A much loved teacher who tragically lost her life in the Carterton ballooning accident. All profits go to support some of the work that Alexis was doing for World Vision in Africa.

Tickets $5, door sales only. Showing 6-7pm

The idea of this backyard extravaganza is to allow your inner designer to shine through. You must be able to provide your own model (any shape, age and size), have access to sewing equipment and be present at the runway show. You are allowed the assistance of only one other person.

Next step is to join us at our place (7 Green Street, Newtown) on riday 23 March where you will be told more about the Runway night, introduced to the judges and Tim Gunn (our version). The judges will then tell you what the theme is and your budget. The budget will be low and you may be asked to provide receipts to prove you didn’t go wild in your spending. Any questions call us on 04 3894817 or email to confirm your spot to holland.charlie@gmail.com

The first takes place tonight, and is hosted by the children’s theatre group, Kids 4 Drama. This is a fundraiser for World Vision, and is dedicated to their teacher Alexis Hill, one of the balloonists who lost their lives in the Carterton Ballooning tragedy earlier this year. Tickets are $5 and starts at 6pm TONIGHT.

The second is Project Green St, a Project Runway-esque show, showcasing local talent and creations for the catwalk! Show starts at 6.30pm and is gold coin entry!

Hope you get a chance to come out and support these local projects!

Huge shout outs to the artists also – Holly Beals, Jess Gessner, James Coyle, Ali Tocher and all the other contributors!

Official Newtown Festival Poster

Newtown Festival Performers Poster

Side Shows at the Newtown Community Centre

Official Newtown Festival Club at Baobab Cafe

Carrara Park Jazz Picnic

Celebrate the Newtown Festival with a free jazz concert following the Tongan dance group at midday and Push Play games for the kids.

See the event listing for details of the great bands and when they’re playing during the afternoon.

Check out the official map for locations, or pick up a map from one of the cafes in Newtown on Saturday morning.

Plus it’s not too late to take part – contact Don at newtownfestival@gmail.com if you want to list a garage sale on the official map.

Big thanks to all performers, stallholders, support crews, and everyone who turned up to enjoy the day.

Check out the Stuff news item: Newtown Festival turnout strong despite rain

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/6520940/Newtown-Festival-turnout-strong-despite-rain

All stages and performances are going ahead – check the Fair Day Programme.

See you all soon!

It’s 5.30am and the festival team are up and at ‘em to put on Welli’s most loved day out in the streets.

The storm looks worn out so head on down.

If the rain does persist we’ve got room for all the performances to be held at alternative wet weather venues.

So make sure you don’t miss out!

They will be playing in front of the MainStreet stage at 11:45 (Between Joe Blossom and Amiria Grenell) and also will give a second performance at the Buskstop later in the day.

Check out full details for Perky & Fiddle.

This event will be rescheduled to sometime later in April.

But tomorrows Festival Fair Day is still going ahead – see you then!

The renewed version of the Perky and Fiddle show premiered at the World Buskers Festival in Christchurch, NZ, and got very good reactions.

ln 2011 the show did a couple of try-outs in Amsterdam, Spoffin in Amersfoort and the Fusion Festival in Germany.

NOTE: Perky and Fiddle will be performining in front of the MainStreet Stage, and also at the Buskstop later in the day.

If the storm hasn’t fully passed by early morning stall and stage set up could be delayed. If it’s too wet to open up the stages by late morning we have alternative venues in local bars and halls.

Stall holders still need to be there before 8.30am or they might lose their spot when the weather clears.

We’ll keep you posted on this site and our facebook page with updates so check back.

Want some timeout from the fun of the fair day?
Come and visit us at Newtown Community Creche, 46 Constable Street (behind the Community Centre Hall – opposite Mediterranean Food Warehouse).

Bring your preschoolers for a look at our awesome facilities while you have a rest and a complimentary tea or coffee with crèche parents.

This is a great opportunity to check out this fantastic environment with your kids and to have a reprieve from the hustle and bustle. At Newtown Community Creche we know how much fun the street fair day can be with pre-schoolers and how challenging!

Newtown Community Creche offers awesome opportunities for learning and play for mobile babies up to school age kids. We’re proud to have five fantastic qualified teachers and a wonderful supportive network of parents.
Creche hours are 8:30am to 2:30pm Mon – Fri and we offer 20 hours ECE.

Newtown Community Creche
46 Constable Street
Ph (04) 389 3372
Newtown.creche@xtra.co.nz

We believe radio should be about the local community, not overseas owned and beamed in from Auckland. That’s why we’re proud to be broadcasting from the Newtown Fair and Carrara park Jazz picnic once again and support community events on-air and in other ways. We’ll be playing a mix of our 4000 hand selected tunes to perfectly set the Cafe style mood in Green street. Come up and say Hi, make a request, maybe say a word on-air or even win a ticket to WOMAD!

Groove 107.7FM is your soundtrack for living. Listen live at our news page below or tune in to 107.7FM or via the free ‘Tunein radio’ app on your mobile device.
“Jazz junkies are raving about a local radio station called Groove FM. They’re listening in the morning before work, during office hours and in the evening to wind down. Capital Times decided to find out more about Groove 107.7FM and why more people are tuning in.” – Capital Times.

“Groove is the best thing to happen to Wellington airwaves since the invention of FM. Sure, you can be a follower with the mainstream stations. Or you can be an individual with Groove 107.7 FM.” – Jack Yan, Publisher, Lucire and former Mayoral candidate.

Newtown’s young pretenders … will surely blow you away.

10:45am – Ash Graham

16 yr old prodigy! Come and see this rising star!

12:00pm – Rodrigo Brothers

Eclectic indigenous white kiwi music – a hearty and beefy brew

1:00pm – Emily Fairlight

A cycle of beautifully listenable works of sung art, with a heavy focus on the poetic/literary side of song-writing

2:00pm – Nikita the Spooky & a Circus of Men

Newtown native Nikita sings us her songs; with a string section! Awesome!

3:15pm – Niko Ne Zna

Niko Ne Zna are New Zealand’s very own Balkan Gypsy brass extravaganza. Formed in Wellington five years ago, the band has been stunning audiences ever since with their thrillingingly exuberant, dynamic performances.

4:15pm – The Shot Band

The Shot Band make friends from strangers every time they step onstage. Energy, caustic wit, sweet harmony and great songs.

Skaman is a favourite around the Wellington clubs and cafes supporting some of NZeds top reggae bands, he has also been selecting his original classic Ska beats on RadioActive 88.6fm for over six years.

11.30am – Dear Frontier

Violent Vemmes meet the B52s & Talking Heads and play some tunes!

12:30pm – Ginger Brown

Soulful psychedelic awesomeness!

