Head, Hands and Feet Musicians Club
Head, Hands and Feet was a Hamilton musicians club, active between 1985 and 1995, founded by local musicians Ross Casci and Cushla McCreesh. At the time both were playing in a small jazz band, Treble Clef, where Ross was the band leader and played saxophone, while Cushla was the singer. Feeling a lack of opportunities to hear their friend's bands play or to jam with local musicians, they organised a jam session with friends and fellow musicians. The first gig/jam was held at 'Chequers' in 1985, a small bar in Chartwell Square. In total, around 80 people attended the first 'jam', most of whom were musicians accompanied by their wives and partners. The second gig following one month later, where even greater numbers attended, and this was followed by further gigs.
A meeting was subsequently organised with musicians who had offered to help with the future gigs. Attending the first meeting were Ross Caski, Neil Reynolds, Paul Van Wering, Lawrence Arps, Simon McCreesh, Alex Deane, Phil Walsh and Cushla McCreesh, all of whom wanted to support the group/club idea, which included the opportunity to play for fellow musicians. The idea of a 'club' arose from this first meeting, with an aim to organise club gigs offering a professional platform (stage/equipment, etc.) for the enjoyment of their members and guests. The name Head, Hands and Feet was also chosen. Liam Ryan was chosen to be the Club President.
Regular (monthly) gigs were organised, which this included a photographer at every gig, good quality backline equipment, lighting and a professional PA. The 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 were typed out ready for the M.C. and all the stage crew at the next gig.
At its height, the club had 500 formal members.
Venues used for gigs included Uncle Sams, Top Of the River, the University Sports Club Bar, Ruakura Club, Zaks, and the Hamilton Old Boys Club Rooms for their 2019 reunion.
Sponsors of the club included Shearer's Music Store, Musicare and Scott Sound.
