Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Guru of Chai has been described as a work of genius.

The contradictions of modern India, with its iPhones and ancient gods, come alive in this much loved play from one of New Zealand’s finest performers.

A poor chai-wallah (tea-seller) has his life changed forever when a young girl is abandoned at a busy railway station and brings the place to a standstill with the beauty of her singing.

Jacob Rajan stars as a buck-toothed Guru, dispensing dubious spiritual wisdom while channelling 17 perfectly realised characters in this gripping romantic thriller.

Outrageously funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, with a killer live sound track, this is not to be missed.

Winner: Best Actor, Best Composer, Best New Play
“Genius” – Stuff
“Flawless” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Mesmerizing” – NZ Herald
“Sheer brilliance… a joy to behold” - NZ Listener
“Makes you laugh, shows you magic and touches your heart “– Arts Hub Sydney. *****

Brought to you by: INDIAN INK

Tuesday 17th September 2024, in Sports

Date: 17th September 2024 (19th Postponement date)
Time: 9:30am - 2.00pm
Venues: Nelson Hockey turfs – Saxton Field.
Uniform: Teams must wear their school uniform.
Referees: All schools will be required to provide a nominated referee who will officiate their team’s games. There may be a few umpires we provide, but TBC, so please be prepared and bring one as well.
Draw: The draw will be sent out to schools prior to the tournament.
Format: Round Robin. No scores kept.
Rules: Games will be played in accordance with Hockey NZ Mini Sticks Advanced Rules.
Game length: Games will be 10 minutes, with a 5-minute interval between games.
First Aid: All schools MUST bring own First Aid kits.
Equipment: Schools are to provide players with their own sticks and balls, however, NHA does have a supply of these if needed for players to borrow. Mouthguards and shin pads are recommended, but not compulsory.
Catering: Café will be open during the tournaments offering food and drink options.
Contact: RDM NHA Daniel Hobbs- rdm@nelsonhockey.org.nz

Thursday 19th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Local pianists Louis Lucas-Perry and Zeb Wulff are performing a piano Duo concert with NCMA’s two extraordinary grand pianos.

Claude Debussy’s “Nocturnes” for orchestra were written between 1892 and 1899. The reviewer Pierre de Breville described them as “Pure music, beyond the limits of reality.” Debussy continued to modify the Nocturnes until his death in 1918. The young composer Maurice Ravel transcribed the work for two pianos and would later go on to be regarded as Debussy’s successor as the greatest French composer. They are inspired by the poetry of Henri Regnier.

At the time of writing the Nocturnes, his groundbreaking “Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un faune” was premiered. Brahms’ Clarinet sonatas and Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations were also premiered during this innovative period in music history.

Proudly sponsored by Nelson Pine Industries

Thursday 19th September-Saturday 19th October 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Leigham and Hyram come from different times, different places and different musical backgrounds but have found themselves on the same path influencing each other's songwriting and musical direction. In this show they will perform separately and together, playing their original songs and covers that have influenced both of their musical personas.

Leigham is a Dunedin based singer/songwriter, heavily influenced by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave. Their unusual guitar style combines alternative tunings, wacky capos and a self taught technique, while their lyrics tell stories from their short but exciting life.

Hyram is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose songs and song choices are heavily influenced by his Southern California roots.

Doors open 7pm

Show starts 7:30pm

Tickets from UTR for $15

Fairfield bar will be open.

Friday 20th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

The NZ Highland and National Dancing conducts their Solo Seal Performers Examination yearly, which is the pinnacle of the organisation’s examinations.

Candidates must choose four dances which must be performed in front of an audience and be assessed by three examiners.

To be successful, each candidate must reach a very high standard and pass all four dances.

Saturday 21st September 2024, in Community Events

COCO REO MĀORI ------ Film starts at 7pm
Bring a beanbag or a cushion, (seats will also be available), and your favorite movie snacks and settle in for this free indoor spring screening to celebrate Mahuru Māori and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. Coco Reo Māori is an emotionally resonant animated masterpiece that honors the importance of heritage and remembrance. https://www.matewamedia.nz/coco-reo-maori

Saturday 21st September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

The NSO presents a thrilling evening of glorious orchestral dance music to sweep you off your feet. Showcasing an array of classical favourites including Bach, Tchaikowsky, Strauss, Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Khachaturian, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich.

