Strum, Hum and Come to Bay of Many Coves

June 19, 2013

The distinctive sound of ukuleles will float over Queen Charlotte Sound during the weekend of July 19 to 21.

That unique sound will range from concert hall performances to the first strums in a new career.

The illustrious Bay Of Many Coves resort in the Marlborough Sounds is celebrating a Ukulele Blues Luxury Weekend with a performance and master class under the expert leadership of Pete Gavin.

Pete is an outstanding teacher, storyteller and musician. He’s musical director of the Bendigo Ukulele Orchestra and the UKE Joint Jumpers.

As well as hearing Pete Gavin perform the finest country and blues, he will teach songs from his vast repertoire. And he has one more string to his ukulele.  Through traditional American blues music, Pete also tells the colourful story of a character called Alawishus Jones who survived the depression years in the US.

Co-owner of the Bay Of Many Coves, Murray McCaw, says the special weekends at the resort are a combination of sheer relaxation and enjoyment, experiencing different and memorable entertainment and returning home with a new skill.

“Over the last few years ukulele playing has had a resurgence of interest. Pete’s orchestra is one of the top ukulele groups in Australia 
and orchestras have sprung up around New Zealand,” Murray says.

“Pete will perform throughout the weekend but, in particular, he will join with a talented young New Zealand Singer Songwriter to provide entertainment  during the seven course degustation dinner on Saturday night.”

To ensure guests enter the spirit of the weekend they’ll be welcomed with a traditional American Blues Cocktail while Saturday lunch will be a mouth watering platter incorporating food from the wild outdoors – such as venison, seafood, rabbit and pork.

The degustation dinner will feature the best of food and wine from New Zealand but Executive Chef, Hannes Bareiter, also has some surprises influenced by the very roots of country and blues music in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

While July 19-21 promises a mid-winter celebration, Murray McCaw says there’ll be plenty of time to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Marlborough Sounds.

That could range from a stroll to the glow worms after dark, kayaking, paddle boarding or rowing in the bay or experiencing the ambience of the five star resort from the spa, hot tub or luxurious unit.

Prices for the Ukulele Blues Luxury Weekend start from $800 per person.

ENDS

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