1:30pm – Fraser Ross and the Felt Tips

Fraser Ross is a gypsy-folk man. He is a keen lyrics man, and a inter-song banterer. Not to be missed!

2:30pm – About The Deadlines

Bluesy psych-rock from active members of The Black Seeds & Fly My Pretties

3:30pm – Dan Webb (Aus)

Our favourite Australian crazed-keyboard maestro!

4:30pm – Delaney Davidson (Chch)

Delaney Davidson looks like a man with stories to tell, layering guitar, harmonica, drums, voice and guitar through a loop pedal.

5:30pm – Heart Attack Alley (Ak)

Raw stomping blues direct from Aucklands late night music scene

6:30pm – So So Modern

So So excited to announce this amazing Welli band!
Fresh from CALH ’12, they’re not to be missed.

7:30pm – Moutaineater (Dun)

Mountaineater says “Love is the Law”. A fanstastic wall of Mainland noise!

10:00 am – Julie Bevan

Amazing and prolific Wellington Latin guitarist. Not to be missed!

11:00am – Joe Blossom

Who’s the Bloss? A man and his Yamaha CP70!

12:00pm – Amiria Grennell

Winner of the Tui NZ music award for best folk album 2012!

1:oopm – Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band

New O’leans Ragtime, brothel swaggers, trad jazz stomps and gospel shouts.

2:00pm – Paul Ubana Jones

Acoustic guitar ace – part Ritchie Havens part Andre Segovia and part Ravi Shankir.

3:00pm – The Nudge

A concoction of a blues and rock base, with a deep swamp filling, and a raucous party crust.

4:00pm – Bohemian Thought

A new addition to the culture capital’s colorful crown. Thought provoking music at it’s finest!

If you haven’t recieved yours there are a number of possible explanations:

1. The email might have gone into your spam folder. Unfortunately some of our email gets wrongly marked as spam.
   What to do? Check your spam folder.
2. You haven’t paid for your booking yet. We only allocate stall sites to bookings that have been paid.
   What to do? If you haven’t paid, please arrange payment as soon as possible. See how to pay or contact us for help.
3. We might have messed up. Despite the best efforts of our team of hard-working volunteers, sometimes it happens.
   What to do?  Contact us and we’ll sort it out.

And we look forward to seeing you all on fair day.

Wellington Batucada is a community-based percussion group which brings the flamboyant world of samba from Brazil to Wellington. Batucada is a Brazilian word used to describe the syncopated, African-influenced samba music played by a large percussion group (bateria) as part of a street parade or carnival.

Originally formed in November 2001 to perform in the Cuba Street Carnival, Wellington Batucada endeavors to replicate the authentic samba sound playing a variety of Brazilian rhythms including samba batucada, partido alto, samba reggae, samba funk, and baion. We have been blessed through visits by several superb Brazilian and non-Brazilian samba teachers who laid the foundations for our music.

New rhythms and musical fusions are being explored and developed to reflect the wider cultural influences here in New Zealand, and to create a form of live dance music that’s uniquely ours. Check out photos and video from some of our events in the gallery and blog pages.

We are an all-inclusive group – anyone can join regardless of experience or ability, and we provide authentic Brazilian instruments for those who do not have their own.

Currently Wellington Batucada has over 120 members, with 50-70 members regularly coming to our weekly rehearsals. We are in demand to play at many parades, festivals and events, including the Cuba Street Carnival, Wellington Rugby Sevens, Newtown & Petone Fairs and in 2011 the Rugby World Cup Festival of Carnivale.

10 :00am & 2.30pm – Slim Pickens

Charming, funny, and excellent at spelling, his show features world class juggling routines, quirky magic and a collection of macarbe sideshow stunts.

10.45am & 1:45pm – Fraser Hooper

“Perfect comic timing, Hooper is super.”
The Sunday Mail Australia

11:30am – Zane & Degge

When Zane and Degge aren’t busy being brothers, they rock the stage as the juggling and comedy duo “Zane and Degge”.

12:15pm & 3:15pm – Basketball Jones

Basketball Jones started dribbling at a very early age.  Then one day he was given a basketball.

1pm – Mr Fungus

International Comic Mime!

• 10:00 am – Wellington Medieval Guild
• 10:25 am – Zumba Fit
• 10:35 am – WomanSong Choire
• 10:50 am – Kaleidescope
• 11:10 am – NZ Freestyle Martial Arts Club
• 11:30 am – The Breakfast Pastries
• 11:45 am – Belly Cats Belly Dance Group
• 12:05 pm – NCC Tai Chi Group
• 12:30 pm – A.K. Jefferson Band
• 1:10 pm – Elvis Presley
• 1:15 pm – St Annes Samoan Youth Group
• 1:40 pm – Sendam Orchestra
• 2:20 pm – Town Crier
• 3:00 pm – Sam Manzanza and the Afro Beat Band

Now in their 10th year, the Wellington-based Klezmer Rebs ethnic/European world music band have released their latest CD Anarchia Total (on Ode Records) and will be playing from it as well as two previous CDs Just add shmaltz and Live at the 2005 Wellington Folk Festival.

The new CD Anarchia Total is available through music stores, Ode Records the Klezmer Rebs website klezmer.co.nz/cd-order/, and as a digital download at klezmer.bandcamp.com Visit the Klezmer Rebs website klezmer.co.nz/our-music to watch videos of the band live and listen to our songs.

Originally formed in November 2001 to perform in the Cuba Street Carnival, Wellington Batucada endeavors to replicate the authentic samba sound playing a variety of Brazilian rhythms including samba batucada, partido alto, samba reggae, samba funk, and baion. We have been blessed through visits by several superb Brazilian and non-Brazilian samba teachers who laid the foundations for our music.

New rhythms and musical fusions are being explored and developed to reflect the wider cultural influences here in New Zealand, and to create a form of live dance music that’s uniquely ours. Check out photos and video from some of our events in the gallery and blog pages.

We are an all-inclusive group – anyone can join regardless of experience or ability, and we provide authentic Brazilian instruments for those who do not have their own.

Currently Wellington Batucada has over 120 members, with 50-70 members regularly coming to our weekly rehearsals. We are in demand to play at many parades, festivals and events, including the Cuba Street Carnival, Wellington Rugby Sevens, Newtown & Petone Fairs and in 2011 the Rugby World Cup Festival of Carnivale.

You can read the full article below, or head over to Word on the Street.

“Not so long ago, in a place not that far away, my favorite day of the year (yes, more favorite than Christmas or my birthday) was the Cuba Street Carnival. For those who remember it, we used to turn all of Cuba Street into a carnival (d’oh right?) and it was cool as a chilly bin!

