The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra – New CD & Summer Tour
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Fresh from the release of their brand new ‘Little Bit Wonderful’ EP, New Zealand’s rocking four-string outfit, The
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, are taking the lazy way up the country this January.
The sun-drenched ‘Lazy Summer Tour’ begins at one of the band’s favourite venues, Neudorf Vineyard in Upper Moutere, and
ends the night before the Big Day Out in Auckland City. In between, the dozen-strong strummers from the Capital City
will amble up the North Island, visiting Gisborne and Leigh.
“We’re not in much of a hurry,” says orchestra founding member Age Pryor. “We want to get a few swims in between gigs.”
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra was formed in late 2005 by Age Pryor (Fly My Pretties, The Woolshed
Sessions) and Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords). Other members include Stephen Jessup (Windy City Strugglers),
Daniel Yeabsley (Twinset) and Sam Auger (The Lonesome Cowboy).
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The orchestra faithfully reproduce hit songs from across the musical spectrum. At their sell-out gigs, audiences can
expect sing-a-longs, outstanding instrumentals, well-dressed individuals, and sparkling harmonies. The comedy comes from
the witty banter, but when the WIUO bursts into song the sweet sounds can silence a room in a nanosecond, or bring a
crowd of thousands to their feet.
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra’s Lazy Summer Tour comes on the back of the release of their new ‘Little
Bit Wonderful EP’, on sale Monday 1st December.
The EP includes ‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town’, ‘Israelites’, the Goodshirt hit single ‘Sophie’, and for
Christmas, ‘Feliz Navidad’. The EP also contains ‘Walk In The Park’, an original composition featuring a guest whistle
solo by Amanda Billing, known to the wider public as Shortland Street’s Dr Sarah Potts.
Variously described as “everyone’s favourite ukulele orchestra”, “a staggeringly proficient musical confusion”, and
“skeletons pissing on a tin roof”, the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra invite all descriptions, since they’re
not very good at thinking up adjectives about themselves. And they’ll see you at the beach.
THE LAZY SUMMER TOUR:
Saturday 3rd January – Neudorf Vineyard, Upper Moutere
(Tickets: Everyman Records)
Saturday 10th January – Bushmere Estate, Gisborne
(Tickets: Pencil Gallery & HB Williams Memorial Library)
Wednesday 14th January – Leigh Sawmill, Leigh (with Griffin Point)
Thursday 15th January – Cassette Number Nine, Auckland (with Griffin Point)
Leigh & Auckland tickets: www.undertheradar.co.nz
More info: www.ukulele.co.nz or email ukuleleorchestra@gmail.com.
ENDS