Variety Artists Club NZ "Group of the Year"

L-R: Shane, Graham, Alistair, John, Garry, Peter, Gerard

Well, that was a pleasant surprise. At last night's glittering VAC Benny Awards Red Carpet Event, The Shadz picked up the 2014 Group of the Year Award, sponsored by the producers/hosts of Face TV's The Beat Goes On and Rocking the Planet.

Our statuette and scrolls were presented by Gerard Smith and our "partner-in-crime" Shane Hales who, technically, should have been on the receiving end, too, such has been his key frontman role in the exposure and steady gig work that Shane & The Shadz have been enjoying since the end of Summer 2013.

Congratulations to Tina Cross on her fully deserved Benny Award, and to all the other worthy award winners, nominees and honorees. It's a privilege and honour to be a "twinkle" in such a galaxy of quality Kiwi entertainers. [Video credit: Steve Hilliar via YouTube.com]

Shadz on show!

We've been given the honour of kicking-off the opening show and supporting the first wave of guest stars for tomorrow night's sold-out Variety Artists Club 'Benny Awards' Red Carpet Event - and nominated for an award, to boot! All the best to fellow "Group of the Year" nominees, Prima Swing Riot and Howie Morrison Trio, and all those in other categories. And, welcome aboard John Morton (standby lead guitarist}, whose Shads-skills (and Fiesta Red Fender Strat) will expand the band to a 5-piece for this event.