Music is our passion and performing together as a family is extra special for us.
‘Always at heart’ is a family affair with husband and wife, Gina and Shane Keating, performing alongside Gina’s mother Sharon Russell (Nutira whānau). We first started performing over 20 years ago and have been successful in many competitions throughout New Zealand. We have won several overall titles as solo, duo and group artists and will travel to Rotorua to compete for the title of New Zealand Country Entertainer of the Year.
Gina also competes for that title as a soloist so will perform twice. Music is a legacy that we are passing on with Gina and Shane having four talented young boys who are all following in their parents’ footsteps. Tragedy struck our family in 2009 when Sharon’s son Daniel, brother to Gina, lost his life in a mining accident in Australia at the age of 26. Because of this tragedy we have all been inspired to write songs to help with our grief. Shane was announced the winner of the song-writing section at the Whakatāne awards with a song he wrote for Daniel’s partner about the day he was taken from us. The song is called “Give Me Back the Day Before.” Music and singing together as a family made us stronger as it keeps our memories alive and reminds us that you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Sharon Russell, Shane Keating and Gina Keating, ready to head to Rotorua.