Sadly we don’t seem to have the Cuba Street Carnival anymore. However, what we do have, which is just as good (and maybe even hedging towards better) is THE NEWTOWN FESTIVAL, which is happening this Sunday, in you guessed it, Newtown!!! Taking over the main strip of Riddiford street and adjacent side streets like Wilson Street, Emmet Street and beyond, Newtown will be transformed into an all singing, all dancing, all eating, all weird bootleg t-shirt hustling version of My Big Fat Multi-Cultural Wedding, a movie which doesn’t actually exist but probably gets the gist of things across well as a descriptor.

And since I’m the music guy, I’m gonna tell you about some of the cool music happening on the day, cause that would make sense right? Old time ragtime revivalists Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band! (1pm Mainstreet stage) Worldwandering junkyard folk Troubadour Delaney Davidson! (Aka the closest thing NZ has ever seen to its own Tom Waits, 4.30 pm Wilson Street stage) Soul scorching Auckland blues trio Heart Attack Alley! (5.30 pm Wilson Street stage)  Local synth funk auteur D:UNK (3.00pm Newtown sound stage) and so, so, so, so much more!!!

That is just some real barebones cliff notes though. You should really trundle over to the Newtown Festival website and check it all out by CLICKING HERE. It’s gonna be heaps and heaps of fun. I am excited. I am really really excited. The food stalls are excellent as well. Here is my enthusiasm !%@$!^#%@(&#!!!!”

Culture Kicks is a football tournament where local teams representing countries and regions from all over the world will demonstrate their skills in the beautiful game.

Five-a-side football teams representing countries from all around the world battle it out for the chance to make it to the finals.

Bring your football chants and anthems because this is one festival day you won’t want to miss.

Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, it will be well worth your while checking out everything else on offer. There will be a variety of international food stalls, free children’s activities such as face painting, Push Play games and a great line up of cultural groups performing.

The day isn’t just about football either It’s a celebration of all the different cultures that live in Wellington – whether they have just arrived in the last few years or are third-generation Italian. So come along and enjoy the football, food, music, and colours from nations around the world. There’ll be children’s entertainment too, so make sure to bring the little ones along.

Come along to watch the games and absorb the atmospheric tastes, sounds and colours of all the footy-crazed nations.

This event is part of the Wellington Summer City festival.

The 2011 project was so successful f-stop is doing it again this year! To take part, just turn up to the f-stop stand outside LiquorLand in Constable Street, volunteer to be photographed, then come back later to see your portrait added to the wall.

Even if you are not famous, your face might be posted near the face of somebody who is! And if you wish, f-stop will give you a copy of your portrait to keep as a thank you and souvenir of the Fair.

Been involve Newtown festivals, fashion in fields ,RWC2011,Melbourne, Australia ,Bars in wellington, and countless outdoor events.

Types of tunes I normal are cover old school funk, Swing ,RNB, Hip Hop ,Lounge, soulful House , anything to get your feet going.

Today will be playing some good NZ Tune that you might here at Barbeque or out in the sun , plus old schools sounds that you haven’t heard for long time.

Enjoy

DJ Mesala

Nigel Beckford (words, book writing, singing, guitar, keyboard/electronics), Clyde Clemett (classical guitars, steel guitars, electric guitars, guitars that play backwards, Karate), Janet Thomson (singing), Murray Costello (bass, mandolin), Tim Robinson (drums/percussion), Brenton and Belinda Veitch (cello and violin), Erica Challis (French horn), Grant Hannis (trumpet), Jeremy Taylor (singing), Steven Hinderwell (guitar, banjo), Patrick Fitzsimons (clarinet). Fleur Wickes (photography), Jacob Perkins (guitar and multimedia/animation), John Fletcher (piano/keyboards, pain management), Oscar Mulheron (singing), Jenny Alexander (singing), Quentin (multimedia).

Svens to Sing Storybook Cover to Cover At Fringe

A 15 piece Wellington collective has been funded by Creative NZ to sing a book of short stories from cover to cover as part of the Wellington Fringe Festival.

The Sven Olsens will present Songs From The Bottom of the Hilltop, described in the Fringe programme as ‘the kama sutra set in a Wellington southerly’, at the Newtown Community Centre Hall.

The Fringe shows are free to the public. They will be on the 24 and 25 February at 8pm and the 26 Feb at 5pm.

The band will include a trio of singers and a string quintet.

The band will perform against a 7 metre wide multimedia backdrop displaying striking original artwork created for the songs.

The band aim to enter into the spirit of the Fringe by creating a party atmosphere for the audience at the small theatre.

“There will be seats and tables, there’ll be cake, there’ll be a symphony of songs and there will even be a rendition of the Canadian national anthem,” says chief Sven Nigel Beckford.

The songs are from an acclaimed double album chosen by Herald music reviewer Graham Reid as one of the best albums of 2010. Grant Smithies of the Sunday Star Times chose the Svens as ‘one of six best up and coming NZ band’s you might not have heard of.’ and described the music as:

Louis Baker
Julia Catherine Parr
Lorenzo Pradel
Blair Clarke
Gareth Thompson
Rowan Mansfield
Zoe Mahal
Estere Dalton

One of the more surprising local acts to break cover over the last few months, Fairlight has been playing her late 60s/early 70s UK folk sounding music around the capital for more than a minute now. But with the release of her self-titled debut album late last year, she’s finally pulled her sound, stage show and attitude into sharp focus. The result is a cycle of beautifully listenable works of sung art, with a heavy focus on the poetic/literary side of song-writing – a direct debt to her musical heroes Leonard Cohen and Janis Joplin.

Newtown Community and Cultural Centre
March 2nd: Mountain Eater with About the Deadlines
March 3rd: Paul Ubana Jones with Fraser Ross
March 9th: Mara & the Bushkas with French For Rabbits & Johanna Mystery
March 10th: Dubstep w/ DJ Gomorroh and Friends
March 17th: Filipino Fundraiser w/ “Jambl’in juanNZ”

Jazz Picnic @ Carrara Park
March 10th, (rain day March 11th)
Klezma Rebs

Baobab café bar and venue:
Feb 29th: Travelling Storytellers (Nikita)
March 1st: Delaney Davidson
March 7th: Travelling Storytellers (Nikita)
March 8th: Prosad (Canada) with Johanna Mistery

Southern Cross
Thursday 23rd Feb The Guest Room Series presents Fraser Ross
Friday 24th Newtown Rocksteady
Wednesday 29th Kroon for Newtown
Sunday 4th Mar Southern Cross Parade at Fair Day
Wednesday 7th Kroon for Newtown
Saturday 17th Zoe Mahal Arvo Show

Matterhorn
Sat 3rd Mar: Dan Webb (Aus)

10am – NZ GROOVE TUNES
Old School remixes and Funk Set by DJ Mesala

11am – Funk and Ska tunes Set by Kirk Hope -The bedroom DJS

Kirk Hope has been djing in bars and clubs around Wellington and New Zealand for the last 15 years, playing eclectic and evolving sets in a wide range of genres from deep and progressive house, upbeat funky house, and techno to retro funk, 80’s and ska – his major driver in selecting a tune or a set is to keep it upbeat and dance-able. Expect to hear a big ska set from Kirk on Sunday – covering a range from original Jamaican ska to the  hits of the British two tone record label of the 80’s, and some of the funkiest French ska infused tracks of today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HksXj_xi-Qc&feature=channel_video_title

12pm – Nik Straughier (funky Bassmen Straughier) LIVE MUSICOS –Jazz funk house
Phil Townly (Mr Sax)DJ Mesala (The Beats ) – Cool funk, soul and jazz mixing tunes, loops, saxophone and bass.

