About
Since its inception in the early 1990s, inspired by a popular UK TV show, Stars in Your Eyes has become a beloved community event, celebrating the diverse talents of local performers.
The proceeds from Stars in Your Eyes support young musicians in our community, helping to foster the next generation of talent in the Upper Clutha area. Discover some of the many projects we have donated to below.
History
Founded by Jamie Robertson, with invaluable help from Dee Sarginson and Steve Brett, the show initially began as a competition but quickly evolved into an entertainment spectacle. Our journey started in the lobby of Clifford's Hotel (now Wānaka Hotel) as part of the Wānaka Snow Fest. Due to growing popularity, we moved to the old Wānaka Town Hall, and later to the Community Hall, allowing us to expand and enhance the show's quality.
In 2001, with the opening of the Lake Wānaka Centre, Stars in Your Eyes received a significant upgrade. We introduced live video projections, advanced sound and lighting systems, and professional set designs, including our iconic arch. These improvements have continuously elevated the audience experience, making each show a memorable event.
Governance
Stars in Your Eyes is governed by a dedicated committee under Wānaka Musicians Incorporated, which has charitable status. The committee meets monthly to ensure the smooth running and continued success of our beloved show.
The vision of Wanaka Musicians Inc is to advance music education through the production and presentation of live musical performances (Stars In Your Eyes) by and for the Upper Clutha community, with the proceeds going straight back into the community to further music education. Check out some of the projects we’ve supported over the years below under ‘projects’.
Wanaka Musicians Inc committee members are:
Janet Dolan - Chairperson
David Baker - Secretary
Johnny Stumbles - Treasurer
Britt Smith
Jennie Lyall
Marianne Roulston
Michael Balk
Norman Bresanello
Tim Lambeth
Over the past 30 or so years Wanaka Musicians Inc has successfully raised funds to support individuals and projects linked to furthering education in music for young people in the Upper Clutha region. We estimate a total of at $300,000 has been distributed among individuals, projects and educational institutions over time. Recipients include: Mt Aspiring College, Aspiring Young Musicians, Hawea Flat School, Holy Family School, Wanaka Primary School, Te Kura O Take Kārara, Mountainside Educare, Tarras Primary, Wānaka Preschool, Hawea Kindergarten, Riverside Educate, Mt Aspiring Jazz Band, and the Classical Chamber Group.
Projects we have recently supported include:
The purchase of instruments for the Aspiring Young Musicians music library
An annual Jamie Robertson scholarship, named for our founder, awarded to a Mt Aspiring College student going on to tertiary level with the intention of keeping up musical performance
Support for the purchase of instruments and a music teaching package for Wānaka's newest primary school, Te Kura O Take Kārara
Ukeleles for several pre-school centres
The installation of a musical playground at Three Parks (work in progress).
