The Dowse Art Museum is hosting a massive party in the first of what will be an annual event for Lower Hutt's much loved contemporary art gallery. It's also a celebration of the city's new civic square. Big Day Dowse is headlined by New Zealand's premier dub and bass electronic/funk & hip-hop band, Rhombus, and features the gorgeous soul sounds of Bella Kalolo, the big band vibes of Newtown Rocksteady, foot-stomping New Orleans-style jazz, blues and ragtime from the Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band and video art by Michel Tuffery.
It's a big day out for all ages and it's all free. There's high wire acts from Fuse Circus, juggling antics from Basketball Jones, dynamic street art from graf artists Drypnz and The Pie Rat Collective, entertainment from the fabulously funny Mr Fungus, children's television sensation The WotWots, Harriet the Clown, tape artists, stilt walkers, street theatre, storytelling, gourmet food, crafters and more.
Lower Hutt's new civic square is designed by Athfield Architects and Wraight + Associates, the same team behind Wellington's award-winning Waitangi Park. It will deliver the second major project for Hutt City Council's long term 'Making Places' project. "It's going to be exciting to watch The Square come to life and become a real draw card for our city," says Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace. The Square will establish a heart for the city, featuring paved and grassed areas, a fresh water spring as well as sculpture by prominent New Zealand artists Ronnie Van Hout and John Reynolds.
Wellington-based Rhombus delivers a blend of dub and bass, hip-hop, soul, funk and reggae creating a unique sound that garnered a large fan base here and around the world. The band has performed alongside St Germain, Dry and Heavy, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Fat Freddy's Drop, Kora and played at WOMAD in Australia and New Zealand. www.rhombus.co.nz
Michel Tuffery's immersive installation Povi VaSa is showing for one day only at Big Day Dowse. Lower Hutt based artist, Michel Tuffery M.N.Z.M is one of New Zealand's most acclaimed pacific artists. His creative output is extensive across all arts media, printing, painting and sculpting, and he works collaboratively with technicians and other art practitioners to realise his performance and installation projects. www.micheltuffery.co.nz
Bella Kalolo is of Samoan, Tongan and Maori (Ngati Porou) decent and is known for her 'velvety voice that explodes into a soulful vocal spectacle'. 2011 began with Bella on the road with Fat Freddy's Drop, saw her supporting international hip hop star Mos Def and was capped off with a performance at the famous Glastonbury Festival. Bella was also again nominated for Best Pacific Female Artist at the Pacific Music Awards, she released her debut album 'Without the Paper', performed during the Rugby World Cup and, with Julia Deans, took part in the 'Diva's in Paradise' event in Rarotonga. www.bellakalolo.com
Newtown Rocksteady is a twelve-piece big band that makes you want to move. With cool covers, righteous melodies and hot original songs, the band combines their talents to recreate the Rocksteady reggae sound. The result is an inspired sound, with an infectious combination of mellow rhythms and upbeat dance tunes to get the whole family grooving. www.myspace.com/newtownrocksteady
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Media enquiries and images:
Rachel Healy
Communications Manager
T 0274 610271 or 04 560 1477
rachel.healy@huttcity.govt.nz