12.30pm REX STREET BLUES BAND The Blues

Raw blues played by Big Phil on vocals and guitar and Swift Nik on bass.

1pm – 70′s – 80′s RETRO – SET BY – DJ KORO -Electric Avenue resident DJ

Dj Koro A.K.A Perry Hunt at least 20yrs experience currently residence and of electric avnue have played at the various bars over the years , but most memorable event would be the world tri bash party

2pm – RnB hip hop with P I Flavour – MACA Man

Maca has been dj for quite a fews years he has work in the hospitality industry for most of his working career

And been involve dj bar scene either inassociation with other djs or playing himself , he has unquie style as dj specially with RNB hip hop which come a great personality in his sets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmabGj4EnCc&feature=channel_video_title

3pm – Sax Lounge house – SET BY STEVIE K – The Bedroom DJS

Mr Stevie K has 15 years’ experience fingering the vinyl in clubs and private functions around the Wellington dance scene.
A talented D’n'B DJ, Mr K fills the floor with stomping funky house tunes and an eclectic range of records to ensure all the punters are on their feet into the early hours.

4PM – liquid drum and bass – set by Jubble

Returning for his second performance at the Newtown Festival, Jubble (one half of Evolution from Fast Eddie’s) will be playing his finest selection of liquid Drum & Bass at the Mesala Groove Stage.
http://www.mixcloud.com/jubble

Mara & the Bushkas are:
Mara Simpson – Vox – Guitar
Jean Pompey – Drums – Vox
(Trinity Roots, Olmecha Supreme)
Rio Hemopo – Bass
(Trinity Roots, Fat Freddys Drop)
Ed Zuccollo – Rhodes, Hammond
(Harbour City Electric, Eru Dangerspiel)
Nikita Tu-Bryant – Vox
(Nikita & The Spooky, The Pyramid Scheme)
Daniel Yeabsley – Saxophone
(Twinset, The Yoots)

All six members met while studying at the Wellington Jazz campus of the New Zealand School of Music and formed the band in 2011.

Telling the stories and kissing your eardrums are the dual lead vocalists: Louis Thompson-Munn and Dave Kempton. If you take a look ‘in the pocket’ you’ll find the grooving underbelly of Astro: Shaun Anderson on Drums and Leon Philipsen on Bass. The tasty counter melodies, lush harmonies and slamming solos are filled out by Jake Baxendale on Tenor Saxophone and Ben Hunt on the Trumpet.
Add to this the warm, spacey and driving sounds from Louis’ Rhodes, Clav and Synth and the ‘sometimes too heavy, sometimes too light but always just right’ Guitar sounds from Dave and you have the palette that makes this bands stain on the groove canvas so unique.
With these powers combined, the audience is always on their feet!

Astro Empire have been writing and performing throughout 2011. 2012 started off with their first tour and they are hitting the studio in June 2012 to record their debut EP.

Art was raised in a family of musical enthusiasts and was surrounded by instruments and music-making all of his life. He grew up in Newtown, a bubbling arts and multi-cultural centre in Wellington NZ, where his musical influences ranged from Indian and Polynesian to Maori, and many others from within the diverse community.

His DJ career started with aspirations to become a turntablist and he soon developed strong skills in this area. The techniques he learnt in these early years continue to be a crucial component of his live shows today, and showcase elements from both hip-hop and reggae culture. A serious vinyl collector, but lacking access to DJ equipment Art began presenting radio shows by night on Wellington’s Radio Active FM at the age of 17.

It was at this time that Art was mentored by some of Aotearoa’s leading figures in bass culture and soon invitations followed to join forces with the established Djs on specialist primetime Reggae and HipHop shows. Presenting on the popular station also lead to DJ bookings at various local clubs and venues.

A versatile DJ and skilled soundman, as his career progressed, he has performed alongside and supported local acts like The Blackseeds, Ladi 6, Messenjah (Reality Chant), Katchafire, House Of Shem, The Mighty Asterix, Dam Native, CXL, Silva Emcee, High Stakes Records, Yung Shottaz, and Iron Will.

Fulltime study and learning from experience, he became a first class studio operator and multi-instrumentalist. He is also an accomplished beat-maker and has worked and recorded artists from throughout NZ and abroad.

As his career progressed, Art set up NEWTOWN SOUND to make his mark in production and events projects. Over time the works of Newtown Sound have become a strong force in Aotearoa reggae and hip-hop music, in production, event management (such as Newtown Festival, now the country’s largest annual free street festival), promotion, and mentoring artists.

Mix-CDs are another focus for Art and he has released several popular series, including the acclaimed ‘Ghetto Red Hot’. Art has used these mixes as a way to record and promote homegrown talent alongside some of the world’s best artists.

Art then went on to establish New Zealand’s first website strictly devoted to uniting and promoting Aotearoa reggae in all its forms, WWW.NICEUP.ORG.NZ – Aotearoa Reggae Online. NiceUp quickly expanded to become a central hub for building the reggae community, promotion, production and mentoring. Events management also became a large focus and NiceUp has run a range of tours/shows with national and international artists (Jah Mason, Jr Reid, Jr Kelly, Rodney P, Deadly Hunta, The Bug, Warrior Queen, Rhythm and Sound, Tikiman), as well as film screenings, artist workshops and outdoor events.

No stranger to performing away from his home turf, Art is a regular traveler and performer and has strong alliances throughout NZ. In the last twelve months, he has also performed in Berlin, London, Glasgow, Udaipur, and Delhi alongside top ranking reggae performers such as Mungo’s Hi Fi, Earl Gateshead, Rhythm and Sound, Deadly Hunta, Mr Williamz and Reggae Rajas.

