Sai Kung has new classic event for its calendar: Concert for the Animals will run and run and run

^{James Hall, he trumpeter-singer who leads James and the Potato Heads}

“It will be fab,” Catherine Lumsden predicted of the third Concert for the Animals. And she was so right. Everyone had a wonderful time. You could see it in the grinning faces, the rapid quaffing of beer and wine, the hugging, dancing in the aisles and the general feeling of camaraderie. We had all gathered for a good cause. A fundraiser for Sai Kung’s dog and cat charities.

^{The Sai Kung Mini-singers delighted everyone, dancing and singing with their faces painted as puppies and kittens}

Officially it is known as the Hong Kong Buzz Concert for the Animals hosted by the Tikitiki Bowling Bar, because Buzz created and lead-organised it and TBB turned on its world-class venue, expertise and attentive staff. Entertainment guru Jim Lewis arranged three bands to rock the crowd and “Emma TW” brought along the charming Sai Kung Mini-Singers from the Arts Factory, who delighted everyone, dancing and singing with their faces painted as puppies and kittens. The only disappointment was the low turnout, only about 100, because of the storm LionRock.

^{Typhoon Lionrock kept the numbers down, but a great evening was had by all who did attend}

To all those who stayed away from the Concert because it was a bit wet out there, yah boo.

The show had many stars. The outstanding one was James Hall, the trumpeter-singer who leads James and the Potato Heads. James is a consummate professional musician who will go far. Catherine, mentioned above, took the microphone to announce her shelter, Catherine’s Puppies, had been granted charity status the same day. One of the co-organisers of the Concert, Catherine arranged a lucky draw that attracted an enormous display of prizes and was compered in masterful fashion by local personality Rob Archibald. The TBB’s Arndt Borchert showed he’s a General Manager who leads from the front, looking after the guests and replenishing the buffet. Many people not normally vegetarian discovered just how tasty vegetarian food can be. Frankie Hollywood, TBB talent, helped the visiting musicians with the sound equipment as did a large character in a black motorcyclist’s jacket, who is a technical contractor to entertainment venues. He told me his name but after three beers the marbles do not fly in formation.

The evening’s programme got underway with the Mini-Singers performance of four songs from “Puppy Love” to “Don’t Stop Believing”. They were followed by James and the Potato Heads at about 7:00 pm who got their instant fans jiving and dancing in the aisles. Some women pushed tables aside to make a dance floor in front of the stage. The Hudson Hornets with rhythm and bass guitars and drums belted out familiar tunes from early last century. The crowd sang along. Then the Lucky draw was on led by Rob assisted by Catherine and Sue of Silk Road Desire. This went on for some time — the place was overloaded with prizes — so Jimmy2Times and The Collective, led by the above saxophonist and keyboard player, Jim Lewis, didn’t take the stage until past 10:00 pm.

When the third Concert for the Animals was finally over and happy, tipsy partygoers fell out into the storm-lashed streets it was clear: This Concert has become a classic of the Sai Kung calendar. It will run and run and run long after the founders have faded from memory.