George “Butch” Kirkby Jnr was born 1st October 1912 in Perth.
1934
In aid of the Baby Week Appeal, the Regal Entertainers will give a concert tonight in the Perth Town Hall. Assisting artists will include Misses Ronie Opie, Bubbles Cooper, Edna Winter, Hazel Charles, Doris Mose, Ally Campbell, Valmai Winter and Messrs. Terry Scanlon, Bert Tomlie and Ernest Waltman. The music will be provided by Miss Carma Nagfel, and Albert Thompson, George Kirkby and Arthur Taylor.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 2 May 1934, page 5
1936
MAJORITY PARTY Amid Pink Decorations
To celebrate the coming of age of their eldest daughter, Kaye, Mr. and Mrs. E. Hodges, of Ellesmere street, Mt. Hawthorn, entertained about 120 guests in the R.S.L. Hall, Oxford-street, last Monday evening. The hall was beautifully decorated with streamers and balloons, etc., the tables being well supplied and tastefully decorated by Mrs. Bowen. Dancing was enjoyed to the music supplied by Lena Mills, George Kirkby, Stan Charles and Alby Thompson. A large number of presents were received by the guest of honor, who was dressed in a beautiful gown of pink and wore a pink flower in her hair. The beautiful three-tier cake was presented to her by Mrs. Davies and Miss J. Davies. It was also pink and beautifully decorated. During supper a large key was presented to the guest of honor by her father. Items were rendered by Lena Mills (pianoforte solos), Mr. D. Thompson (comic songs), George Kirkby (saxophone solos) and Alby Thompson (violin solos). The guest of honor also gave a toe solo. The duties of chairman were ably carried out by Mr. Henry, while the usual toasts were proposed by Mr. D. Thompson, Mr. W. Weaver and Mr. T. Steadman. The programme was skilfully arranged by Albert Thompson, who also acted as master of ceremonies.
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1955), Sunday 17 May 1936, page 1
1939
Deanna Durbin Quest Awaits Vote
The highly successful quest for a local Deanna Durbin was brought to a conclusion apart from final voting at the S.T.C. concert at the Piccadilly Theatre last night. So great was public interest in the concert that every seat was occupied or sold within 10 minutes of the opening of the doors. The principal feature of the enjoyable programme was the grand final of the Deanna Durbin quest. Seven grand finalists faced the microphone and the packed theatre. Five independent judges chose three of that number. Listeners’ votes will decide the question as to which of the selected three deserves main honours. Each of the grand finalists gave a creditable performance. In one case the contestant was extremely nervous and although she had a particularly sweet voice her nervousness spoiled her effort. In this contest there was pleasing variety of fare. Each of the grand finalists deserves commendation for her efforts. There was plenty of variety in the S.T.C. search for talent. A pianist, male and female vocalists, and instrumentalists presented good fare. One of the competitors — a vocalist — got the gong, but the length or the song rather than any reflection on his performance was responsible. There was only time for one community song.