‘I feel I’ve been blessed to have come by so much great music in my life, and I am so proud of the music coming out of Aotearoa right now. You’ll hear that in my sets, representing some serious talent’

‘For me its about connecting and building together, so the musical bonds are important to me – the artists I work with are like family’

Be sure to keep a look out for Newtown Sound productions, collaborations and releases in 2011:
- ‘Sirens’ (12” vinyl release) by Dam Native
- ‘Foundation’ (single) featuring vocalist Israel Starr
- ‘Legalise’ (album production) NZ Hip Hop by Wellington group Evil Mule
- ‘Ghetto Red Hot – Vol. 5’ (Mix CD) mixed by DJ Art Official

www.newtownsound.co.nz
www.soundcloud.com/newtownsound
www.myspace.com/newtownsound

Consisting of D:UNK, a laptop, DIY Arcade MIDI controller and Monome, expect a dynamic journey though the worlds of funk, soul, hip-hop, club music, experimental electronic and glitch.

D:UNK inspires a compelling blend of decidedly physical one man band synthetic funk music, driven by glossy synthesizer textures, robust stuttering drums and heaving, grinding bass lines.

Despite growing up listening to all types of music from classical to funk, it was hip hop culture’s silent influence on him in his formative teenage years that has shaped him in to the party starter he is today.

He entered the competition as it was an interesting DJ concept, and also quite hard. A serious statement, but Spell is anything but. He claims to be very good at charades!

Dyer then tried her hand at a regular hosting gig for Batucada Sound Machine in 2006 but soon met up with Hip Hop producer DJ Furious. Silva’s first solo gig of originals with Furious was supporting the Queen of Dancehall, Lady Saw at Auckland’s Galatos. The pair went on to support other NZ acts such as Ladi6, and House of Shem. After two years of touring and beat-making, Furious and Silva went their separate ways, as Silva was looking to grow into more than just a Hip Hop artist, but a reggae artist too.

Miss Dyer continued to play live in and outside the city for the next 3 years with DJ Art Official, supporting acts like the Black Seeds, Earl Gateshead, Mungoes Hi Fi, Deadly Hunta and DJ Skits. It was during this time she finally decided to start working on her debut. “Turning writtens from an old notebook into your first album isn’t easy” Silva says, but she’s doing it, and she’s seen others do it. Silva has had the privilege of touring with one of NZ’s favorites, and as close friend and mentor, Ladi6 is a great example of what it takes to break stereotypes as a female in hip hop. “Ladi helped me realize the realness, and understand its ok to be who you are, in fact, thats the only thing thats gonna get you respect”.

As for her live show? Silva and the Iron Hammers band (Iron Will, Steve Selecto, Tafari, Faletasi and Jah Red Lion) have been together since July 2010. The genius collaboration between producer Iron Will, and SilvaMC has proven to be unstoppable in the underground reggae/hiphop scene in New Zealand.Together, they have shown their ability to deliver a fresh, international approach to the mashing up of Reggae,Dancehall and Hip Hop, consistently, and consciously. All the while, staying true to Silva’s Jamaican/Samoan roots.
Silva and Iron Will are in the final stages of their yet to be named debut album, which includes the single “Here We Go Again”.

The secret to the band’s success so far is their live performance. Silva’s ability to ’warm up the crowd’ quickly gets them gathered, and moving on the dance floor by the end of the first song.Although reggae/roots is the foundation of the band’s sound, Hip Hop and dancehall have a huge influence, thus allowing Silva’s talents to truly shine, providing masses with the ultimate SilvaMC experience.

Charming, funny, and excellent at spelling, his show features world class juggling
routines, quirky magic and a collection of macarbe sideshow stunts including sword swallowing and humour.

Coming bookings include MR FUNGUS shows at the Port Fairy Folk Festival (Australia), plus stand-up comedy in Melbourne next month.

“Was great to have you there and you did an excellent job,
pulling and entertaining a large crowd and while adding a loud,
vibrant and visually dynamic performance to the Fiesta mix…”
RICHARD HOLSTEIN, VERVE EVENTS LTD [JACKSON ST FIESTA, PETONE, 2008]

“Mr Fungus is a consummate improviser…”
NZ INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

“Thrillingly Stupid…”
ROYAL AUCKLAND EASTER SHOW

“Hilarious…”
NZ NEWS UK (London)

NZ based award winning clown Fraser Hooper returns after the worldwide success of Funny Business and Insideout with another mesmeric mime show with classic ingredients of hilarious audience involvement, ridiculous routines and a complete disregard for his own safety.

MANRAY has been collecting records for over 25 years and deejaying roots and culture throughout Wellington and Aotearoa for about 10 years now. After serving his apprenticeship with The Roots Foundation soundsystem he formed VITAL SOUNDS with selector Topknot and MC Ras Stone in 2003. In 2008 Manray launched his new custom-built scoop based soundsystem and VITAL SOUNDS became VITAL SOUNDS HI FI – one of Aotearoa’s top heavyweight soundsystems. Vital Sounds Hi Fi follows in the tradition of Jamaican and UK sounds. The system utilises the classic 18″ scoop bin (or folded horn) for bass. 99% of all UK soundsystems use this design as it is the best sounding sub for bass culture, they move a hell of a lot of air, and create a very special environment!

Sound Operator Manray sums up the sounds philosophy “I’ve been involved in the music scene for quite a few years and felt a need to create a soundsystem that presented this music in its true form, with all the focus on the quality of the sound and the enjoyment of the night!”

When asked what inspires him musically? “Loads of music, not just Jamaican music. I’ve always collected a lot of black music, blues, disco, jazz, funk, hip-hop etc but Jamaican music makes up about 80% of my collection. There’s an honesty about it and I’ve always been drawn to the drum which is at the centre of a lot of this music”.

“The big hitters for me are Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd (the foundation) and King Tubby’s partnership with Bunny Lee (the golden age of roots & dub music) and the newer UK/European roots scene”.

“Soundsystem wise I follow the UK scene, especially Jah Shaka, Aba Shanti, Channel One and Iration Steppas”.

Vital Sounds Hi-Fi have played alongside and supported such legends as Burning Spear (Jamaica), dub poet ‘LKJ’ Linton Kwesi Johnson (UK), Dennis Bovell (UK), Dry & Heavy (Japan), Toots & The Maytals (Jamaica), Soul Jazz Soundsystem (UK), Blood & Fire Soundsystem, plus local Kiwi groups, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots as well as having been involved with the Cuba St Carnival & Raglan’s Sound Splash & Rhythm & Vines.

At the age of 12 growing up in Auckland, she was already writing songs,
entering competitions and applying for music grants.
In 2003 when Tu-Bryant turned 15, her efforts were rewarded when she was
one of the recipients of the NZ On Air music grant presenting her song entry
with a slot on the NZ On Air Radio Hit Disc.

