Sampler Season 2009

Samples of Wellington’s vibrant creative menu have been bought together in the Museum of Wellington City & Sea’s Sampler Season. Starting Saturday 18 July are 8 weeks of craft activities and talks, music and drama performances – all set within the Audible Identities exhibition of carved wooden heads with sonic interpretations.

The carved wooden heads of early Wellington businessmen were salvaged from the old Identities Hotel when it was demolished in 1929. Students of the New Zealand School of Music’s Sonic Arts programme have researched these characters and composed personal soundscapes for each. The mix of sounds paint a vivid picture of aspects of their lives such as their industry or life in the late 1800s.

The Audible Identities exhibition sets the scene for theatrical music performances by The Pioneers. Completing a sell-out national tour with four concerts at the Museum, The Pioneers bring early New Zealand history to life through their music, story telling and a magic-lantern show.

The Sampler Season musical performances feature such talented Wellingtonians as Bill Lake, Marg Layton, Rosie Tin Teacaddy and Charlotte Yates. Over 20 free concerts give visitors a taste of folk, blues and jazz as well as Yiddish, Russian and South American music.

Fun Sampler Season activities for families include Fairy Trina and Dinosaurs Rock, where kids can be become a paleontologist for a day and get up close to dinosaurs, fossils and minerals.

In the pioneering theme, visitors can pick up some thrifty craft skills and learn how to have a feast without having a garden. These workshops and talks cover everything from spear-fishing and fermenting food to making funky felt cellphone holders.

With over 60 events spread over 8 weeks, this season is designed to appeal to people of all ages, giving them a sample of Wellington’s culture with a thrifty twist.

Event listed by MOWCAS

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