Local artist Jenny Rhodes at Raglan Creative Market

And over the weekend there is a great line-up of things to do:

Friday 9th July

HARBOURVIEW     Midge Marsden                                8pm

YOT CLUB                Double Brown                                    8pm

Saturday 10th July

YOT CLUB                            Eqwanox                                 8pm

HARBOURVIEW                 1814                                        8pm

ORCA                                     Jam on toast                         9pm

RUGBY CLUB, Cross St      Raglan v Frankton           2.40pm

Sunday 11th July

OLD SCHOOL, Stewart St   Raglan Creative Market          10am to 2pm

YOT CLUB                            Marten ten Broeck                  7.30pm

Or perhaps a great walk along the beach with fish and chips from the Kopua Camp Store.

Cornerstone Roots - Image CSR

Raglan reggae band, Cornerstone Roots are heading off on a tour of European capitals.  But before they go there will be one last gig at Orca this Thursday 8th July.

CSR will then take their energies to the stage on tour to represent Raglan Whaingaroa through their music at the Festivals in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Amsterdam, and Prague.  Good luck and happy travelling Brian, Naomi and band.

COOL SUMMER TOUR WITH CORNERSTONE ROOTS DOCUMENTARY

Launch of new documentary

Documentary photographer Mark Hamilton and filmmaker Maryann Tuao will release on screen their documentary as part of the Ignition Fringe Festival, Hamilton, on Tuesday 15 June 2010, at the Agenda restaurant bar niteclub, 145 Victoria St, Hamilton

Mark and Maryann have combined their crafts to document one of NZ’s top roots band, Cornerstone Roots on their recent summer tour, ‘Cool Summer Tour over 3 months.
Both captured what life is really like on the road for the band members and crew during the tour. This was a first time for both to work together and captured the emotions of the crew during different times of the tour from green room to stage performance.

Since both have graduated from WINTEC studying Media Arts have gone in their fields in documentary working with local communities and travelled aboard. Mark is renown in the commercial and editorial fields for his work but regularly travels overseas. Maryann’s main focus is documentary film making as a way to capture the essence in portraying the spirit of the local communities and artists.

This is a must see documentary exclusive opportunity to review what happens when one of NZ top Roots bands goes on tour around New Zealand. The purpose of this documentary film is an opportunity to extend what life is really like for a band on tour from behind the scenes to the stage performances – not exposed to audience before. From green rooms to the accommodation of how the band members work together performing at different venues as well as keeping up with their daily routine of sleep, nutrition and performances.

For the first time this doco reveals the essence of CSR music as one of NZ’s successful reggae bands. CSR are a 7 piece original reggae / roots band from Whaingaroa, Aotearoa featuring Brian Ruawai – singer / songwriter / Guitarist, Naomi Tuao – Bass, Waka Peri – Drums, Lei Ahotaha – keys, Nick Stevens – keys and Conor McCabe – back up vocalist and Reiki Ruawai – back up vocalist with Scott ‘Sonic’ Newth as Sound Engineer.

In a series of candid interviews the band share their insights about their influences, song writing, life on the stage and road – all interlaced with outstanding live performances, interview with band members and friends and awe-inspiring images of NZ landscapes.

What: COOL SUMMER TOUR WITH CORNERSTONE ROOTS DOCUMENTARY

By Mark Hamilton and filmmaker Maryann Tuao

When: Tue 15 June 2010
Where: Agenda restaurant bar niteclub, 145 Victoria St, Hamilton

Ignition Fringe Festival, Hamilton.

Hamilton Chorale at the Union Church, Raglan

Review by Virginia Gallagher: Hamilton Chorale at Raglan Union Church, Saturday 1^st May 2010

A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Union Church on Saturday 1^st May for a concert by the Hamilton Chorale.  Entitled Celtic Weavings, the programme consisted of music with a Celtic theme.  The music was an interesting mix from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, some of it well known, and other pieces new to the audience.

The opening bracket, under the heading ‘Call to Celebrate’ was bright introductory music, John Peel and Comin’ Thro’ the Rye were particularly memorable. In the next bracket ‘In Quiet Moments’ the tempo was more relaxed and highlighted the choir’s versatility.  Then the audience was invited to participate, and soon all were joining in with Loch Lomond and Annie Laurie.

The next bracket ‘Lassies and Laddies’ gave the different sections of the choir a chance to come to the fore.  In several numbers for ladies voices only, the careful blending of three parts was a joy to listen to.  The men particularly enjoyed their solo numbers; in ‘The Star of the County Down’ they kept up a cracking pace, much to the enjoyment of the audience.  More sing-along with slower numbers My Love is Like a Red Red Rose and Danny Boy.  Once again the audience sang with gusto, although some of the higher notes were beyond some audience members!

The final bracket ‘The Old Country Calling’ reminded us that many in the church that day have Celtic roots, and could relate to the beautiful music that has become so well known in New Zealand.  The masterful arrangement of ‘I Know Where I’m Going’ was particularly memorable, and the rousing ‘Molly Malone brought the most enjoyable concert to an end.

Ably assisted by accompanist Elisabeth Murray, the conductor Julie Jackson-Gough should be very pleased with this concert.  She succeeded in blending the 30 strong choir into a group that was a pleasure to listen to.  The imaginative addition of the ladies’ coloured scarves, representing Scotland, Ireland and Wales, enhanced the Celtic theme.  It is a pity that more people did not come out in the chilly autumn weather to hear this capable group of singers.  Hopefully, they will come to Raglan again to perform.