Following the line of many successful NZ Artists she entered the NZ
Smokefree Rockquest (The 44th Calibre) three years in a row, to explore the
depths of her passion for music. Once again she was rewarded gaining the
BEST VOCALIST award in 2005.

Nikita Tu-Bryant now resides in Wellington and is a free-lance musician,
actor, circus performer and music scout. She graduated from the NZ School
of Music and since then has her fingers in many pies. Tu-Bryant plays in
bands such as The Pyramid Scheme, Mara and the Bushkas and works along-
side the likes of Harbour City Electric in outfits such as Buttercuts and AMALGAMATEZ!. She has also performed in professional theatre shows
including a part written especially for her by world-renowned composer
Gareth Farr.

Now, Nikita Tu-Bryant is finally focusing on her own personal music
endeavours – the most personal of all; “Nikita and the Spooky”.

Strongly influenced by the music of legendary New Orleans musicians, Louis Armstrong, the Preservation Hall Jazz band and the second line tradition, we serve up our own version of gumbo soup and corn bread, Roseneath style!

Come see us and get your boogie on!!

This was no former glory with backing band situation; this was a band which was instantly capable of creating its own moments of pure transcendency. In short, Dingemans has an excellent shit filter, and proved he wasn’t gonna step out until he had something great.

And ladies and gentleman, with Chris Livingston (drums) and Anaru Ngata (bass and guitar), that is Mountaineater.

Few bands manage to take the intangibility of experiencing a natural landscape and transform it into sound, but those that do are absolutely momentous. Yes, with this brooding and heavy mix of sonic landscapes and visceral, bludgeoning rock, you can’t ignore the pedigree. Yet Mountaineater is a further step down the path of tension-filled catharsis, as immediately inviting as they are unrelenting.

This is the next great Dunedin band you’ve been waiting for. Prepare to have your face melted.

- amplifier.co.nz

For over 7 years (including a short sabbatical) the group has refined and
expanded their early post-punk and electronic influenced sound into haptic
meditations of rhythm, melody and noise. Shaped by the places they’ve been,
people they’ve met, experiences they’ve shared, So So Modern are now
shaping their optimistic, apocalyptic, APOCAMISTIC future…

It’s so nice to be in your company, again.

The line up comprises of two trumpets, saxophone, vocals, accordion, trombone, sousaphone, vocals, percussion, Balkan bass drum and snare drum, Niko Ne Zna are a truly authentic ensemble. They can roam while playing, and enchant the audience into dancing, singing, clapping and stomping all night long. The band consists of some of Wellington’s finest instrumentalists who come from a wide array of musical backgrounds that unite together to produce a cocktail that will make your ears rise to attention and your feet move in a frenzy. Their music is high energy with dark undertones and sexy gypsy style. Niko Ne Zna are a world class act with exotic tunes, fantastic grooves and exciting solos.

The band have done two national tours and have played extensively in Wellington with performances at The Wellington Fringe Festival, International Jazz Festival, Cuba Street Carnival, Wellington Summer City Festival, Prana Festival, Taranaki Arts Festival to name a few and have been a staple of the Wellington music scene with regular performances all over city.

Press Quotes
“It’s easy to forget where you are when you listen to these hypnotic melodies. It’s like being dropped amongst the hot and spicy lands of a country far away – to a place where you can free yourself with these infectious and wild beats that take their influence from the gypsy-soaked Balkan States.” wellingtonlivemusic.com
“Niko Ne Zna serve up authentic and twisted gypsy goodness on this eponymous EP. Complete with sax, sousaphone, trumpet, trombone, accordion, percussion and drums, this is a band that came to party. Balkan time signatures, funky brass bass lines, exotic melodies, it’s all good.” NZ Musician
“The group’s jaunty carnival-style sound translates surprisingly well to disc, with trombone, sousaphone, sax and accordion all vying for attention as the songs spiral riotously outward from a core riff before being reined back in again.” Otago Daily Times
“Driving rhythms an intoxicating effect” Taranaki Daily News

“Gypsy good times…” Rit It Up Magazine

“ … this is straight to the dancefloor” Elsewhere

Bohemian Thought inspires understanding and acceptance through his music which he has termed “true soul” music.

Ancestrally hailing from Nigeria, Bohemian, curiously enough is blessed with the gift of dyslexia which as a young adult saw him put music aside and instead carve himself a place within the IT industry in London – a world where his dyslexia slipped past almost unnoticed. Within this realm he thrived in one way, spiritually starving himself in others.

Had things gone slightly different, the story could have ended there, however, at some point during this grey plateau, he found words coming to him in the forms of songs. The arrival of these words unearthed previously disregarded feelings within Bohemian Thought which led him on a whirlwind journey and after a brief foray into the spoken word, theatre and poetry scenes in London he relocated to New Zealand in 2006.
A spoken word poet, singer, songwriter and percussionist (aka poetic philosopher) Bohemian connected with the local Wellington soul, funk, jazz and reggae scenes.

After stints spent jamming with Batucada, Sam Manzanza & the Rhythm Africa Band and Olmecha Supreme, Bohemian Thought arrived at a place to develop his own songs with the assistance of Auckland producer Brofessional, The Urban Soul Orchestra (UK), studio engineer Benny Tones and a host of accomplished local musicians.

His songs show a maturity that is quite beyond his 16 years. Tracks like Boy in the Box and Blue Fades to Black have a Coldplay like specialness about them, and the single that won him 3rd place in the Play it Strange Song Writing Competition has a hook that keeps you wanting to come back for more. His new EP features a beautiful mix of tracks that showcase just what he is capable of! He is also an accomplished musician playing guitar, keyboards and piano on the tracks he has recorded.

Ash’s accomplishments are impressive: Third in the Play it Strange Song Writing Competition in 2010; selection for involvement in the Drift Sessions which saw him co-write with Ryan Edwards the Mental Health Awareness Week track ‘Drifting Tonight’; first in the Coastlands Star Search competition; in 2011 he has had a track selected for their Anthem in Black CD that has been made for the 2012 Olympic Games; and very recently he and his band have been selected to support Shihad show in late May 2011.

When not recording Ash is actively playing the live music scene in the Wellington Region. He plays at a range of venues including the Zeal Youth Venue, and a variety festivals and fundraisers.

Ash Graham is someone to keep a good eye on as his star will be rising soon enough!

Music Programmer James Coyle says he trawled through 100’s of local, regional, national and international acts in helping to co-ordinate this years program..

“It’s quite funny really, because there are so many Newtown’s worldwide we get applications from all sorts of bands worldwide, I ask them if they know we are in Wellington, and surprisingly some of them say yes, but they are still keen!”

