WHAT’S IN THE MIX FOR 2026?  

Happy New Year!

It’s a case of “ready set go” for the TRUMPETGUY with the first gig of the year completed January 1 as I played to thousands at Ellerslie races. Their summer carnival goes right up until March and I am proud to be their man to herald in the thoroughbreds for each race.

In partnership with Limelight Productions and Entertainment I am super excited to play my first gig at SkyCity Hamilton in February. I did the opening fanfare when they cut the ribbon to open Auckland’s Sky Tower, performed in Auckland with Chris Powley at his lunch time concerts in the gaming room bar and it will be a real thrill to get on stage for the first time at SkyCity Hamilton.

It’s no secret that RSA venues have diminished over the years, though encouraging to see those that have regular entertainment still seem to thrive. Auckland RSA’s like Henderson, Grey Lynn  and Birkenhead RSA’s are a fantastic example. I am delighted to be making regular appearances at Henderson RSA and for the first time in many years, a return to Birkenhead and Te Awamutu RSA’s this year. I am so looking forward to that.

Speaking of amazing clubs, the Hamilton Workingmen’s Club seems to fire on all cylinders most weekends and during the week as well for that matter. 2026 has me confirmed for some regular spots there.

At the conclusion of 2025 I did some Sunday afternoon entertaining at two lovely wine bars. The Strand in Takapuna and the Vic Rd Wine Bar in Devonport. I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and change of pace from putting on a full on show. I’m really hoping to get a return invitation there this year. I have been asked to return for a free public show at Pah Homestead again this year. What a treat it is to play in this beautiful old homestead in Hillsborough. It’s an even bigger treat that you are all invited. You can check out that date in April from my gig guide on this site.

Full on shows at some of Auckland most elaborate and gracious retirement villages are also booked this year, along with a return to the Park Hyatt Hotel to host the Readers Digest Trusted Brands Awards in May.

April this year is the New Zealand Brass Bands Championships in Wellington. The date is set earlier this year to make way for Wellington Brass to attend the World Championships in Kerkrade Holland in July. I wish the players all the best. This contest is an amazing experience. I joined the Continental Airlines Auckland Brass in 1981 just a week or two after the band returned from the World Championships victorious. I can remember how jealous I was not getting to go with them but I was still very young at the time. I felt I would never get to a World Championship and I had missed the opportunity by a matter of weeks. You never know what’s around the corner and I finished up going twice in 2009 and 2017 with the National Band of New Zealand.

Some of the world’s best bands will compete at these world championships. My special good luck vibes will be going out to my friend Matt van Emmerik who has been appointed to direct the Australian National Band. They will join other world famous bands competing such as Brassband Willebroek (current world champions from Belgium) Brass Band Treize Etoiles (the current number one ranked band in the world from Switzerland) Flowers Brass Band (UK) the cooperation band (Scotland) and the ever popular Cory Band from Wales to name just a few.

New Zealander Kyle Lawson has just been appointed the Principal Cornet of the Cory Band. Isn’t it just amazing what kiwi talent is doing around the world.

Getting back to contesting closer to home, I will be competing at the New Zealand National Championships this year with the Tauranga City Brass in the B Grade. I am super excited to be a part of their team. The band’s musical director is Steve Thompson, who is an exceptional musician. The last time we played in a band together was in 1990 at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, as members of the 1990 National Band of New Zealand. I can’t wait to get started with Tauranga  at my first practice in February.

While writing this, I have learnt of the recent passing of Keith Leggett on 9 January. Keith moved from England where he was one of the members of the Black and White Minstrel Show. He then took up a role at TVNZ. He was also the producer of the 1990 opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games and the Cricket World Cup, both held in NZ. Part of his role at TVNZ was to hold classes for up and coming entertainers. I was lucky enough to be one of them. He then became my agent/manager and we also performed in many shows together. When he sung he brought the house down. My thoughts go out to his wonderful family, and thank you Keith for always cheering for team McGough.

Phew that’s a lot of news for one newsletter. Heaps more to tell, but that can wait for another time. What’s your news? I’d love to hear from you.

Are you keen to make lots of opportunities happen for 2026?

Your crowd, patrons, friends and family work hard and deserve a great night out. They want to be entertained. Do it with John McGough the TRUMPETGUY.

Book now. If you don’t, someone else will.

Until next time…..It’s bye bye from the TRUMPETGUY

John McGough