7 January 2009
Greytown Arts Festival

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Local Brownie Poppy Lambert with one of the snowflakes she has been making for the Graffiti Knitting Trail

Greytown is the place to be for free music and entertainment this Wellington Anniversary Weekend, 23-25 January 2010. From a graffiti knitting trail and a ukulele jam session, to the open day at Papawai Marae, a wide range of exhibitions, and diverse outdoor music. There’s plenty to enjoy for families and something to suit all tastes.

An open air ‘piazza’ is being created alongside the Greytown Town Hall for performances from 11am on Saturday and Sunday, including well-known African musician Sam Manzanza, Cajun group Grits & Gumbo, Celtic rockers Jacky Tar, and Jewish wedding music ensemble Klezmer Rebs .

Keen drummers can join Sam Manzanza for a drumming free-for-all on the Saturday at Stella Bull Park, while anyone with a ukulele can join in the Ukulele Rules! jam session at the outdoor Town Hall stage.

There are three ticketed concerts. Tickets have been selling fast for the hugely popular Ukulele Orchestra, playing at Kuranui College Performing Arts Centre on Saturday night. Classical music fans will enjoy The Amazon Trio which comprises three well known professional chamber music players - Peter Barber (viola), Robert Ibell (cello) and Vicki Jones (double bass). And some of Wairarapa's best musicians will be out in force for the Blues Night at Cafe Trends. The evening explores the history of Blues in America, from its origins in the plantation fields, to the electric blues of today.

The Art & Garden Tour is a unique opportunity to see behind the gates of some of Greytown's most interesting homes, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Over 50 Wairarapa artists and craftspeople, will be selling and demonstrating their work. Check out the Tour on the Festival website.

There are many events for children and families, including the Graffiti Knitting Trail, which takes visitors on a fun 30 minute stroll round central Greytown, spotting colourful handmade graffiti along the way. It ends at a cute colonial cottage which features an amazing knitted 'fairy grotto' on the front lawn.

Both Papawai Marae and Cobblestones Early Settlers Museum are running open days for the Festival. Visitors will be able to learn more about Papawai and see traditional and contemporary bone carving, weaving, paintings and wood carving. Cobblestones staff will be in colonial costumes, and there will be a blacksmith and wheelwright demonstrating their arts. Displays include a ‘Stash ‘n Stuff’ sale of fabrics and crafting materials.

Check the Festival website for tickets, booking information and the full programme. www.greytownartsfestival.co.nz

ENDS

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