This has resulted in booking Australian act Dan Webb from Newtown Sydney, and trying to sort logistics with bands from as far away as Chile. Last year aussies Barons of Tang performed on the Wilson St stage, and went on to play at Womad, Luminate, and coming up at the NZ International Arts Festival. In 2012 Newtown Festival shares more artists with WOMAD with performances from Tui award winner Amiria Grenell, and the international star Paul Ubana Jones.

Its local bands however that make the lineup so full and varied says Coyle, “Newtown has some very fine musicians living right here, and over the years the Newtown Festival has been an early public outing for some of NZ’s biggest bands, 2012 is no different.” Previous bands have included Fat Freddy’s Drop, Trinity roots, The Phoenix Foundation, (who in 2011 performed on Jools Holland Live in the UK) Little Bushman and The Nudge. “It’s the Local bands which keep this festival afloat, the amount of talent, time and resources provided always amazes me.” Coyle.

This year the Festival boasts 9 stages on Fair Day 4th March, as well as multiple Side Shows, picnic concerts and the official Festival Club.. resulting in over 90 performances in Newtown from March 1st to 11th.

Check out the website www.newtownfestival.org.nz for specific details

NEWTOWN FESTIVAL PERFORMERS LIST 2012

FESTIVAL FAIR DAY MARCH 4th 2012, Streets of Newtown

Touring Bands

Paul Ubana Jones (chch)

Amiria Grenell (chch)

Mountaineater (dun)

Heart Attack Alley (AK)

Dan Webb (Syd)

Sidestep Quintet (AK)

Delaney Davidson (chch)

MC Silva (AK)

Local Bands

Niko

So So Modern

The Nudge

Joe Blossom

Bohemian Thought

Nikita The Spooky and a Circus of Men

About The Deadlines

Dear Frontier

Fraser Ross and the Felt Tips

Ginger Brown

Julie Bevan

Scott Roy

Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band

Ash Graham

Rodrigo Brothers

DJ Masala

Newtown Sound

DJ Spell

Newtown Rocksteady

Rusty Designs

Local Bands Cont…

D:unk

Aki

DJ ART

Brockaflower-Saurus Rex

Kirk Hope

Rex St Blues Band

Sam Manzanza and the Afro Beat Band

DJ Koro

Maca Man

Town Crier

Mr AJ

NEWTOWN FESTIVAL SIDE SHOWS

 Newtown Festival After Party @Baobab Café

Fair Day March 4th – 9pm – Midnight

Von Thundersvolt

Astro Empire

Newtown Community and Cultural Centre

March 2nd : Mountain Eater with About the Deadlines

March 3rd : Paul Ubana Jones with Fraser Ross

March 9th: Mara & the Bushkas with French For Rabbits

March 10th: DJ Gomorroh and Friends

Jazz Picnic @ Carrara Park

March 10th, (rain day March 11th)

Klezma Rebs

Baobab café bar and venue:

Feb 29th: Travelling Storytellers (Nikita)

March 1st: Delaney Davidson

March 7th: Travelling Storytellers (Nikita)

March 8th: Prosad (canada) with Johanna Mistery

Official Newtown Festival Club @ Baobab café

March 1st to 11th

Acts TBC

Southern Cross

Thursday 23rd Feb The Guest Room Series presents Fraser Ross

Friday 24th Newtown Rocksteady

Wednesday 29th Kroon for Newtown

Sunday 4th Southern Cross Parade at Fair Day

Wednesday 7th Kroon for Newtown

Saturday 17th Zoe Mahal Arvo Show

Born in London to a Yorkshire mother and a Nigerian father, Paul Ubana Jones was playing guitar by the age of 11, beginning a three decade career that would see him crossing continents and recording seven albums of mostly original songs.
After graduating from a London music college, where he studied guitar and cello, Paul began to forge the solo acoustic style that he has stuck to and developed over the years. In the late seventies, Paul based himself in Provence, Southern France, and toured all over Europe and North Africa, as well as venturing extensively into Canada and the US.
In the late eighties Paul and his family moved to New Zealand, which is still their permanent home. He has continued to perform internationally, to growing acclaim.
Concert performances include opening for the likes of Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and touring with: Taj Mahal, Keb Mo’, Tuck and Patti, Crowded House and Norah Jones.
Festival appearances include Dublin Blues Festival, Byron Bay Blues Festival,
Vancouver Folk Festival,Comox Festival, Calgary Festival, Edmonton
Festival,Winnipeg and Blues at Bridgetown, as well as festivals across Switzerland, Germany,France and Spain. Paul continues to perform regularly in New Zealand and is well known to audiences on both it’s islands.
“Paul Ubana Jones’ … soulful voice, sprightly guitar agility and enthusiasm made this the most inspired performance of the evening … In any other country he would be a
national institution!” – Simon Sweetman

Photos by Setaysha Waatea.

The Rodrigo Brothers are James Barry (vocals and guitars); Alan Burden (drums and percussion); Ken Double (vocals, guitars, banjo, mandolin and Rhodes); Alan Gebbie (vocals, harmonica and percussion); Graeme King (bass and vocals); and John McDonald (vocals, keyboards, guitars and banjo).

With such an abundance of voices and instrumentation they have a very full and varied sound.

This is fun rock n’ roll with a party atmosphere.

After graduating from a London music college, where he studied guitar and cello, Paul began to forge the solo acoustic style that he has stuck to and developed over the years. In the late seventies, Paul based himself in Provence, Southern France, and toured all over Europe and North Africa, as well as venturing extensively into Canada and the US.

In the late eighties Paul and his family moved to New Zealand, which is still their permanent home. He has continued to perform internationally, to growing acclaim. Concert performances include opening for the likes of Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and touring with: Taj Mahal, Keb Mo’, Tuck and Patti, Crowded House and Norah Jones.

Festival appearances include Dublin Blues Festival, Byron Bay Blues Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival,Comox Festival, Calgary Festival, Edmonton Festival,Winnipeg and Blues at Bridgetown, as well as festivals across Switzerland,Germany,France and Spain.

Paul continues to perform regularly in New Zealand and is well known to audiences on both it’s islands.

His sound is hard to place into one specific genre, but is keyboard–driven, energetic, rock music. By ditching the electric guitars and hitting the keys, this maverick has given rock a delicious and original spin that is sure to excite Wellington!

Webb’s first tour abroad in August/September 2011 saw him play to crowds in London, Liverpool, Leicester & Oxford in addition to performing live on BBC London 94.9 and receiving airplay on Frank Skinner’s show on Absolute Radio to a live audience of more than 1 million.

