Allan Webster and Los Amigos

Los Amigos Band - was formed in May 2000, when Allan Webster was asked to perform a bracket at the Anti Cancer Fund-raiser at the Barn Palais in memory of Herb Collins of the Wild Card band.  Allan was only too pleased to oblige as he came out on the boat with Herb in 1964, Allan residing in Whyalla and Herb in Pt Augusta.  They remained friends for years, although losing touch when Allan moved to Millicent in 1977.  A few years later Allan was to learn that Herb had moved to Mt Gambier.  Allan was requested by Herb to take his place in the band while Herb was undergoing treatment.

Since the Los Amigos band was formed they have played for two years at the Anti Cancer Fundraiser, and have played at club days in the South East.  The band played for the very successful launch of Allan’s CD, The Joker’s Wild, and backed a guest artist from New Zealand, Ray Gibbs, The Hallswell Hillbilly.

The band is very capable as a backing group for talent quests and visiting artists.  Their enjoyment in performing as a band is evident in their very professional performances

 


(Click on Picture for larger one)

Allan Webster - Allan was born in Wallasey, Merseyside, England in 1946. He began his musical education on violin, and graduated to guitar, which led him to playing in a band at the age of fourteen. Allan has been playing in bands ever since and the last few years have been devoted to Country music. Allan was the 1999 South Australian Champion of Champions of Country Music, and has been the lead singer for many popular bands, being sought after for festivals and the backing of guest artists. Performances over the years include the South Australian Showcase in Adelaide and Tamworth, guest artist at the Queensland Champion of Champions, and festivals in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Allan was awarded a fifth place in the Inaugural Nashgrill Independent Country Music Awards, in Tamworth in the male vocal section in 2002.

September 2001 saw the release of his debut album, with the title track, “Joker’s Wild”, winning first place at the Barmera Songwriting competition in June 2001. “Grandpa’s Words” a song co-written with Gary Telford, now living in Tasmania, took second place in the songwriting section at Mildura Festival in September 2002.

Allan performed at the Mildura Festival for ten days in September 2003. Serving as a committee member of the Millicent Country Music Club for many years, Allan is currently the President. He devotes a considerable amount of his time to younger members, wishing to prepare for talent quests.

Tamworth 2004 saw Allan once again performing at the South Australian Showcase and at various walk-up venues. Allan was contracted to perform at the Launceston Country Music Festival in February 2004, for the second year in a row, and will see the month out at various venues around the North coast of Tasmania.

On his return he co-ordinated the artists for the Beachport Festival by the Sea to be held in March. The festival showcased the young country music artists in South Australia, with the main artists being Troy Cassar Daley, and Billy Bridge. Allan’s most recent success’s are being placed second out of 119 entries in the Tasmania and New Zealand Songwriting Awards for 2003, for the song “Love on the Side”, which he penned for Sandra Humphries, which is recorded on her “Every Road” album. In November 2003 Allan won the South Australian APRA song of the year in the Traditional Section with “Grandpa’s Words”, which is recorded on his latest album, “The Guitar Man”, due for release in February 04. The album contains four original songs and eight covers.

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For further details and inquires, contact. Telephone 08 8733 2437 or 0418 898 248
or E-mail webelec@internode.on.net
Check Allan's Website

 


Henry Czerwonka - Lead guitar - Henry needs no introduction.  Although a recent addition to Los Amigos (replacing lead guitarist Mark Moffatt), country music fans around the State know Henry well as a member of Cross Wind.

Len O’Connor - Bass, Vocal.  Len began his career as rhythm  guitarist in a church social band in the 60’s and played in various bands in Victoria on the hotel circuit. In 1972 he toured with Johnny O’Keefe and played bass on J.O.K’s Festival records album release ‘Johnny B Goode’. He also toured with Chad Morgan, producing and arranging Chad’s album They Call Me The Sheik, for which he also wrote the songs ‘Morgan Magic’ and ‘She’s Got Over You’. 

Henk Groot - Fiddle.  Henk has played in folk, rock and country bands for many years. He joined Los Amigos at its inception. In 2002 he travelled regularly to Adelaide to play in the Rocky River Band’, with whom he successfully toured Europe in September and October that year. Henk also plays banjo and guitar and assists with the harmonies.

Vinnie Jones - Drums.  Vinnie has  had many years experience with a variety of bands, playing rock and jazz and also being involved with Big Brass Bands and Concert bands. He has backed many visiting artists over the years including Johnny O’Keefe and Bev Hurrell, and was a member of Midnight Blue which won the band section at Barmera in 1998.

Henry Czerwonka, Lenny O’Connor, Allan Webster, Vinnie Jones, Henk Groote and??
Taken at the ACMC April 6, 2003

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