Saturday 4th May 2019 at the start of New Zealand Music Month sees Brooke Stinson of original music group Hybrid Blues organising and participating in Rock for Hospice at the Black Sheep Whakamarama.
The Black Sheep facebook page says: “3 of Tauranga’s best Original Bands all together in one place Rocking 4 Hospice… Electric Universe, Stones In The Ocean and Hybrid Blues
Raffles and Auction on the night with all proceeds from that going to our local Hospice (Waipuna Hospice)”
I’m not familiar with Electric Universe and Stones in the Ocean but I’ve seen Hybrid Blues on several occasions now. They’ve also been featured on The Dionne Show – that maven muso with the flaming red locks who has “Kiwi Karaoke” ARTbop thinks this gig will be extremely popular so check asap that tickets are available.
Brooke Stinson of Hybrid Blues
Band leader, composer and vocalist Roy Hudson on a Summer Sunday Jam Session at the Black Sheep
Hybrid Blues vocalist Brooke Stinson during the filming of the band’s first video at the now closed The Funky Lizard at Paengaroa
Check out Hybrid Blues at https://www.hybridblues.com/
And from their facebook page: “Hybrid Blues heading in today to film their second video from their First EP so we’re looking for complete Professionalism, Unlimited Funds, Endless Props, Pyrotechnics, and Extras…….Ummmmmmm Still Lookin’!! 
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COMING UP ON ARTbop
We have a conversation with artisan, bespoke silver jeweller Barb Hudson of Barisa
A visit to Morrinsville 
A day out at the Cambridge Autumn Festival and the Maadi Cup street parade
Doing the Lions Te Puna Quarry Autumn Festival with artist and creative Nicci Baxter
And my Sunday down on the Strand at the Jazz Festival and afternoon tea at the ever-consistent and yummy The Dry Dock!
The Anzac Day Hikoi at Te Puna
And, yes I’ve got it: Sharon’s recipe for her famous in Whakamarama chocolate and caramel slice. Watch out for another episode of an Artist’s gotta eat! or maybe Kupu & Word
And the joy of a contemporary version of Alice in Wonderland
ARTbop promotes or we think you should check this out:
XCBITION Doreen McNeill’s latest exhibition at the Incubator Tauranga from 24th of April to the 15th of May 2019.
While you’re down at the McNeill exhibition in The Incubator Art Space take a walk around the lane behind the buildings opposite. This space is being opened up and enlivened. Here’s one of the first murals Kotahitanga with its creators Arohanoa and Pablo and their first international visitors!
And of course their photographer!
Within the Historic Village you’ll find a number of boutique galleries; the wonderful The Whipped Baker eatery and several homewares and recycled and new clothing boutiques. The Village is closed Mondays (except for cruise ship visit days).
The Incubator Gallery just one of several art spaces within the Historic Village
The Artery arts learning space – love the colour!
Toymakers to the nation: The Men’s Shed has its workshop and retail outlet in the Village.
The Joy Gypsy is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm. The boutique is always closed on Mondays. Helen is also a wedding planner.
Rachel of The Velvet Coat Hanger has wonderful recycled clothing and accessories. It’s all beautifully presented and reasonably priced.
The Turning Point Trust has two boutiques which open once a month. The Rusty Mannequin and Retro & Vintage. Open 9am to 12 noon on the last Sunday of the month. Cash only. Funds from these ventures support the work of the Trust in the field of mental health.
WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY: The Carlton Gallery at The Arts Junction has a “A Burst of Colour”. It’s a solo exhibition by Karangahake Gorge artist Jacquie Ellis until Sunday 8th May. Jacquie is particularly noted for her realistic depictions of nature in her breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, and as a visual artist of light and colour. 
The Atrium Gallery at the Black Sheep Whakamarama has its third exhibition Anything Goes until the 25th May, Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm
