A barbershop quartet made up of local retirees is in high demand this Christmas season, performing at retirement villages, Hibiscus Hospice and for community groups.
The Red Beach Boys have become known for their lighthearted, fun performances as well as the traditional barbershop harmonies and repertoire.
The group formed three years ago and is made up of Peter Packard, Dave Mullan and Gerard Breetvelt from Hibiscus Coast Village and Warwick Day, who lives in Orewa.
All four say they will sing ‘at the drop of a hat’. For Peter, who is also in the “pretty serious” Masonic National Choir, being a Red Beach Boy is the fulfillment of a lifetime ambition to sing barbershop style, without instrumental accompaniment of any kind, or microphones.
Once a week they rehearse at Dave Mullan’s home and know all the songs by heart. Warwick, who also sings with the City of Sails Chorus, says the best buzz is when the harmonies all gel and create a beautiful sound.
The camaraderie and enthusiasm the four men share is what makes the group so successful.
“It’s like a rugby club, but with no beer and no swearing,” Gerard says. “Rehearsals generally end with a cup of tea and biscuit and the world’s a better place.”
Contact for the Red Beach Boys is Peter Packard, phone 427 5718.
