How one misanthrope killed a lovely concert

^{Jimmy2Times were one of the favourites at previous Concerts}

BUZZ’s Sai Kung Concert for the Animals is dead. One person, at best ignorant, at worst malicious, complained to the police about it. The coppers — just doing their job after a complaint — began to investigate. “I nearly collapsed,” said one team member* after being contacted by the police. The proposed event rapidly unravelled and the collective opinion was cancel. All because of one nasty, small-minded individual.

The Concert for the Animals has been held three times before with no problems. The concept of a benefit for local dog and cat charities is popular and as many as 400 people have shown up (the second one). The first was at Momentai, then on the waterfront, and the next two were at the Tikitiki Bowling Bar. The last one raised about $78,000 after Tikitiki had deducted 40 per cent of ticket sales for its food, drink and other costs. The organisers gave every cent of the rest of the money raised to a local dog charity**.
$100,000 was the target for the fourth one; Hebe Haven Yacht Club had agreed to host the event.

A marvellous array of talent was lined up: Sai Kung Mini-Singers, kids dancing and singing with their faces painted as puppies or kittens; Bollywood Dancers; Master of Ceremonies Stu Pyrke; a disc jockey; and the musicians of Pineapple Jam, who were to turn on their “bluegrassy folk”.

But it was not to be.

An HHYC spokesperson said “A couple of essential last-minute changes meant that a few key persons would no longer be able to join the event, and so the decision was taken to postpone it to a later date when everyone would be free to join in the fun. We will keep you posted on any future updates”.

Here’s a montage of photos of the previous Sai Kung Concert for the Animals:

* This person will not be identified. She’s under too much stress.

** Three animal charities were cited then as beneficiaries: one wanted promotion but no money, and another had been so successful that year pulling in donations it was decided to give all the surplus money to a needy dog charity.