Then came seven year old Jack Harrison, who was described beforehand as a wonder with the mouth-organ. His performance indicated that the description really applied to him. He gave encores with pleasing matter-of-factness. George Kirkby, saxophonist and Baden Fixter, violinist, gave enjoyable numbers. With the Lucas Novelty Band led by Niddy Roberts they also rendered other pleasing items. The Misses N. Sheridan and A. Hyens gave a particularly pleasing two-piano duet. The two pianists in the Lucas Novelty Band also performed excellently in a duet. Popularity of the band was well evidenced. Paul Daly was in charge of the programme and presided over the happiest concert of the series. Proceeds of the concert (as with the others held at the Piccadilly Theatre) will go to the Baby Week Appeal. Winners of the Deanna Durbin grand final and the S.T.C. search session will be announced in The Daily News on Thursday. Votes must reach station 6PR or W.J. Lucas Ltd., Hay-street, Perth, by Wednesday at the latest. Last night’s concert was organised by the sponsors of the S.T.C. search for talent — Messrs. W. J. Lucas Ltd., Hay-street,- Perth; M. J. Bateman Ltd., Milligan-street, Perth; and Messrs. Randell and Long, Fremantle, in association with the management of the Piccadilly Theatre and Universal Pictures. The Daily News Monday 5 June 1939 page 9
1940
SAX PLAYER WEDS COTTESLOE GIRL
Married last week at St. Hilda’s Church of England in View-street, North Perth, Miss Sylvia Page, a pretty brunette of Cottesloe, and Mr. George (‘Butch’) Kirkby of Leederville. Bridegroom has been well known to those in musical spheres for about eight years, he having played the saxophone and clarionette with such combinations as Ron Moyle’s band, the Radiola Rhythm band, and the 6WF dance orchestra. However, he is giving up his musical interests, as he finds hie work with the Crown Law Department keeping him particularly busy. Both bride and bridegroom are much esteemed and highly popular amongst those acquainted with them.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 2 March 1940, page 2
1943
A GRAND CONCERT
Thursday night, 27th May last was a unique occasion for Moora. A popular military concert party visited the town and gave a concert to a house that was literally full to the doors. Special interest centred in this concert because it was at Moora that the Concert Party made its debut last year. W.O. S. H. Ellwood, O.C. Party and Producer, turned out a polished show with each member of the party doing his bit in a big way. The producer, himself, is an efficient and talented entertainer. He appeared during the evening in parts from Mephistopheles, the double-eyed villain, to an eastern houriairily dancing the exotic dances of the East (Middle). Under the name of Lolita he was “lofed” by Ren. Nolan, the silvery-voiced tenor, who also sang “The Holy City” and other popular songs. Ren has a cultivated voice which should take him high up in the sclae of musical achievement. For the hand of Lolita he had for a rival Billy Kerr, comedian and raconteur, who looked superb with a drooping black moustache. Billy was the life and soul of the party so to speak. His jokes, acting and sardonic explosive laughter kept the audience constantly a-twitter. Geo. (“Glory Road”) Nicholls and Ted Barton were two members of the party who appeared in numerous guises, but particularly as tenor and baritone respectively. They sang the lively duet, with lively movements, ” We Run ‘Em In.” Earl Nowotney, a fine violinist, was well received with his solos, one of which was the popular “Voices of Spring” waltz. Robert (“Dusty Road”) Symonds excelled himself as Canio, basely used by “Mepbo,” among other things in his singing of the aria from “I Pagliacci,” “On with the Motley.” A difficult song to sing but he made it and was roundly applauded for it. Les Dixon was the accomplished leader of the tuneful swingful band. The band played some excellent numbers in a manner which aroused the enthusiasm of the audience to a high pitch. Harold Taylor made his drums talk, while George Kirkby showed great talent on his clarionet and saxophone. Barnie Conlon the dulcet-toned trombone player betrayed championship style in various types, old and new, of trombone playing. Jack Diamond, illusionist and magician, gave a performance which has never been excelled on the Moora stage, and would be quite worthy on any stage. The unique part of this item was that most of his tricks were undetectable. We are still wondering how he managed to get the glass of water up his sleeve. Moora people gave the concert party a special welcome in view of its early and close association with the town. A local C.O. thanked the party at the conclusion which resulted in three hearty Australian cheers from the audience. The producer replied briefly and the assembled party on the stage smiled in sympathy.
Midlands Advocate (Perth, WA : 1930 – 1954), Friday 4 June 1943, page 1
1949
Jack Harrison augmented his swing band according to the requirements of functions, sometimes up to ten players, such as the April 22nd 1949 University of Western Australia Graduation Ball at Winthrop Hall. Players were issued with a cheque on 5th May 1949 and were paid 3 pound 2 and 6 for the gig. Players paid were: Norm Wrightson (saxophone), George Kirkby (saxophone), Jack Pope (trumpet), George Franklin (trumpet), Charles Thompson, Bill Hendrie (guitar), Roy Coates, Ray Harrison (drums), Jill Harrison (piano) and Jack was the tenth band member.
