On my ARTbop travels around Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty and our closest neighbours I’ve seen some things that have appealed to my particular sense of humour and style. I’m sharing some of them with you – here’s Part II. And if you want to know it’s December the 2nd and still no Christmas decorations outside the house – the wind and rain persist.
Thought we’d start with some more shoes. Abandoning shoes seems to be one of our pastimes. I’m also including the hat and a collage I have created from discarded and found objects.
And on the subject of hats – these two delightful dogs supported the Affordable Art & Artisan Fair at the Black Sheep Whakamarama all last Summer – not sure whether they had sunscreen, but they had hats!
Most of our community are incredibly law abiding. I’ve never seen anyone here checking tickets. The sign is all that is required. The very big machine was there one night – never been back to check whether it’s still there.
I’ve been privileged to be around at the Tauranga Art Gallery when exhibitions have been changing. If you’ve ever wondered how they paint the Atrium – this is it.
It’s the people who make up any community: here’s a Grandma with her granddaughter at Le Chat Noir – the knitting was part of the Ninja Knitting Greerton is famous for. I was just walking past the talented young painter – a homage to local legend Tiki Taane and the same thing happened as I was walking past Baycourt one day – these are the stars of a school production of Beauty & the Beast.
There are so many reserves and parks around the Bay of Plenty – there is no charge to walk through these and enjoy them. There is one at the end of Plummer’s Point Road which is a restored pa site – Huhurua Harbour Park. On the coast side of the area the land is falling into the sea. There is a bijou colonial toilet block and the abstract markings on the wide concrete path confirm its significant role for skateboarders. 
This menswear shop always has “a display” or some promotion in its window – you can tell it is an established and loyal member of the Tauranga community. I always walk past to see what’s being advertised. I think the owners must like Jazz and they certainly like Christmas – this nativity scene is so kitsch it’s amazing! 
The undiluted obedience of the user of the shopping basket so appealed: would I do that? I have to confess I avoid the wheeled baskets as the handles always collapse part way round the supermarket or I ankle-smash some unsuspecting shopper. Although it is clear that some of us need reminding of our obligations occasionally.
I also found it funny that the traditional and sustainably made kete were neatly packed in plastic!
There is inadvertent art everywhere I go. After I had purchased a study in shadows from the Blood & Fire Boutique the volunteer shop assistant said “you’ve got it upside down” 
This poor little bird hit the glass doors of the house – even in death it looked beautiful. The poppy usually travels in my car – it’s seen many seasons.
On the 9th December 2018 The Incubator at the Historic Village 17th Avenue Tauranga is hosting The Nukes for both a workshop and a concert – sharing with you the promo info sent by them AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO THEIR SHOW TELL US WHAT INSTRUMENT WILL BE FEATURED AT THE NUKES WORKSHOP AT THE INCUBATOR! EMAIL ARTbop YOUR ANSWER (head your email THE NUKES GIVEAWAY) TO: info@artbop.co.nz and go in the draw. Competition closes on the 7th December at 8pm.
Sunday Dec 9th sees the Nukes return to Tauranga with a 2.30 pm workshop for ukulele. There’s something for everyone in this blisteringly good new Nukes ukulele workshop.
Proud of their quirky original songs – all written for the ukulele, the Nukes’ workshops are always engaging and fun.
They will cover techniques, such as tab, and look at the playing skills that are useful for improving understanding of the ukulele , the workshop will look at new songs and old.
No matter what your skill level you’ll take something useful away.
All ages and levels catered for , then look to perform with the Nukes at the evening concert that follows which kicks off at 5pm. Tickets in person at the Incubator Creative Hub Historic Village 159 17th Avenue
ph 07571 3232 with Tanya and also on Eventfinda. Workshop & show combo deals available .https://www.facebook.com/events/263080854559217/
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/the-nukes-return-to-tauranga-workshop-show/tauranga/tickets
The Nukes from West Auckland are far more than a ukulele band. Part vaudeville, part rat-pack, part musical car crash, this talented trio deliver an engaging mix of humour and originality that audiences of all ages will love. The innocent little uke is the instrument of choice and people will be staggered by what the Nukes are able to achieve with it. Great song-writing, musicianship and 3-part harmony combine to create a truly memorable, entertaining experience. Aotearoa’s favourite original ukulele trio began life in a humble but spectacular fashion way back in the heady days of 2008. Founded by Dave Parker, Ben Collier and Dave ‘Snapper’ Thiele, The Nukes promptly set about carving themselves a cozy niche in the cutthroat world of the New Zealand ukulele scene. Many roads have been travelled in the decade since, many songs have been sung and many challenges overcome.
Now, with the soul wrenching retirement of the inimitable Snapper Thiele, The Nukes face a turn in the road and a fresh set of possibilities.
Dave and Ben have recruited multi-instrumentalist Mike Burrows to help ease their aching hearts, kiss their boo boos and make it all better. What will this mysterious stranger bring to the party? Only time will tell.
Over the last five years we have performed at something like 300 public shows , events and a further 200 primary schools where we have a specific ukulele – singing -dancing workshop where the kids get to perform with us at the all school show that follows …some 65000 pre teen kids have been performed to .Our three albums and songbook have physically sold platinum for New Zealand which is about 7500 units with sales continuing as we spread our ukes about Australasia. Celebrating their tenth anniversary this year with an upcoming Greatest Hits cd and songbook for March 2019 release .
Appearances at WOMAD NZ , SPLORE NZ ( multiple times ) , Auckland and Canterbury Folk Festivals , New Plymouth Festival Of Light 2018 , Wanaka Festival Of Colour 2017 , Coastella Festival 2017 , Southland Festival Of Arts 2017 , Bluff Oyster Festival , Arts On Tour NZ March 2017 -35 shows over five weeks , NZ Schools ukulele festival (multiple times ), Geraldine Ukulele Festival 2016, Egmont AnP show , Mackenzie Country AnP show and to come in 2018 Hawkes Bay Arts Festival , Oamaru Heritage Festival and Alexandra Blossom Festival .
Australia – Australian Music week Folk Alliance showcase Nov 2017 , Spruke Festival Brisbane , Newcastle ukulele festival ( multiple times ) Central Coast ukulele festival ( multiple times ) Melbourne ukulele festival and Sunshine Coast ukulele Festival April 2018 . Australian Tour Nov 2017 16 shows across 3 weeks.
https://www.facebook.com/thenukesukuleletrio/
https://www.facebook.com/eric.vanessen.39/videos/970658516470042/?t=0
Sept 2018 live video for Lemon Tree
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNukesUkuleleTrio/videos
