Billy Williams's dance orchestra

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DescriptionCan anyone tell me anything about this photo or the band?

See commentsContributorHolly Briggs

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CommentsPeter Muir
This band played at many functions & dances around the Greymouth area from the late 20's through the 30's. Sorry don't know any names of individuals.

Glenn Johnston
They advertised from 1921 to 1946 inclusive.

Heather Newby
The West Coast Dance Band (1920s–1940s)
Based primarily around the Greymouth region, this ensemble was a staple of the local social scene, providing live music for balls, community fundraisers, and sporting dances. Historical archives from Papers Past show their extensive presence at key regional events:
• Venues: They frequently performed at locations like Schaef's Hall in Greymouth, Blaketown Hall, the Miners' Hall in Runanga, and McKane's Hall in Cobden.
• Repertoire: The orchestra specialized in a mix of jazz, strict tempo ballroom music, and "old-time" dances.
• Events: They were hired for high-profile community events such as the Greymouth Fire Brigade Annual Ball, military and patriotic wartime dances, local golf and rugby union end-of-season functions, and school fancy dress balls.
Other Historical & Musical Intersections
Depending on the exact context of your search, "Billy Williams" in New Zealand music also connects to:
1. The Vaudeville Era (Early 1900s 78-rpm Records)
The famous Australian-born British music hall comedian Billy Williams (1878–1915), known as "The Man in the Velvet Suit," was immensely popular in New Zealand. His Shellac 78-rpm recordings—frequently backed by a studio orchestra—were heavily imported into New Zealand by local wholesalers like E.W. Pidgeon & Co. under labels such as Regal, Herald, and Minstrel. Famous tracks spun on New Zealand gramophones included "She's my best girl now" and "Why Can't We Have The Sea In London".
2. The 1970s Rock Scene (Ticket)
A different Billy Williams was a prominent bass guitarist in the New Zealand music scene during the 1970s. He was a member of the later lineup of the iconic Kiwi psychedelic blues-rock band Ticket, playing alongside guitarist Eddie Hansen and vocalist Trevor Tombleson.
Are you researching the 1930s/40s West Coast jazz and dance orchestra, looking for early 78-rpm record pressings, or tracing the career of Ticket's bass player? Let me know so I can track down more specific details or personnel lists for you!
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National Library of New Zealand
Papers Past | Grey River Argus | 18 December 1939
The Blaketown Hall will be a popular rendezvous to-night, when the Greymouth Surf Club will hold a long night dance. Novelties wil...
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National Library of New Zealand
Papers Past | Newspapers | Page 1 Advertisements Column 1
RUGBY UNION GRAND END-OF-SEASON DANCE FINALE! FINALE! TO-MORROW (Thursday) United Pavilion at 9 p.m. Dance to Billy Williams and h...
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National Library of New Zealand
Papers Past | Newspapers | 4 June 1929 | AMUSEMENTS
FIRE BRIGADE BALL. Greymouth Fire Brigade held their annual ball. About 350 people were present, the dancing proved enjoyable. The...

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/news.../GEST19320706.2.2.1

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Billy Williams's dance orchestra

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