Conducted by Jason Balla

Programme:

Bach – Chaconne arr L.Stokowski

Tchaikowsky – ‘Swan Lake’ suite Op. 20a

J. Strauss – Overture from ‘Die Fledermaus’

Brahms – Hungarian Dance No. 5

Saint-Saëns – Danse Macabre Op 40

Khachaturian – Adagio from ‘Spartacus’

Prokofiev – Dance of the Knights from ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Shostakovich – Waltz No. 2

Sunday 22nd September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Bring the kids and prepare to be swept off your feet by the talented students of Ballet Nelson as they dance to glorious live classical music performed by the Nelson Symphony Orchestra

Sunday 22nd September 2024, in Education, Heritage & Culture

Everybody is invited to step behind the scenes at our Open Day.

The Theatre Royal Open Day is a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful historic building. There will be backstage guided tours, the chance to tread the boards of our stage, and learn a little of the ins and outs of how a theatre works.

There is no need to book, just come along to the Theatre Royal between 11am and 2pm and join in the fun! And it's FREE.

Tuesday 24th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

The 2024 Gala Concert is the culmination of a jam-packed year of performing at Nayland College.

This celebration of the Arts features items from Vast Dance Festival, the Solo Performing Arts Competition, The Addams Family, the Contemporary Music showcase, Rock Quest, the KBB Music Festival, the NZCF Big Sing and the Dance Showcase.

Join our instrumental groups, choirs, dancers and actors for this wonderful celebration of the Arts.

Wednesday 25th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

The Beths, the indie pop sensation hailing from Auckland, are set to make a triumphant return to their homeland for an intimate headline tour this September. After captivating audiences worldwide with their infectious melodies and dynamic performances – including standout performances across both Coachella weekends, and winning the coveted Album of the Year and Best Group Awards at the recent AMA Awards, The Beths are eager to bring their electrifying live set back to some of their favourite New Zealand stages.

Known for their catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, this homecoming tour promises to be a celebration of their journey from local heroes to international acclaim. Don't miss your chance to catch them live as they light up venues across the country with their signature blend of indie rock and irresistible charm.

Wednesday 25th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Nicole Chao and Beth Chen form a duo team that combines dazzling virtuosity and romantic lyricism.
New Zealand classical music team Duo Enharmonics is energising and redefining classical music through their emotionally thrilling programmes, both live and on social media.
Audience members frequently comment on the power of Nicole and Beth's energy and virtuosity, and on the palpable intensity of feeling that comes from the pianists' deep devotion to the musical worlds they inhabit and share in concert.

Programme
Bach/Kurtág – Gottes Zeit ist die aller beste Zeit
(God’s time is the very best time)
Schubert – Fantasy in F Minor D.940
Ravel/Garban – La valse
Interval
Psathas – Fragment
Rachmaninov – Six Morceaux Op.11
Strauss/Anderson – Blue Danube Fantasy

Tickets $40 + fees
(Discount applies for NCMA Members – see the box office)

Thursday 26th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Juliet Ayre - violin
Richard Mapp - piano

Proudly sponsored by Nelson Pine Industries

Friday 27th September-Saturday 19th October 2024, in Community Events, Education, Heritage & Culture, Visual Arts & Crafts

Exciting opportunity for ceramic artists!

Forsyth Barr, Arts Council Nelson and Nelson Clay Week are proud to announce an exhibition of finalists for this new biennial award. Featuring original artworks that stretch the boundaries of clay practice and challenge the more traditional views of this medium.

While entries must predominantly feature clay, artists may use any technique, or a mix of techniques, to create two- or three-dimensional pieces.

The selected artworks will be on display at the Refinery ArtSpace, as part of Nelson Clay Week from the 28th September - 19th October, with award winners announced on opening night.

