Grenell (68) was one of 36 performers in this year's festival, held over the weekend, which featured shows in six different hotels throughout the Maniototo as well as the performances at the rest-home. The musician was one of six performers playing at the rest-home on Saturday afternoon and residents said his appearance was their favourite.
Grenell, who lives in Whitecliffs, Canterbury, spent his younger days in the Maniototo, and explained to the audience he now had limited eyesight, so might not recognise some familiar faces. Between songs, one female resident of the rest-home said: ''I've met you, at a dance in Ranfurly.''
Another female resident quickly responded: ''I met him first'', which prompted fellow entertainer Graham Wardrop, of Christchurch, to warn Grenell: ''You've got to watch out for those groupies''. Grenell started his musical career at a talent quest in Naseby 50 years ago, held to mark the 100th anniversary of gold being discovered in the area.
''I was 17 or 18 and had been at the Naseby Rodeo with some larrikin mates,'' Grenell recalled.
Rest-home resident Veronica Barnes said the festival entertainment at the weekend, which included bush poets and musicians, was a real treat for the Chalet folk.
''I thought it was very good ... and certainly made a real change.''
Australian women's bush poet champion Robyn Sykes, of Binalong, New South Wales, was another of the entertainers and said she had thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.
''Each group of performers is a real mix and complements each other well.''
This was the eighth time the festival had been run, although in other years, the performances had been held at Easter and were based in Naseby. Event co-ordinator Roger Lusby, of Nelson, said the change this year was successful.
''If we add up the attendance at the venues and the 200 who were at the [Back in the Day] concert, the entertainers have performed to more than 760 people over the weekend.
''That's laid a great foundation for the next festival,'' he said.
