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[12 Bar Rhythm 'n' Shoes Singing and Dancing Group Perform at Telethon 1981]

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Description: This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

The 12 Bar Rhythm 'n' Shoes Singing and Dancing group had a self-titled music and theatre television show which ran between 1980 and 1981. The show featured (starting from left) Tim Smyser, Dave Noda, Steve Martin, Darien Takle (Heavenly Creatures), Suzanne Lee, Richard Eriwata, Maggie Harper (Shortland Street), Marc Stevens, Reg Ruka (formerly of Auckland band The Classic Affair), and Kerry Gallagher. Vicky Haughton (Whale Rider), and Jayne Kiddell are obscured.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.