GRADUATION BALL
8.30pm – 2am
April 22 1949 Winthrop Hall, University
In Aid of World Student relief
ADMISSION Double Ticket 24/7 (inc tax.)
Jack Harrison’s Ten Piece Orchestra – bookings at Nicholsons
AROUND PERTH – WITH HARRY BLUCK
Ball Season Starts Rolling in Perth – Heavy Bookings as Biz Booms
The annual outcrop of balls generally makes its presence felt about this time of the year and already some of the earliest have taken place. This season promises to be a busier one than previously and some large-sized bands should be seen on the various stands. Already, youthful Jack Harrison has made a good start by fronting a 10 piece outfit at the University Graduation Ball, and from all accounts the ultimate sound of the band justified the Harrison judgement in selecting good players as his support.
It’s in The Family!
Jack Harrison’s Trio, winners of Perth’s “Popular Dance Band Contest” for 1948. This talented threesome have remarkable polish, considering their extreme youthfulness, and have certainly made their presence felt in the comparatively short time for which they have been associated with the dance band business. From L to R: Jack Harrison (saxes), Ray Harrison (drums), Jill Harrison (piano). Jack and Jill are both aged 16 and Ray is 18. Since this photo was taken, Jack Harrison has blossomed out with a 10 piece band, with which he played at the Perth University Graduation Ball. (Photo by Arthur Fielding Ruskin).
Music Maker and Dance Band News May 1949
JACK HARRISON CHEQUE BOOK:
5 MAY 1949
JACK Cheque to:
Norm Wrightson Grad Ball £3/2/6
Kirkby Grad Ball £3/2/6
Pope Grad Ball £3/2/6
Franklin Grad Ball £3/2/6
Thompson Grad Ball £3/2/6
Hendrie Grad Ball £3/2/6
Coates Grad Ball £3/2/6
Ray Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jill Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
1950
All Together With A Tra-la-la
EVERY musicker of note turned up at the Jack and Dudie Pateman’s Nedlands home for the serious business of wetting baby Graeme William’s head. They packed the women off to Sylvia Caporn’s home and the ”boys’ had a right royal time. During the arvo Harry Bluck cheffed up spag. savories and what have you. Pete Sullivan (not the curly headed one) brought a can of Indian curry. A spokeshavian playlet ‘Cinderella’ was produced by Maestro Beeson, featured Alan Gough, Cliff Adam, Pete Harrison, Merv Rowston and ‘Lily of the Valley’ Roberts. It was a real classic. Kev Logan even stopped hibernating and made an attempt to hydrate himself. They nearly sold him a sax. Bam Sharp put on a happy time and the beer flowed like wine. Ray Le Cornu did a job with the kegs. Chick helped the food along. Wally Hadley, Maurice Maurice, Keith Whittle, ‘Mule Train,’ George Caro, ‘Cigarettes’ Cooke, Baden Fixter, Butch Kirkby, Bill Kirkham, Henry Cochran were ell in it. At nine o’clock sharp they drank a special toast to George Franklin— wherever he might have been between here and Curfew rang at 2 a.m and everyone departed for their homes. They tell me the Patemans have since bought a block and 3 tents in case of repercussions from neighbours who may dislike jazz, Dixieland — and just plain noise.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 20 May 1950, page 12
1951
1951 Jazz Jamboree
1952 Jazz Jamboree
1952
1953
RANDOM NOTES
ENJOYABLE party-cum-jam-session was held at Colin Youlden’s the other night when a number of local Jazz men and women celebrated the 8th anniversary of Wayne Handrick’s band’s engagement at the now defunct Rainbow Room. Among the participants were Greta Young, who gave out with some nice vocals as well as piano work), Mike Carbone and Hank Collins (guitars), Wayne Handricks, Colin Youlden and George Kirkby (saxes), Ralph Filmer (bass) and Roley Nash (drums). Bryn Gifford pleased with vocals a la Frankie Laine.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 27 June 1953, page 11
1955
1994
George Kirkby died on 23rd September 1994 aged 87.