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For the first decade of this column one subject arose more than any other: Tauranga’s lack of music venues.
It’s still an issue, but exactly 10 years ago the situation improved considerably with the opening of Mount music venue Totara Street. So, as you do on your birthday, they’re having a party.
But first, as the most entertaining thing I’ve heard all week, let me “reveal” a new Richard O’Brien song.
Richard O’Brien. Photo / supplied
In, for him, an unprecedented move, he has released a song on YouTube, Keep The Rainbow Banner Flying High. So unprecedented in fact that it required creating a Richard O’Brien YouTube channel especially. This is currently the only offering.
I almost hesitate to ruin the surprise by saying more so I’ll just mention that backing comes from The Rainbow Children’s Choir and the song – and most entertaining video – are, like his recent musical The Kingdom Of Bling, humorous political fables.
Balloons and ribbons
Back to Totarta Street where balloons are blown and birthday ribbons hung for Friday, October 31.
Totara Steet tee. Photo / supplied
The venue grew from the Mauao Performing Arts Centre, founded in 2010 and now comprising five teaching studios, a recording studio and more. They provide one-on-one tuition, group drama classes, a school holiday DJ Academy, special needs workshops and MauaoPAC Contemporary Choir among other initiatives.
Since 2015, there’s been a 420-capacity venue out back: that’s Totara Street, the fully professional performance space Tauranga so desperately needed, complete with raised stage and quality sound equipment.
I don’t mean to belittle previous venues, Brewers Bar at the Mount, which is now the excellent Rising Tide, or the Otumoetai Trust, now Jack Dusty’s and a supermarket. There were magical nights, as anyone who saw The Church or Ian Moss will attest.
L.A.B at Totara Street.
Since Totara Street opened pretty much every top band in the country has played there, and everyone from The Bay. It has hosted L.A.B and the 24-band Loserpalooza festivals and everything in between. Coming up in November alone are Stan Bicknell, Elemental, The Butlers, Tahuna Breaks, Yurt Party, Kim Churchill and Tadpole.
Old and new
Next Friday, the line-up celebrates both old and new.
Opening is soloist Whiskey Soho, the performance name of Waylon McPherson from McPherson Pedals. Then there’s Sonorous, a blues group of under-20s from Taupō who are making waves, followed by King Fish, a Whangamatā band featuring one of Totara Street’s guiding lights, Jay Monroe.
My Baby at Totara Street. Photo / supplied
There’s also a rare and special reunion for those who still remember when 1989 became 1990. The Gutter Street Brothers mash-up Beasley Street and The Gutter Brothers, with Graham Clark fronting, Totara Street boss Ross Shilling on bass, guitarist Al Campbell, and sit-in drummer James Bos.
And there’s more! “Young” band Joe’s Garage played at the opening 10 years ago and the Deeds – Damo Innes, Marcel Stannard, Nick Ririnui and Adam Sharplin – will play the night out and jam with guests. DJ Ayesha provides 15-minute sets between acts and there are groovy commemorative tees and other goodies on offer.
Happy Birthday Totara Street!
Hear Winston's latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4tph91cmvxLqFJ2ws9uafY?si=xpkfV0u-Rt2BJM3JFK1EhA