He’s previously released a number of albums as a member of various bands; featured on Flying Nun’s God Save The Clean tribute album; played The Big Day Out festival; supported acts such as the 3ds, So So Modern, Wing, David Kilgour, Die! Die! Die!, Disasteradio, Naked and Famous, Cut Off Your Hands, Over the Atlantic and The Chills; and has also played bass with Cortina.

He’s performed at four out of five Camp A Low Hum festivals.

The focal point of Newtown’s 10 day long Festival extravaganza is the Newtown Festival Street Fair from 10am on Sunday 4th March 2012.

Check out the Fair Day programme and the performers who will entertain you.

If you’d like a stall at the Fair Day, see our stall bookings pages.

And find out about Road Closures in Newtown on Fair Day.

Reclaim the streets and experience Newtown !

Enjoy the smorgasbord of 8 music stages, fairground fun, stalls and international food on the menu in Wellington’s festive suburb.

Newtown is a community where everyday you can sample at any time a wide range of the world’s best ethnic foods, shop in the eclectic mix of local shops, or simply enjoy a great coffee in one of Newtown’s cafes, restaurants or bars.

Be in the mainstreet of Newtown on Fair Day. Closed to vehicles, Riddiford Street is turned into a community party – the perfect opportunity for local groups, businesses & performers to showcase themselves to the public & for us all to celebrate Newtown.

At this, the 13th Newtown Festival Street Fair, many of the local restaurants will be serving delicious food outside, supplied fresh from their kitchens.

Newtown’s shops and local businesses will be joined by over 200 other stall holders & community groups selling an enormous range of goods, reflecting the diversity of the people who come together for this event. Stall sites fill both sides of the main street & into the adjoining side streets.

A performance based street fair with live music, colourful costumes and dance all day entertainment is provided by community groups, local musicians and Wellington bands. The depth of talent in wider Wellington comes to our community for this once a year street party.

She hails from the famous Grenell Family: Country Legend dad – John Grenell, Hiphop Jazz Producer brother – Oakley Grenell and multi-instrumentalist brother – Redford Grenell (ex-Shapeshifter drummer).

Amiria has recorded several albums and has just released her latest album ‘THREE FEATHERS’.

She has been performing since she was a little one at Music festivals, events and venues throughout New Zealand.

Her imaginative songwriting and guitar playing has impressed audiences around Aotearoa.

The three have already supported Wanda Jackson, played everywhere from Grey Lynn porch-fronts to Mexican wrestling themed bars, and ruined hearts with rusty knives all over town.

Catch them at the Newtown Festival!

Bring a picnic, your blankets, kids, grandparents, friends and come and listen to a variety of jazz styles…

Performers this year are:

1pm – The Deanne Krieg Trio
The Deanne Krieg Trio are current students of the NZSM. Having jammed together since 2010, their first public debut saw them winning second place in the 2011 Ken Avery Jazz competition. All members play in current wellington bands such as “The Dreamers” and “Bradford Shelves”.

2pm – “The People’s Duo” w/Richard Thai
“The People’s Duo is a new musical endeavor of Richard Thai and Cory Champion. This saxophone/drums duo has an open sound, playing modern interpretations and original arrangements of jazz standards. The People’s Duo the demonstrate their focus of exploration through improvisation and experimentation of their music.”

3pm – Chris Buckland Trio
details to come.

4pm – Seismic Swing
Seismic Swing is: Tim Booth on keys, Pat Stewart on bass and Simon Jones on guitar and vocals. They’ll be bringing the swing to the picnic with tunes from Duke and the American Songbook.

5pm – “Most In Space”
Mostyn Cole and his group will be showcasing a more modern side of jazz, from the fusion to the electro period.

6pm – Klezmer Rebs
Back at the Newtown Festival for the fourth year, the Klezmer Rebs will share their own version of klezmer music, world/folk music born out of the Yiddish/Jewish culture of eastern Europe.

Note: If it’s wet on the 10th, the picnic will happen on the 11th March.

Due to popular demand,  Version 2 is in the pipeline.  

Get in touch with us if you have a song to submit!

Email us at newtownfestival@gmail.com.

Keep an eye out for this year’s exciting childrens’ programme. Coming soon!

For more information call (04) 381 6758, email zooevents@wellingtonzoo.com or visit www.wellingtonzoo.com.

A group of Wellington musos are combining their creative talents to create and recreate the Rocksteady reggae sound. The eight-piece, Jamaican Rocksteady / Soul / Funk big band featuring members of Hikoikoi, IRoots, Roy G and the Bivonators, Safari, Zirigidum, and The Resole Project, play stonkin’ grooves to get people moving their bodies.

Their sounds and styles are inspired by the late 60′s crazes of rocksteady and ska dancehalls in Jamaica and England. And the result? An inspired sound, with an infectious combination of mellow rhythms and upbeat dance tunes to get the whole family grooving!

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Rally Cars – Race Cars – Historic and Classic Vehicles

Get up close to some powerful race machinery as the hills of Newtown come alive with the sound of speed!

Wellington Car Club is based in Russell Terrace, Newtown.

It’s time to sell all those items you never use and have a good old clear out.

Transform your garage into a stall in a neigbourhood market and make some quick cash!

Contact Don at newtownfestival@gmail.com if you want to take part.

See the official garage sale map or check out the summary map below.

View Great Newtown Garage Sale 2012- Sat 10th March in a larger map

During the two and a half weeks from Wednesday Feb 29th to Sunday March 11th you  can expect swinging Jazz, stomping blues, rollicking folk and gypsy riot music late at  night.

Live music and DJs from 10pm Sunday, Wednesday & Thursdays, and from 11pm  Friday and Saturdays.

Here’s this year’s lineup:

The second annual Newtown Festival “Gruppetto” provides an opportunity to meet other cyclists in Newtown.

Meet up from 7.30am at a The Greasy Spoon cafe, have coffee and a chat, then bike into the city in small groups.

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Singer, and principal songwriter Ryan Prebble is the swampy bluesman. His gritty tone and brutal blues vocals are laced with messages of social values, personal freedom and the ways of love. James Coyle produces savage tones on a vintage organ, that effortlessly swirl around like a Leslie Cabinet,with warm low frequency modulations of keyboard bass that will crisp any crust. Add to the mix the solid thunderous, tribal, uniquely funky jackhammer beats of Iraia Whakamoe, and you have The Nudge.

The tight three have paid dues in bands such as A Hori Buzz, Newtown Rocksteady, Hikoikoi, Spartacus R and Tropical Downbeat Orchestra, and channel influences ranging from Blind Lemon Jefferson, James Brown, Al Green, to Pink Floyd, Bjork and Can. To date The Nudge has delivered blistering performances to punters from the Catlins to Auckland, and opened for Little Bushman, The Black Seeds and Fly My Pretties.

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