Stoke-on-Trent - 18 October 2008

[roger]

Hi Steve and welcome.

It is not usually possible to arrange any backstage meeting but, provided you are prepared to wait, it is highly likely that you will be able to meet her for a few minutes. Danny, who is a member of this forum and involved in organising the concert, has told us that there should be a meet and greet session after the concert. Unfortunately, I won't be there but if you see any other members (look out for anyone wearing a blue tartan tie!), make yourself known to them and I am sure they will show you where to go. It may well be signed anyway.

Is there anything you can add, Danny?

Roger

[grant]

Hi Steve and welcome to the forum from Central England.

I will also be at the concert on Saturday. Last year, the meet and greet was held in the foyer with Hayley sitting at a table by the entrance to the auditorium. There was quite a large queue waiting to see Hayley on that occasion so, as Roger said, it is likely that you will need to allow time at the end.

I can promise you that the wait will be most worthwhile. Meeting Hayley for the first time is a very special occasion and one that you will not forget in a hurry, if at all.

Incidentally, in addition to the ties, some of us will probably be wearing blue HWI sweatshirts

I look forward to meeting you next Saturday.

Best wishes
Grant

[Stephany]

Hi everyone

There was a new article about this concert in last Friday's The Sentinel.

Hayley's hits are music to your ears
10 October 2008 (C) The Sentinel

Young classical sensation Hayley Westenra returns to Hanley's Victoria Hall next week and she's bringing all her greatest hits with her, writes Liz Rowley.AT JUST 21-years-old New Zealand singer Hayley Westenra seems remarkably young to be releasing a greatest hits album. But with her previous three best-selling albums selling more than four million copies worldwide (her first album Pure is recognised as the best selling classical album of the 21st century), the girl who became famous at 16 believes it's time to put the best of a good bunch together.

"I have to laugh at the whole situation really," says a very relaxed and chatty Hayley, who currently lives in London.

"It was hard to choose what went on the album because I had my favourites to think about, as well as other peoples, so it was quite a mission."

Mission completed, Hayley's new album, River Of Dreams: The Very Best Of Hayley Westenra, features well-known songs such as the traditional Maori tune Pokarekare Ana (corr) and Danny Boy as well as three new pieces including Hayley's beautiful version of Fleetwood Mac's Songbird.

"I've done my own version of Fleetwood Mac's Songbird, which has also been covered by Eva Cassidy," explains Hayley. "It's a very beautiful piece and one that everyone should know.

"I've also recorded Now Is The Hour, which was originally a New Zealand song," she adds, "and a version of Bach/Gounod's Ave Maria as well."

All in all the album looks set to maintain Hayley's successful rise to the top, going hand in hand with her new UK tour which kicks off in Stoke-on-Trent next Saturday.

"The Victoria Hall is the first show of the tour and I'm looking forward to going back there," says Hayley, who last performed at the venue in June last year.

"This time round I've got a wonderful band with me including an all-girl string quartet called Raven, who are fantastic players about my age, a great guitar player and pianist as well."

Performing a selection of songs from River Of Dreams in addition to some other past favourites, Hayley's return to The Potteries promises to live up to expectations following last year's sell-out show.

"I'll be doing songs from the album as well as songs from my own country," says Hayley, who hails from Christchurch and who began busking at the age of 11, "but I'm also keen to dig out a few songs that I recorded a while ago that I've forgotten about.

"There are only so many songs you can fit into a concert," she adds, "so I've made the point of going back to old albums and choosing a few from them. So for those who came last year there should be something new, and for those who are coming for the first time it should just be a great show to enjoy."

Besides the music, there is also another reason why this concert is a good one to attend. As the youngest-ever ambassador for UNICEF, Hayley is also keen to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause. The proceeds of this particular concert will be split directly between UNICEF and COPA, a charity which provides education and healthcare to schools in the Dominican Republic.

"I've only just got back from Ghana where I met some girls who benefited from the Bikes for Ghana project," says Hayley, who raised an impressive £14,000 from her previous Victoria Hall concert.

"It's amazing how much difference can be made with such a small effort.

"Having the opportunity to help save lives is really incredible, so I hope people come along and show their support for a wonderful organisation."

