Masterton can look forward to a healthy dose of culture this weekend, with live music at Aratoi, and poetry at King Street Live. Too Many Chiefs unites leading lights from other bands, resulting in a melting pot of jazz, country, folk, blues and rock'n'roll. The group combines some top song writing talent - Wayne Mason, Andrew London, Laura Collins and Ross Joass.
Too Many Chiefs came about “through a chance meeting in a Paekakariki cafe in 2012” where the idea of featuring their favourite original songs, without their usual 'Indians', came about. Wayne Mason, originally of The Fourmyula, is also a founder member of the Warratahs, and has recorded several solo albums. Touring stalwart Rob Joass leads The Shot Band, and Hobnail, his songs blending Celtic folk and country rock, while Andrew London is best known for his trio Hot Club Sandwich. Laura Collins has a soulful voice, and brings a 'heart on sleeve and tongue in cheek' attitude to the group. Tickets $20 from Eventfinder, and from the I-Site at Aratoi. Wesley Wing, Aratoi, Sun 9 Nov, 3-5pm.
Glen Colquhoun performs at King Street Live
“Today I do not want to be a doctor.
Nobody is getting any better.
Those who were well are sick again
and those who were sick are sicker…..”
These lines are from a memorable book by New Zealand poet Glen Colquhoun, called ‘Playing God: Poems about Medicine’. Memorable because Glen has two vocations – that of doctor and poet, (surely a rare combination) - and because of his wonderfully direct and bitter sweet way of dealing with the momentous questions of life, from which there is no escape in a doctor’s surgery. The book sold over 10,000 copies, and Glen has also won acclaim with his book of poems ‘The Art of Walking Upright’, and an essay called ‘Jumping Shi’, both about Te Tii, a community in the Bay of Islands. His output also includes children’s books.
Organiser Madeleine Slavick says this event is a fitting celebration as the last Wairarapa Word event for the year, and was made possible by the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme. “I have read several books by Glenn Colquhoun - he writes with such sensitivity, humour, intelligence, and grace. I am looking forward to hearing him perform,” she says. Funding means that people can enjoy the show with a Koha of their choice. King Street Live, Sun 7 Dec, 3-5pm. No bookings necessary.
Little Jewels deadline looming
Artists wishing to take part in the Little Jewels exhibition need to hand in their canvases at Aratoi by 2 December. The show opens on Friday 5 December, and all participating artists are invited. Pick up you regulation small canvas from either Aratoi or The Village Art Shop, Greytown, to be in the show.
