians Club

Active FROM 1985, Head, Hands, and Feet' was a Hamilton musicians club.

INFORMATION ABOUT H.H.F. MUSICIANS CLUB - HISTORY, and EVENTS.

H.H.F. was founded by Local musicians, ROSS CASCI (R.I.P.) and CUSHLA McCREESH.

A Bit of background At the time both were playing in a small jazz band, "Treble Clef". Ross was the Band leader and he played Sax, Cushla was the singer. They were joined by (very talented - interchangeable) Bass, keyboard player, and Guitarist. Wayne Melville (Electric Bass) Craig Williams (Keyboard and upright Bass) Tony Crichton (Electric and Upright Bass) and last but definitely not least, Pit Ramsay (Guitar).

On the way to and from Gigs in Auckland, Ross and Cushla spent hours in the car, moaning about the lack of opportunities to hear their friend's bands and to have the opportunity to jam with local musicians. Finally, Ross sent Cushla a letter, it said this; "Roses are Red, violets are blue, I feel like a jam, how about you?" It may not have been his most creative piece of writing, but it was one of his best ideas.

WHERE TO BEGIN?

The first thing we wanted to do was to organise a Jam with friends and fellow musicians and see what happens. So we did exactly that.

The first gig/jam was at 'Chequers' a small bar in Chartwell square.

We set up some borrowed, and some of the band's gear; keyboard, backline amps, full drum kit, P.A.(including mics, leads, etc,) and even a couple of lights I think. Anyway ... All the players needed to bring were their instruments, and maybe foot pedals.

We also set up paper and pens to ask; Did you enjoy tonight? Would you like to be called if we do this again? if so, Please leave your name and phone number.

We had about 80 people at the first 'jam', most were musicians accompanied by their wives and partners. It was a fantastic night. Most people left their contact details for the next event.

The following month we did the same thing again. This time there were more people, and it was another fantastic night.

In no time at all; we had gigs happening. Bands and solo musicians wanting to play, People helping with the setup, phone calls, carrying gear, mixing sound, etc. Unfortunately, we didn't have photographers at those first gigs.

Before we knew what happened, we were having a meeting with musicians who had offered to help with the future gigs.

At that first meeting were ROSS CASCI (RIP), NEIL REYNOLDS, PAUL VAN WERING, LAWRENCE ARPS, SIMON McCREESH, ALEX DEANE, PHIL WALSH, and CUSHLA McCREESH all wanted to support the group/club idea, which included the opportunity to play for fellow musicians. Club gigs should offer a professional platform (stage) for the enjoyment of our members, and guests. The idea of a 'CLUB' was born that night.

Ross said he wasn't interested in the formal club idea. He claimed it was because he was so disinterested, that he slept through the first meeting. To me, he was the inspiration for the fabulous Musicians club that existed in Hamilton for many happy years.

We needed a name for the new club, everyone made suggestions, then after a vote, the name ' Head, Hands and Feet' was chosen.

Neil suggested we ask LIAM RYAN to be the Club President, which he did, Liam was the first and last president.

The group discussed and agreed to regular professional settings for 'Club' gigs, a photographer at every gig, backline equipment, and PA provided, etc.

Each member of the group offered to help in the area that matched their interests and abilities.

roles were formally created;

Neil - Business manager, meeting potential sponsors, arranging details of Club venues, along with small donations from Bar management to our guest musicians, arranging formal club stationery, logo, artworks, etc. Alex - The Editor, and contributing writer to the Club newsletter, Also arranging Club Art/cartoons as he felt were needed. The newsletter quickly blossomed into 8-pages of fun, informative articles, buy-sell and exchange, marketing future events, and lots of photos. Alex also arranged the Photographer for the next gig. (information about Photographers is listed below.)

Phil - The accountant. I don't know much about accountancy, but I suspect the role speaks for itself. Phil was also the M.C. for the gigs. Paul VW, Simon, and Lawrence all offered to help with setting up and breaking down backline gear and front line (mic's, stands, etc.), setting up and running the P.A. (lent by Neil), setting up and breaking down the drum kit, (which was also lent by Neil.)

Cushla - sort of secretary, i.e. writing and sending letters, communicating with bands on the program, making sure every band's information was correct, advising of the program for the night, and confirming with everyone before each gig. After each gig, thank you letters were sent to all musicians/bands who had played for the club. This was the time before,' Personal Computers '. Committee meetings were held once each month, minutes were taken and read, these are still held in the club records.

Monthly club meetings:

Names of bands who wanted to play for the club were presented at each committee meeting and discussed, and the next program was tentatively set. Each band or solo artist was called and they confirmed or declined the invitation to play. when a full program was ready for the gig, confirmation letters were written and sent, and lists of bands and their members' details typed out ready for the M.C. and all the stage crew at the next gig.

The newsletter was previewed, pictures and contributing text was discussed, and once the Editor was happy, it was sent to a printer.

Prior to Club gig, the big notice board was prepared, with photos from the previous month's gig, notices, etc.

Drink Tickets for performing bands were printed.

SPONSORS:

SHEARERS MUSIC STORE has always been a very generous sponsor of club events and of Waikato musicians. (Thank you David) 

MUSICARE sound systems were regularly lent to the club for gigs, etc. (Thank you, Neil)

SCOTS SOUND sound systems and technicians to use them kindly lent to the club when needed. (Thank you Scott)

CLUB VENUES

Chequers (first gig 1985) Uncle Sams Top Of the River University sports club Bar Ruakura Club Camp by the airport - darn can't remember the name. Zaks nightclub Te Rapa. Hamilton Old Boys Club Rooms (2019 reunion)

OTHER CLUB EVENTS

"FOLDING AND STUFFING EVENINGS" Ingredients: Wine, nibbles, refreshments, occasional fireworks, newsletters, pre-paid envelopes, address labels, and thankfully, a bunch of willing helpers. We sat around the table compiling the newsletters, then folding them, then stuffing them in envelopes, and finally adding the address stickers. Special thanks to Neils's awesome new equipment for Musicare, a P.C. - Wow! Special thanks to the many helpers who made the newsletter possible.

SEMINARS We held a very successful songwriters Seminar, photos can be seen on HHF page. There was a great Musicians Union meeting at Top of the River, photos on HHF page. FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY Check out the photos, many of the young ones there are now in the bands of today. Children sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" Children singing on T.V. Telethon.

Visit the Facebook Group page - Head, Hands, and Feet - Musicians club (Hamilton NZ) There are photos on the page that will show you most of the events, and all the gigs. They are awesome - enjoy.

GENERAL INFO

At its most popular, we had '500 formal members. (All the details are in the club records.)

There was a fabulous H.H.F. gig at the university sports club rooms, Chris Thompson was the special guest.

H.H.F. Reunion at the Ruakura Club Rooms, was a wonderful night. Photos on H.H.F. Facebook page.

The most recent ' H.H.F. Reunion' was held at the Hamilton old boys Rugby club. Photos on the H.H.F. Facebook page.

(I have to check the details to confirm the dates of these events - Sorry, It's been a big few years.)

More to come....

Inspired by H.H.F. The Hamilton Blues Society was founded in 1995. As of 2022, it is still holding group meetings at Biddy Mulligans Bar, Hood St., Hamilton. Search Hamilton Blues Society for group information.