Follow us on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nelson.clay.week/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NelsonClayWeek

How to apply:

For more information, terms and conditions of entry and the application process please visit www.pushingclay.nz

Saturday 28th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

The City of Nelson Highland Pipe Band is celebrating it's centenary!
We have a great series of events planned, and we invite the public of Nelson to celebrate with us!

Schedule of Events:
* Free Public Street Performance - 10am - 1903 Square, Trafalgar Street, Nelson

* Private Past and Present Members Function - 11.15am - Rutherford Hotel Nelson, 27 Nile Street West, Nelson.
Must register for this: Please email: cityofnelsonband@gmail.com

* Centenary Ceilidh Dance - 7pm - Sun City Darts Club Hall, Guppy Park
Tickets $20 | U15 Free
We will have the amazing Alli Campbell calling all ceilidh dances.
No experience or partners needed, come along and enjoy a Scottish Ceilidh, don your kilt, put on your dancing shoes, and join in the fun!

Held at the Sun City Darts Club Hall, Guppy Park, Sovereign Street, Nelson.

* Live Musical Performances from Pipe Band members
* Licensed bar available
* Haggis and a light supper
* Whisky toss (bring coins for this!)
* Raffles (bring coins for this too)

Purchase your tickets here:
https://www.trybooking.com/nz/RQU

This is limited numbers, so don't miss out!

Saturday 28th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Come and enjoy homegrown country talent Zac Griffith, a 19-year-old award-winning country singer, songwriter and musician, live at the Theatre Royal Nelson.

Hear great country songs as well as some newly written songs of Griffith’s, and enjoy the music from him and a 6-piece backing band!

Saturday 28th September-Friday 4th October 2024, in Festival, Markets, Shows & Fairs, Visual Arts & Crafts

At the heart of Nelson Clay Week is Potters Square - a space for the public to meet our potters. It's also the place for potters to catch up, share and demonstrate their skills.

We invite everyone to come to Potters Square and get ‘hands-on’ with clay.

There'll be the opportunity to contribute toward the creation of a large-scale public community artwork (in 2022 people made hundreds of little fish - you'll have to come along to discover the theme for 2024).

Bring your kids to the clay table to get creative!

Saturday 28th-Sunday 29th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Highland and National Dancing Competition to compete for title of NZ Highland Dancer of the Year over 11 age groups. Dancers from all over NZ come together for this prestigious event.

Saturday 28th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

“Calefax – five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” – The Times

They are the inventors of a completely new genre: the reed quintet. They provide inspiration to young wind players from all over the world who follow in their footsteps. Calefax is a classical ensemble with a pop mentality.
Known around the world for their adventurous approach to presenting their concert programmes we look forward to seeing this come to life in this nationwide tour. The programme presents a captivating blend of classical compositions that will transport you through time and across cultures. From the intricate harmonies of Bach’s Baroque masterpiece to Schubert’s Romantic lyricism, and the jazzy rhythms of Gershwin’s iconic An American in Paris.
Calefax are thrilled to be performing the world premiere of a newly CMNZ-commissioned work that celebrates the diverse and vibrant musical heritage of our country.

Sunday 29th September 2024, in Music & Performing Arts

Start your holidays off with a song in your heart! A sing-along with Kath Bee always puts a smile on your face. All the songs you love, including Sprinkle A Little Sunshine, Dragons Under My Bed, Individuality, Dad I Wanna be a Camel, Blowing Bubbles, Magic in Me and more!

Everyone loves Kath Bee's performances, her down-to-earth manner, ability to connect with the audience, both children and adults - she always makes everyone feel special.

Winner of multiple awards including the 2020 and 2022 APRA NZ Children's Song of the Year, Kath's songs are catchy, uplifting and will stay with you and your child long after the concert is over. Bring your favourite soft toy to dance with, dress up in your favourite outfit and come ready for some actions, dancing, laughter and fun! Don't forget to bring your singing voice!

Kath always has giveaways, bubbles and very often some surprises during her shows, plus she'll have books and ribbon wands to purchase and take away as a memento. She will be there after the show for photos and to sign your purchases. She can't wait to sing with you!

Flossy the Balloon lady will be in the foyer pre and post show!