Pat Sergi became president of Griffith Musicians Club in 1991, and now is handing over the rains to Micheal Pfitzner, while staying on as vice president.

One of the founding members of the Griffith Musicians Club in 1974, Mr Sergi re-formed the club together with Garry Salvestro and Ian Ippoliti in 1988 after the club went into recess in 1978.

“I’ve been president for the last 25 years and I think its time for me to move on and let someone else have a go” Mr Sergi said.

“He is a great guy with a good head on his shoulders he will take the club the to next level.

“In the early 70s when there was a lot of work for bands a lot of venues to play at.

“Back then we would pick up a phone and put guys together to help each other out, that’s how the club sorted of started.”

Mr Sergi is no stranger to promoting big names to Griffith, in the 80’s together with Peter Jones who at the time were part of a band called Sherwood, first promoted Cold Chisel to Griffith. 

“Griffith hadn’t had a big band come through the region before,” Mr Sergi said.

“They were going to Albury, Wagga and Dubbo, bands were always by-passing us.

“Cold Chisel opened the doors because of its success, the then agents were contacting us and we had one band after another, came to town.

“They worked out that Griffith was geographically in the right spot, when the bands were touring across the country, and the shows were pulling in the crowds.

“Yoogali Club at that point of time was the number one entertainment spot. We were showcasing not only local talent but international acts as well.

Names like Motorhead, Bay City Rollers, Suzie Quatro, Men at Work, INXS featured on Griffith bills. 

Sergi also reunited his band Sherwood after 30 years at the this year’s Musicians Ball.

The band consisted of Peter Jones, Vince Staltare, Robert La Riva and Mr Sergi.

“It felt like the old times, it brought me back to when I was 30.” Mr Sergi said.

He was also recalls Hot Chocolate playing at the Woodside Hall, as well as Billy Thorpe, Sherbet and Masters Apprentices.

Reminiscing of the good old days, Mr Sergi remembers his brother playing in bands and inspiring him.

 “I started mucking around with my old mate Bill Calabria, we started jamming together,” Mr Sergi said. 

“In that era we were all self tort, we would listen to transistor radios and record players,” he said.

“There was no YouTube and Google, like there is today.

“I would look forward to the new albums coming out, to see the fashion and hair styles, then you put it on the turn table and you would listen to it while looking over the cover.

“We came up through the back yard and garages and incidentally all the band that came up through that era have survived.

“I call that the great era of rock and roll.” 

One of his greatest achievements as president of the music club involved one Griffith’s largest nights on the social calendar. 

The Griffith’s Musicians Club Ball is a perfect example of how the club functions not as individual entertainers, but as a family.

“It’s a unique event, it has been tried in other areas without success.” Mr Sergi said.

“We get together and have a jam, it’s not just one band playing it includes other members.”

The ball has donated thousands of dollars over the the 18 years, distributing funds through out the community.

The club also donated $10,000 to schools in the region, for musical instruments.

“A highlight for me is our CD, made with all club members playing a part, to date $14,000 has been raised and once again all gone to charity,” Mr Sergi said.

As part of the Centenary celebration The Musicians Club’s gift to Griffith, looked after the entertainment and secured the talent's of Adam Harvey.

Micheal Pfitzner established The Young Musician of the year award almost 10 years ago to ensure young Griffith talent is being nurtured.