2015 NEW ZEALAND UKULELE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The 2015 NZ Ukulele Festival will be hosted on Saturday, November 28th at The Trusts Arena, the official home of the New Zealand Ukulele Festival.
Celebrating the world’s friendliest instrument, the festival, which has been running for nine years brings communities
together for a free day of musical fun.
There is something for everyone, including entertainment for all ages, a parade, the Great Kiwi Uke Along and all-day beginner lessons. The emphasis is on participation and this year’s workshops include “Uke Can Sing” and a “Family Ukestra”. There will also be performances by song writing and talent competition winners and top New Zealand ukulele bands The Nukes, Will Crummer and the Rarotongans and 2Pouz Fynist. New Zealand entertainer, singer and comedianJackie Clarke will MC the day.
This year’s special international guest is none other than James Hill - frequently described as one of the world’s best players. Hill plays the ukulele with a seriousness and technique more
usually attributed to classical musicians of the highest calibre. He learnt to play the instrument at school in Canada
where it was part of the compulsory curriculum and this is will be his 3rd time joining the festival. James Hill will
perform on the mainstage as the headline act, as well as taking a masterclass with the Development Squad who will
perform his arrangements.
An annual highlight of the festival is when 2500 children fill a grandstand to play in a massed ukulele orchestra called
the Kiwileles. The Kiwileles come from schools involved in the New Zealand Ukulele Trust's music education programme. They come from all over the
Auckland region, Northland and Waikato with one school annually making the trip from Christchurch. The New Zealand
Ukulele Trust is a volunteer charity which give thousands of children a start in music by donating instruments,
producing songbooks and CD’s, running competitions, supporting schools and creating performance opportunities for young
musicians.
“The festival provides motivation for children to practise, and the chance to experience the exhilaration of performing
at an outdoor music festival - just like the stars,” says Chairperson Mary Cornish. “They entertain the crowd for over
an hour, generating joy and pride.”
Supported by a professional band and guest artists, this year’s Kiwileles set includes music by; Six60, Baby Sitter's Circus, Stan Walker, Hirini Melbourne, Grieg and Haydn. Introducing the children to a variety of musical styles is one of the trust’s goals.
The Kiwileles will also perform 10-year-old Melissa Main's song On Top of the World. Melissa's song was the over-all winner of the all ages APRA Uke-Can-Do-It Songwriting Competition last year. Melissa will be back this year to lead the song backed by 2,500 of her peers.
The New Zealand Ukulele Festival Saturday 28th November at The Trusts Area, Henderson, Auckland. 11am-4pm: Non-stop music, workshops, food, stalls, competitions and giveaways.
All ages, all welcome, family friendly and FREE. Rain date: Sunday 29th November.
For further information about the festival visit: www.nzukulelefestival.org.nz
ENDS