 |
Music Plus with |
There’s so much music to follow at the moment, but I wanted to start by plugging one of my favourite non-musical events.
The Bay of Plenty Open Studios Art Trail happens across three days next weekend, November 21-23, from 9.30am-4.30pm daily.
During that time more than 70 artists from the BOP open their studios to the public and you can see where and what they’re working on. A peak behind the curtain for art-lovers.
Troy Kingi and Delaney Davidson. Photo / Supplied
Art stops
There are 16 stops up north between Te Puna and Waihī Beach but the real bulk is around town and the close suburbs where nearly 40 spaces are open.
Perhaps the best place to start is The Kollective down at the Historic Village where there’s work from all the participating artists displayed from November 17 onwards.
However, I think my favourite parts last year were actually the Mount and Pāpāmoa offerings.
There were more than 20 studios in this area and it was lovely driving along the coast on a sunny day, dropping in to look at art as you went. The art trail details are all online – make a plan today!
Bird songs
Now, from art-lovers to bird-lovers, because this week marks the start to a long-term album celebrating New Zealand’s various Birds of the Year.
Kiwi singer Troy Kingi and producer Delaney Davidson, released song ‘Kārearea’ this week after Forest & Bird 2025’s Bird of the Year. Photo / supplied
Forest & Bird, or more pertinently singer Troy Kingi and producer Delaney Davidson, released ‘Kārearea’ this week, the first track in a new musical project ‘Waiata Manu’. The Kārearea was this year’s wining bird.
The plan is for a new song each year and Davidson, who conceived the project, said the series was about rekindling a tradition begun with Hirini Melbourne. He was inspired by Marlon Williams’ song ‘Hoiho’, written after Bird of the Year 2024. I look forward to reviewing the full album in the late-2030s.
Troy Kingi and Delaney Davidson. Photo / Supplied
Celebrating Cole
This month, on Friday, November 21, at The Tauranga Club, Black Coffee Music Collective celebrates Nat King Cole’s music, which is a great idea. It’s easy to remember Cole from later velvet ballads in the ‘Mona Lisa’ vein but before that he, along with Oscar Moore on guitar and Wesley Prince on bass, formed one of the most exciting piano trios you ever could hope to hear.
From 7pm on November 21, his music will be played by the most excellent ensemble of pianist Alana Turmaine, bass player Liam Milson, and guitarist Trevor Braunias, with singer Joanne Melbourne.
Troy Kingi and Delaney Davidson. Photo / Supplied
Indie heaven
And finally, two shows at the Jam Factory are guaranteed to usher you into indie heaven.
Next, Friday, November 21, We Will Ride Fast and Frances Ellen play, with support from Amelia McNabb and the promise of an audio-visual experience with outrageous video accompaniment. Kyle Sattler, the man behind WWRF, is an acredited visual artist: this is where his visual arts career collides with his musical one.
And, finally, November 22 brings the Jam Factory’s long-awaited Sci-Fi Party. This looks like being a blast but details are still under strict wraps. Expect a night of science fiction-themed music and entertainment with award-winning musicians, a live band, DJ, a quiz and most importantly – everybody dressing up. Klaatu barada nikto!
Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/x7mpsckp