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Official Site of New Zealand's Velvet Kiwi!
Kiwi Born and Bred, and Proud of it!
Music has been there for me all my life. I remember singing with my father and older brother John around the piano when I was little while Mum played the dobre guitar.
My brother and I sang around Oamaru when we were in our teens. I married and moved to Gore with my family in 1964 and returned to music about 10 years later. The Gold Guitar Awards started in 1974 and I had the distinction of being the first contestant on stage at that inaugural contest, and many years later made the finals in the Female Vocalist section.
I have a wonderful family, two daughters and two sons, and also four grandchildren who light up my life. My husband Herb and I separated some years ago, but I am so lucky to be able to keep him in my life as a dear beloved friend. Truly blessed.
I always dreamed of making a cd of the music I loved to sing and in November 2003 my first cd 'Moods and Memories' was recorded with Ringrose Recording in Christchurch where I now live. I thank Brian Ringrose for making this dream come true for me and for the fabulous arrangements he made for me to sing to.
I am involved in Musical Theatre in Christchurch - with both Riccarton Players and the Halswell Drama Group where I have performed and directed in shows over the last few years. Theatre is also a passion for me and I love being on stage in any capacity.
In 2004 my cd 'Moods and Memories' was selected as one of the three finalists in the New Zealand Tui Music Awards 'Best Country Music Album of the year'. The Awards were held in Gore so I was able to perform on stage there singing a track off my album in front of all of my family and friends down there.
My second cd 'Cranberry Cove' came out last October and has 14 tracks, 7 of which are original songs both mine and others, and 7 cover songs. My songs include 'What Made a Good Love Go Wrong', 'And If I Go' and 'Singing Country Songs Again' plus the title song 'Cranberry Cove' which I co-wrote with David Erik, my amazing friend from Ohio, USA. A talented graphic artist and songwriter, David has been my mentor in all things internet especially this, my website.
At the moment I am travelling around the USA - from Cincinnati where I visited with my friend David Erik and his family for about 3 days which was so lovely. David is EXACTLY as I always thought he would be. Then down to Murfeesboro TN where I stayed with Brandon Lynn Shane and his fiance Annica who is from Sweden. I really enjoyed my stay there and Annica and I went to the Grand Ole Opry together on the Saturday night.
Tuesday saw me driving in my rental car (Lordy - I have to drive on the RH side of the road!!) and at present I am staying in Knoxville which is a lovely town. Went for a drive today (2nd) to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains - WOW!
and the Smoky Mountains - Lordy they are beautiful.
Tomorrow I am off to Galax Virginia to stay for two nights and then onto Knoxville Maryland for Saturday & Sunday..
Pat Hannah
