1949
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, December 10, Broomehill Hall Ball, Johnny Regan‘s six-piece orchestra from Perth.
Great Southern Herald (Katanning, WA : 1901 – 1966), Friday 18 November 1949, page 2
Dancing fans are promised a treat on December 10 when Johnny Regan‘s Swing Six Band will play in the Broomehill Hall. Modern and old time will be played. Supper and novelties.
Great Southern Herald (Katanning, WA : 1901 – 1966), Friday 2 December 1949, page 2
1954
MANY MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS donated their time at the Teen and Twenty Club’s open dance which was held to raise money for the Wendy Nash appeal. A cheque for £65 has been given to the young’ pianist. Artists included the Rhythm Spinners, Lisa Ray and Bill Higgins. Paul and Eileen, W.A. jive champions. Johnny and Evelyn, nightclub entertainers from Melbourne, and Wendy Stiles. Among the musicians were Jack Harrison, Horrie King, Sammy Sharp, Jimmy Beeson, Keith Whittle, Johnny Regan, Alex MacMillan, Ralph Filmer, Dick Hatton and Les West’s orchestra.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 22 July 1954, page 22
1954 TOP BANDS
Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 will be big nights for local Jan lovers. Ten top bands will take the stage for the Jazz Jamboree while the following Sunday’s show is marked by the appearance of Australia’s greatest drum technician — George Watson. An ex-West Australian, Watson has built up a colossal following in Melbourne’s Dance world. Recently he played with drummers’ doyen Gene Krupa. Bands for the Jamboree are Keith Whittle’s Dixielanders, the Jazzstars, Johnny Regan‘s Moderniques, Ray Le Cornu, Merv Rowston, Harry Bluck, Jimmy Beeson, Norm Wrightson, Ron Jenkins and Sammy Sharp. Both shows will be at the Capitol.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 23 October 1954, page 11
BIG JAZZ show on SUNDAY
Capacity crowd is expected at tomorrow night’s annual Jazz Jamboree at the Capitol Theatre. Ten well-known local swing hands will take part. Show is the first of 2 being conducted this year in aid of the Musicians Benevolent Fund. Another will follow on Sunday week. Jamboree fans will have their first opportunity of hearing and seeing Keith Whittle and his Dixielanders, who will lead off tomorrow night’s program. Other bands are Johnny Regan‘s Moderniques, Ray Le Cornu, Merv Rowston’s Collegiate Jazz Band, Harry Bluck, Jimmy Beeson, Norm Wrightson, Ron Jenkins and Sammy Big attraction at the second show is visiting drum wizard George Watson. Novel half of the program will be the appearance on stage of 3 bands simultaneously. They will play sections of numbers alternately. Compere for both shows is Peter Harrison.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 30 October 1954, page 6
1955
Jazz Jamboree
No. 9 – “Hot and Cool” – KEITH WHITTLE’S DIXIELANDERS WITH JOHNNY REGAN’S MODERNIQUES.
1963
A river cruise commencing at 8.30 p.m. from Barrack Street Jetty on Saturday is being organised by the Northam Junior Farmers. The cruise will end at 1 p.m. but between times dancing will take place on the top deck of the “Zephyr” to music by Johnnie Regan‘s band and supper will be served. Last year’s cruise was a wonderful success over 400 people being aboard.
Beverley Times (WA : 1905 – 1977), Thursday 10 January 1963, page 2
1964
RIVER CRUISE
About fifteen Northam Junior Farmers and friends went on a river cruise on Saturday night. The boat left the Barrack street Jetty at 8.30 pm. Deck dancing was enjoyed by all, and music was supplied by Johnny Regan‘s band. Following this, supper was served.
Beverley Times (WA : 1905 – 1977), Thursday 16 January 1964, page 9
Johnny went prospecting for gold and popped in to visit Ray Harrison’s daughter Julie at her pub in Kalgoorlie.
Johnny Regan, drummer speaks of his involvement with the jazz music industry.
His interest in jazz began at age 13 (1939) when a friend bought a Tommy Dawson album.
In 1940 whilst visiting friends in Fremantle, Regan saw Jimmy Riley in his band, Merv Rowston was playing the drums. Reagan then was inspired to take up drums and had lessons from Merv.
At age 18 Regan was conscripted and entered the RAAF, he received his discharge after playing in a service band.
In Perth Regan speaks of his involvement with the jazz music industry.
[REGAN, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE JOHNSON : ORAL HISTORY] – TITLE VERSION
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