HISTORY OF THE KOKATAHI BAND
Frank Graham's book "Boyangs
n' Bandannas" is probably the most complete history of the
Band written so far.
However, even
in his book there are conflicting accounts of the Band's early days.
This History page is expected to evolve as Band members contribute
their own archive material.
The Band's President, David Verrall, is currently compiling a brief
history of the Band for this website from writings by many band
members, particularly the prolific Percy Crough, player of the Saxolin,
and from the writer of this unfortunately difficult-to-read article
below - it came from an old scanned photo, but it's worth the trouble.
We don't know who
this man is, but he looks as though he should have been one
of us!
The Band often plays in a circle,
enabling all players to see and hear each other clearly, and to play
better as a result.
This photo was taken at Dixon Park in Greymouth on Waitangi Day 2004
The original name of the group
was the Kokatahi-Koiterangi Band.
Koiterangi has since been renamed as Kowhitirangi.
A 1950s Band photo.
Percy Crough,
Saxolin/Strohviol Player and Bandleader, owned this 1969 copy of the
Band's playlist
This was sent to us by Bernard Preston of Hokitika - many thanks!
Any other information would be very welcome.
