The Paraoa Bar in Auckland turned into a time capsule of musical greatness last night as corporate covers band Halo took the stage, delivering a powerhouse performance that had the crowd grooving from the first note.
With a seven-piece lineup including three dynamic vocalists, bass, drums, guitar, and keys, Halo isn’t just another covers band. They’re a finely tuned machine, breathing new life into the classics with energy, finesse, and some serious vocal firepower.
Leading the charge were the exceptional Sharon Emirali, Rebecca Wright, and the ever-iconic Gail Tipene, each bringing their own distinct flavour to the mix.
Emirali, whom I hadn’t seen in some time but was as vibrant as ever, shone in the spotlight, proving she hasn’t lost an ounce of her commanding stage presence as she delivered high-octane numbers with effortless control.
Tipene, another long-time favourite I hadn’t seen in a while, was equally mesmerising. Her powerhouse vocals could shake the walls, and she commanded the stage with the confidence of a true diva who knows exactly how to work a crowd.
Wright completed the trio with precision, seamlessly layering harmonies and stepping into lead vocals with ease, rounding out an electrifying vocal section.
Halo’s setlist was a trip through the golden ages of music, paying homage to legends like Diana Ross, The Emotions, Olivia Newton-John, and Michael Jackson.
Whether it was the lush harmonies of The Emotions’ Best of My Love or the disco-fuelled anthems that got the audience dancing, Halo didn’t just play the songs, they owned them. Each track was a testament to the band’s tight musicianship, with the rhythm section locking in groove after groove and the guitarist shredding just the right amount without ever overshadowing the vocal brilliance up front.
It’s one thing to cover big, demanding songs. It’s another to do them justice. Halo does both effortlessly. Their ability to channel the spirit of each artist while adding their own signature touch is what sets them apart. From the smooth soul of Ross to the infectious energy of MJ, every moment felt like a celebration of music that transcends generations.
By the end of their set, there wasn’t a still body in the room. Paraoa Bar was alive with nostalgia, joy, and pure musical magic. If Halo is playing, you don’t just go. You show up, get on your feet, and let them take you on a ride through the best of the best. And last night, they did exactly that.
Annie Crummer lights up the stage with humour, heart, and Kiwi classics
Annie Crummer doesn’t just perform—she holds court. Taking the stage with an effortless charisma that few can match, the legendary New Zealand vocalist delivered a set brimming with soul, warmth, and the kind of off-the-cuff humour that makes a live show truly unforgettable.
From the moment she launched into her second song of the night, the infectious What’s the Time Mr. Wolf, the audience was locked in, swaying to the rhythm of a performer who has mastered the art of both commanding and connecting.
Crummer’s voice, rich soulful and timeless, filled the room, proving that she’s lost none of the vocal magic that made her a household name.
Midway through her set, she took a moment to acknowledge the opening band, Halo, showering them with well-earned praise before turning her attention to the main act of the evening, Mark Williams.
Beaming with excitement, she confessed to the audience, I am so beside myself, you will have to hold me back as I might act stupid. The crowd roared with laughter, soaking in her unfiltered enthusiasm and genuine love for her fellow musician.
Then came the moment of playful mischief. As she prepared to introduce a Dave Dobbyn classic, she teased the audience with a perfectly timed joke. Dave is waiting in the wings to come onto stage… Nah, just kidding! You couldn’t afford to be here tonight if Dave was over there!
Cue another wave of laughter before she playfully doubled down, So I’ll just be his little bitch and sing one of his songs. It’s this kind of no-holds-barred humour that makes a Crummer show feel less like a performance and more like a party where everyone’s invited.
But beyond the wit and charm, what truly stood out was the sheer joy radiating from the stage. Crummer is an artist who has clearly lived, loved, and continues to revel in the beauty of music and connection. Her set was a reminder of why she remains one of New Zealand’s most beloved performers. A woman whose voice, presence, and spirit refuse to be dimmed.
By the time she took her final bow, the audience wasn’t just entertained. They were uplifted. And that, in the end, is what live music is all about.
Mark Williams has nothing left to prove. The man who lent his golden pipes to Dragon’s later years and built a reputation as one of Aotearoa’s finest Soul voices doesn’t need to chase applause. But at Paraoa Brewing Co. Saturday night, he earned it anyway. Note by note, groove by groove.
Dressed sharp in all black with a leather waistcoat, Williams looked every bit the Rock star as he stepped onstage, exuding effortless cool.
The crowd, a mix of longtime fans and younger punters discovering his catalogue through retro playlists and their parents’ record collections, packed in close, drawn by the warmth of that unmistakable voice.
His setlist spanned decades, each song redefined with his signature touch. Backed by a slick, tight band that knew exactly when to push and when to let him ride the groove, Williams delivered a masterclass in Soul and finesse.
The audience swayed, entranced, as his voice filled the intimate venue, not just with sound, but with raw emotion, like a personal conversation with every soul in the room.
Between songs, he charmed with stories. When I was young, Whangaparāoa was where all the rich people lived. Are we all rich? he asked. Met with a chorus of no and a few cheeky yes replies. Oh shit, it’s taken me 50 years to find that out!
He reminisced about childhood trips to Orewa, staying at the caravan park when we could afford it, before launching into Hot Chocolate’s Heaven Is in the Back Seat of My Cadillac.
Later, he dedicated a heartfelt rendition of Say I Love You to the late Renée Geyer, another artist he had the privilege of working with.
Here was a man who has spent decades in the game, standing on a small stage yet delivering a performance with the depth and soul of any stadium act.
Mark Williams may not be the flashiest name in New Zealand music these days, but nights like this prove one thing. Legends don’t fade. They just get smoother.
Paul Marshall
Thanks Paul ‘ )