Gin mesmerises Black Barn crowd | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

The bouncy blonde entertained from the minute she walked on stage at the Havelock North venue, all smiles and compliments for the crowd.

"Oh yes, man you are awesome," she called out.

"I was in Napier not long ago - I love this part of the country, much better than Gisborne last night."

But it was her unique voice, which sounded better straight through the microphone than pumped out of the best stereo system, which won people over. After a few soft ballads, complete with amusing tales of their origin, Gin kicked things up a notch with rough and ready hits such as Black Sheep.

"For those of you who are a little different," she said over a sip of wine.

"We were told to put our drinks in these plastic cups so no one could see inside them, but I can tell you this is definitely not Ribena."

Dressed in a contrasting rock chick black t-shirt, leather ankle boots and an ultra feminine flowing skirt, the songstress was mesmerising as she danced across the stage in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 1600.

Concert-goers were also treated to a polished performance from the Mutton Birds, who reformed to play their first string of concerts in 10 years.

Songs such as Dominion Road, Wellington and Anchor Me were well received and frontman Don McGlashan showed he could still command the stage.

The evening got off to a relatively slow start with a somewhat shaky set from Avalanche City, though their hit song Love, Love, Love was an obvious favourite and got people to their feet.

The Classic Hits Winery Tour is back at Black Barn tonight, and promoters have released a limited number of tickets for the sold out show. They will be available on the gate for $80 from about 4.30pm.