Upper Hutt is hosting NZ International Festival of the Arts events during March plus a variety of live music concerts.  We have missed out on the UK pop legends The Searchers playing this summer but host Upper Hutt and NZ’s own equivalent of The Beatles  – Fourmyula for their only 40th anniversary concert in the Wellington Region.

The Rimutaka Community Trust has enabled the development of many facilities and projects in Upper Hutt.  The Harcourt Park Sound Stage is one of these, and this hosts the 10th “Little Big Day Out” on Sunday 7 March from 12 midday – 6pm.  The free music concert is organised by volunteers including Chris Kirkland and is a day when families can take a picnic and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.  Harcourt Park has become well-known for its idyllic setting; it is at the start of the Akatarawa Valley.  The natural slopes of the soundstage setting and free nearby car parking  make it a popular venue.  Little Big Day Out this year features  the following bands: Eclipse, Finn and Rick, The Frantix, Bye George, Cuddle Bunnies and Fuse.

On Tuesday 9 March Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre is the location for the NZ International Arts Festival premiere of  the play Mark Twain and Me in Maoriland. The following night, Wednesday 10 March a very special show – The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy – is also at Expressions. Tickets for both these shows are available from Expressions.

On Sunday 14 March The Ascot Picture Theatre hosts Kids Flicks on Sunday at 10.30 am and Midday.

I am sure the following event is going to attract much media attention and will be a memorable concert.  On Saturday 20 March 8pm at Expressions in Riverstone Recreation Concert Hall, Fourmyula, the popular music group – remember Nature, their big hit single – play their 40th anniversary concert. This is celebrated by the release of a 4-CD pack which includes an unreleased album, Turn your Back on the Wind. Concert tickets are only $30.00 from Expressions.

The five original band members who toured the UK twice  have reformed for two shows only in New Zealand.  Chris Parry, the drummer , has returned for a short stay from the UK where he has been involved with the music industry, including an association with highly successful bands The Jam and Cure.  Guitarist Martin Hope lives in Australia and is still involved with music.  Wayne Mason, songwriter and guitarist lives on the Kapiti Coast, and is well known for his continuing musical talents.  Carl Evenson, lead vocalist, and Alistair Richardson, bass guitarist and writing partner with Wayne Mason in Fourmyula heydays both live in the Hutt Valley and are regularly seen in the popular band Itchycoo Park.  Itchycoo Park recently played at St Pats College for a Te Omanga Hospice fundraiser.

On Saturday 27 March Harcourt Park stage hosts Paradise in the Park, an afternoon of live music organised by Kate Winter and other.

On Sunday 28 March, Railroad Blues at Silverstream Railway starts at 4.45pm and goes until 7pm. Top Bluesmen Darren Watson, Dave Murphy and Terry Casey play the blues with close association with the lives and times of the railroad. Midnight Special will hopefully be on the playlist!  A steam train will be parked up at the platform with carriages to complete the scene during the concert, so if you want a train ride come earlier at about 3.15 pm. Entry for train rides separate  charge to concert ticket which is $10 general admission. There are limited tickets and seating is not guaranteed, but its just a great night out. Tickets from Expressions. There’ll be drinks on sale (not BYO) and light refreshments.

This promises to be a night to remember – blues music, a steam train  nearby, and a very special setting.

See you there.

Paul Lambert