Hayley Westenra will be appearing at the Victoria Hall, Hanley, on Saturday, October 18, at 7.30pm. For tickets call 0870 060 6649.

[roger]

All in all the album looks set to maintain Hayley's successful rise to the top, going hand in hand with her new UK tour which kicks off in Stoke-on-Trent next Saturday.

Thanks for the article, Stephany.

I'm sure Danny would wish to point out that the Stoke event is not part of the tour insofar as it is a one-off event in its own right to raise money for charity. Having said that, even Bedlam Management are treating it as though it were part of the tour. Because the Stoke and Aberdeen concerts are on consecutive nights, and they will not be returning to London in between (if you look at a map of the UK, you will see why!), it must *feel* to them as though it is all part of the same tour. Indeed, that is pretty much what Kathyn said last week.

Roger

[grant]

Hi Roger and everyone

Even Hayley is thinking of it as the first RoD concert. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

"The Victoria Hall is the first show of the tour and I'm looking forward to going back there," says Hayley, who last performed at the venue in June last year.

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Hello everyone

With exactly 7 days to go to this concert, maybe it's time we began to think about making some definite arrangements. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

In all, 14 of us have confirmed attendance and most that are thinking of eating are in favour of the Italian.

Perhaps Danny or Dazza could confirm its opening hours? We don't want to turn up to find it closed

If anyone who hasn't ordered dinner yet, wishes to join us they would be most welcome. Hey Danny, why not come along and bring Hayley?

As for meeting time, I would suggest 2pm.

These are only suggestions - what do you think?

Best wishes
Grant

[timj]

Hi Grant, Italian is OK for me, I should arrive at the Hanley Coach Station at 11:45 then checkin the Crown Hotel before 2pm, if this Hayley Adventure stays on schedule?.....TimJ

[grant]

Oct 11, 2008 19:44:29 GMT timj said:

Hi Grant, Italian is OK for me,

Excellent Tim!

That makes five for dinner so far.

Any more for the skylark?

Best wishes
Grant

[thomas]

Hi Grant!

2pm sounds excellent. Do we meet in front of the restaurant? In case the weather is bad we can wait for each other indoors.

Best wishes,
Thomas

[dazza]

Hi Grant,

2pm sounds fine for me.

I am not sure of the actual opening times for portofinio's but it has a lunch menu so is usually open from lunch onwards. The time that I went there it was during the afternoon so I am confident it will be open.

Over the last few months I have got myself a scooter and plan to come on that and park in the car park opposite the Victoria Hall, I wondering if it is possible if somebody will let me leave my helmet and jacket in their car? It would be much appreciated.

Dazza

[natanya]

Thanks very much indeed for the very helpful information. I can't say at the moment what Kevin, my friend, and I will be wearing on the night, but I shall make sure we look out for someone in one of the ties and make myself known.
Is there a way to get hold of one myself, or one of the sweatshirts I think were mentioned above? Perhaps that is something that a member could help me with on Saturday?
Many thanks again!

Steve

[grant]

Hi Thomas

I believe the idea to meet at 2pm was primarily in case we got a chance to say "Hi" to Hayley when she arrives. Also, if we eat a bit later, say closer to 5pm, it may give others arriving a bit later, a chance to join us for a meal.

I can't be sure, but I've an idea there is a coffee bar in the theatre, but let's not worry about the weather! It's going to be fine.

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Oct 12, 2008 10:11:36 GMT natanya said:

Is there a way to get hold of one myself, or one of the sweatshirts I think were mentioned above?

Hi Steve

To obtain one of the ties you would need to PM HWI member Andrew who actually designed the tartan and had the ties manufactured.

HWI Member Belinda can supply items such as sweatshirts and polo shirts and she has recently posted that she is about to place another order. HERE Click on the blue "HWI Apparel" in the banner to see what is available and to order.

Many members, including myself, have already purchased items via Belinda and I can promise you that you will not be disappointed with the quality - it is excellent!

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Hi Dazza

I would be happy for you to leave your helmet and jacket in the boot of my car.

Best wishes
Grant

[dazza]

Hi Grant,

Thanks a lot, I'm really looking forward to Saturday.

Dazza