Author: Peter Parnham

Kiwigrass scoop @ Tamahere

Kiwigrass has scored a scoop with the world launch of the Lonely Heartstrings Band brand new CD  Smoke and Ashes at the Kiwigrass kick-off concert on Friday Night.

This spectacular concert will begin with all-female bluegrass band Hot Diggity, and local legends Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, followed by concerts by our three international headliners: Nine Mile Creek, Bluegrass Parkway and of course the Lonely Heartstrings Band.

Tamahere Community Hall

This show is generating a lot of local interest so the Friday Night BBQ, kick-off concert, and Smoke and Ashes launch is heading for a bigger venue up the road a little way,  at Tamahere Community Hall at 21 Devine Road.

If you aren’t staying at Narrows, or are already checked in there, you can come straight to Tamahere Community Hall from 2pm onwards for wrist band pick-up and gate ticket sales. There will be no program events at Narrows on Friday.

  • Friday accommodation check in: Narrows Park opens 2 pm
  • Friday Kiwigrass registration and wrist band collections: opens 2pm  at Tamahere Community Hall.
  • Drive time: between Narrows Park and Tamahere Hall: 3 minutes
  • If you are driving over from Narrows, please consider carpooling, or giving a lift to someone who needs one!
  • Getting from Narrows Park to Tamahere Community Hall:

What is Bluegrass?

Bluegrass

/ˈbluːɡrɑːs

noun: bluegrass; noun: Kentucky bluegrass

  1. a bluish-green grass which was introduced into North America from northern Europe, widely grown (especially in Kentucky and Virginia) for fodder.
  2. a kind of country music characterized by virtuoso playing of banjos and guitars and high-pitched, close-harmony vocals.

Wikipedia

Bluegrass music is a form of American roots music. It is named after the Blue Grass Boys, the 1939–1996 band of Kentucky mandolin player and songwriter Bill Monroe, who is considered “the father of bluegrass”. It was further developed by musicians who played with him, including 5-string banjo player Earl Scruggs and guitarist Lester Flatt. It was then evolved by other musicians who admired the high-energy instrumental and vocal music Monroe’s group created, and who carried it on into new bands, some of which created subgenres of bluegrass.
Bluegrass is influenced by the music of Appalachia and other styles, including gospel and jazz read more…

Can I camp at the festival?

There are 60 powered and 80 non-powered campsites at the venue, Lake Karapiro  Mighty River Domain.

What’s provided?

  • Two amenity blocks with toilets and showers
  • A kitchen with two ovens, a single chest freezer, a double door fridge, a hot water unit and four sinks
  • A laundry facility is located on site, laundry costs are $3 per load
  • A dump station and plenty of water taps for refilling tanks

What do I need to bring?

Only basic camping facilities are provided. You will need to bring all your cooking equipment and linen, and everything else that is required for an enjoyable camping experience.

Site information:

  • 7×8 Metre
  • All parking MUST be on your site and not beside. Sites accommodate one large or two small tents plus a car. Extra Large tents such as marquees will not accommodate a car on the same site so another site would need to be booked.
  • Electricity can only be connected through an approved isolating transformer or RCD Safety switch. Caravans must have current electrical warrant of fitness and comply with LPG gas regulations.

Pricing:

Powered site:

Adults $20.00 per person per night

Child (12 and under) $15.00 per person per night

Non powered site:

Adults $18.00 per person per night

Child (12 and under) $15.00 per person per night

We strive to be a sustainable festival, and your assistance in this matter is very much appreciated! Please bring refillable drink bottles and use instead of single use bottles. Minimise waste wherever you can, doing a few dishes is a lot easier than finding a new planet!

How many stages and jamming spots will there be?

There are two primary stages for concerts.  Programmed concerts will be held in the Don Rowlands Event Centre. The second stage is the Podium Cafe Walk Up Stage. Anyone can sign up for a 15 minute spot by inquiring at the walk up stage.

There will be at least 4 tents set up around the venue that are available for jam sessions. Two Waipa District Council marquees, The Pipi Pickin’ Parlour, and Auckland Bluegrass Club Tents.