Wānaka’s long-running annual musical event, Stars In Your Eyes, celebrated its 30th show last week (September 18-21) with four sold-out nights of musical entertainment and mystery.

Wānaka Musicians’ Society chair Janet Dolan told the Wānaka App even this year’s Stars In Your Eyes dress rehearsal had a packed crowd, which was “unheard of”, and there was a waiting list for tickets.

The event attracted more than 1,800 audience members during the four nights, to see 14 local performing acts, as well as an opening and closing act.

“Music brings a community together in so many ways,” Janet said.

The 'B-52's' performed Love Shack

“It’s top secret. We give a hint to who the star is before they perform,” she said. Following the performance there is a video revealing the star’s true identity.

“You often hear a gasp from the audience.” 

The event included a few people who had never been on stage or sung publicly before, as well as some familiar faces. There are also seven band members and three backing vocalists.

“It’s an exhausting week for the performers,” Janet said, adding that the “end result is for the community”.

She said part of ensuring the longevity of the show is training young members of the community in the running of the show, such as guitarist Clark West from Powder Chutes.

'Dave Grohl' made an appearance

Profits go back to community

“We intend to use the [proceeds of the event] once again to support the schools and educational facilities in the area,” Janet said.

The group invites requests, which are usually for instruments, she said. There is also the $2,000 Jamie Robertson Scholarship (Jamie was a founding member of the society) for a Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College student to further their musical education.

“Every year we tend to improve on different aspects of the show, always to make it a better experience for the audience,” Janet said. With technology improving, this year “the lights were amazing”, she said.

Plans to build an interactive musical playground in conjunction with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is a “slight departure from normal” for the group.

Read more: Musical playground billed for Wānaka

“The playground is intended to be used for all ages from little children to grandparents,” Janet said.

“We put $20,000 away from our profits last year and will again this year. Being successful means we will increase those funds and have the plans ready and waiting.”

She said the playground might be built on Lismore Park, but the musicians’ group is waiting to hear back from QLDC.

Another side project for the group (as well as achieving charitable status) was an upgrade of its website, with new branding and easier navigation. 

PHOTOS: Del Tubb