Address
Postal: The Penguin Entertainers’ Club Inc. P.O.Box 473 Oamaru
Club Etiquette
Advertised Performance Concert
Generally it’s a quieter concert so we would respectfully ask you switch of cellphones and keep noise to a minimum during the performance.
The expectation of most people is to listen to the artist and be undisturbed.
General band or concert
Feel free to enjoy the evening but respect the performers and others who have come to listen.
Jam nights
If your from out of town, see the staff for assistance if you want to play.
The stage is a members only area unless your invited to join or perform
The bar manager and committee members have final say on who is allowed to use the clubs equipment
It is considered bad form to BOO or HARASS performers on stage.
If you don’t like what’s on, fell free to step outside for a while.
A bit of history…
The Penguin Entertainers Club begun the same way it has continued, with an idea, a need, and a group effort…
The initial concept of The Penguin Club was spawned in late 1990 by a collection of local musicians identifying a need for suitable practice rooms and somewhere to chill-out after gigs.
Funds were raised by a gig at five forks hall by the local band ‘Rags’ and a jam band of interested parties.
The vast sum of around $150 was thereby accumulated to start the ball rolling.
Left: Freddy Fenton… Rowan Parks… Brendan Foster… Peter Plunket… Billy Bird… Early days…. and they’re still doin’ it !!!
An open meeting was held on the 27th November 1990. Legitimacy for this venture was achieved by the formation of The Penguin Entertainers Club Inc. and the first official committee meeting held on 4th December 1990. Debit accounts to the value of $682 were presented.
Internal construction of The Penguin Entertainers Club began with borrowed and acquired materials, straightened nails and severely diluted paint fortified by an abundance of enthusiasm. Working bee’s became a regular social event. The decor was a conglomeration of borrowed armchairs, sofas and corrugated iron.
Wednesday nights became the first open stage jam nights and it was B.Y.O. A steady accumulation of funds allowed the construction of a basic bar. Haute’ cuisine was provided by Clark and Holdings pie cart parked at the entrance to fulfil the licensing obligations. Tales of those nights are still fondly related by founding members often with a glazed look and the tracks of tears.
Left: Rick and Baz “Should we give them Heritage Status?”
The Penguin Entertainers Club soon became a stage for touring alternative bands and musicians that other local venues were not prepared to book. The posters that adorn the walls attest to the many musicians that cut their teeth on the touring circuit to achieve fame in their own right. Their influence and the existence of this club have produced a wealth of talented musicians.
The Penguin Club has become a tacit ambassador. Musicians from around the world now ask for the opportunity to perform here. They take back with them a positive response that will perpetuate the highest quality of performing arts in Oamaru.
Above: Grooving with Goodnight Nurse
Administered by an elected committee and staffed solely by volunteers proud to claim ownership of the ethos generated many years ago, the Penguin Club shall continue to thrive. Friday night jams and regular shows of all genres are well attended by players and audiences alike who enjoy the unique atmosphere within these walls.
