Off The Wall, WOW touring NZ

For the first time in well over a decade, WOW will take a selection of their very best garments on tour around New Zealand. This exciting exhibition called Off the Wall, designed by Wellington based exhibition designers 3D Creative has taken 18 months to plan and create.

Off the Wall opens at Canterbury Museum in December 2011 then travels to a range of New Zealand cities and centres.

Tour dates are tentatively set as follows:
Canterbury Museum, Christchurch: 2 December 2011 - 18 March 2012
Southland Museum, Invercargill: 7 April - 17 June 2012
Otago Museum, Dunedin: 30 June – 28 October 2012
Rotorua Museum: November 2012 - March 2013
Waikato Museum, Hamilton: April - July 2013
Te Manawa, Palmerston North: August - October 2013

http://www.worldofwearableart.com/exhibitions

What the Locals Like for 29th Aug to 4th Sept

World of Wearable Arts Show (WOW)

Bob Haven, professor in Costume Technology at Kentucky University in the United States, who after his first experience of entering WOW, said, ‘athletes have the Olympics; actors have the Oscars; musicians have the Grammys; and designers and costume creators have WOW’.

http://askthelocalsnz.blogspot.com/2011/08/brancott-estate-world-of-wearable-arts_28.html

Cupcake Day for the SPCA Monday 29th August
The Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is holding its' annual community-driven Cupcake Day.
Make or buy cupcakes to help fund raise for a worthy cause.
Read on for our step-by-step guide to how Cupcake Day works.
www.spcacupcakeday.co.nz


NZ Fashion Week 2011
From Monday 29th August right through to Saturday 3rd September, the brand new Viaduct Events Centre will be abuzz with thousands of people including media, buyers, models, designers, international guests and fashion lovers from far and wide for New Zealand Fashion Week in what is an iconic year for New Zealand.

http://askthelocalsnz.blogspot.com/2011/08/nz-fashion-week-201.html

Wellington Zoo & Zealandia August specials

Last chance to get into the Zoo and Zealandia on their August specials.

The Zoo has $5 entry on Wednesday, the last one for the month this week.

Zealandia have $10 entry to the exhibition

http://tiny.cc/1d0d3

Opera Pre-show free talks on Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci

It's always great to absorb some background on an opera before the lights go down. If you're attending one of these Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci performances in Wellington, why not join us a little earlier for a FREE pre-show talk before the show? We will take you through some of the history of the opera and reveal stories from behind-the-scenes on how the production came together.

WHEN:	27, 30 August and 3 September 2011
WHERE:	St James Theatre, Hospitality Suite, First Floor
TIME:	6.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm (20 mins approx)
TICKETS:	FREE EVENTS
ENQUIRIES:	hello@nzopera.co.nz

Brancott Estate World of Wearable Arts (WOW)

Bob Haven, professor in Costume Technology at Kentucky University in the United States, who after his first experience of entering WOW, said, ‘athletes have the Olympics; actors have the Oscars; musicians have the Grammys; and designers and costume creators have WOW’.

If you have any desire to see any of the following, we have the show for you -
The Brancott Estate World of Wearable Arts Show (WOW):

It is comedy, opera, Royal NZ Ballet, school boy chorister, dance, art & fashion show, singing, music, aerobatics, light show and much more.

As a teaser, here is a short video of last years highlights:
http://www.worldofwearableart.com/tickets/show-dates-prices

I have been to WOW over the last few years, and this year was the most breath-taking and entertaining show yet.

We loved everything about WOW.  Starting with the entertainment in the foyer to ease you through the meandering crowd, right through to the lights coming on at the end of the show to realise the two hours are sadly up.

We thoroughly recommend buying the $20 programme guide to see up close the detail of all the costumes and to find out more behind the designs and designers.  Some of the costumes may not look too wow from your vantage point, but upon examining the programme guide more carefully you realise that costume is made out of painted barbie dolls, or paper cranes, or entirely of leather or metal.



Another Local said:  "I loved the opera with ballet and fashion show running concurrently - a visual and audio feast. Was truly wowed. The Kiwiana section was hilarious and John Rowles can still sing! The costumes were brilliant - all 170 of them. Too many favourites to choose from."

What an incredibly talented bunch of people our WOW artistic people are.  And the arts world is all the richer for these types of shows.  It makes me feel very proud to be a Wellingtonian and to be able to experience and share such rich performances.

There are still seats priced from $50 for shows at 8pm on Wednesday 31st August, Thursday 1st September, Thursday 8th September and Friday 9th September.  But don't delay, the tickets are selling fast and with people like Stephen Fry highly praising the show it won't be long until all the shows are a sold out.

Foxglove

I'll let you into a wee secret.  Us Woman-folk can be a bit funny about food.  This is never more true than when we are out dining with other woman-folk.

Tonight we were seven woman out to enjoy a pre-theatre meal before WOW.  I chose Foxglove, because of it close proximity to the TSB Arena and also we thoroughly enjoyed the food, location and atmosphere last time we were there.

I decided on the set pre-theatre menu, as it was quicker and easier than waiting for seven woman to decide on what to agree on.

Six of us started without the seventh, as there were babysitting issues for the seventh.  So, we start with sourdough, olive oil and a quenelle of light and airy herb butter.  I adore the light and airy herby butter and wonder if anyone would notice that I had run out of bread a long time ago, but was still enjoying the butter.

Then onto a starter of goats cheese & mozzarella balls, with rocket and slivers of toasted almonds all very well seasoned.  I have no idea what an apple & bush honey gastrique is, but assume it is the dressing, which goes beautifully with the strong goats cheese.

The duck liver parfait was very popular at our table, perhaps chosen for its moussy lightness yet maximum flavour.  Whatever the reasons, just know that my cheesy balls won out.

There was some mirth when the 'nearly-a-vegetarian' ordered the steak tartare.  We weren't sure if she knew that the tartare meant it would be raw beef.  But everyone else was interested to get the nearly-a-vegetarians' take on her choice, so we all agreed to say nothing.  Unusual choice - funny business!

The nearly-a-vege did stop still in her tracks on being presented with her entree. The glass was lifted to release the sage smoke, which must have cast some kind of spell on the n-a-v, as she broke the egg yolk over the not so vege raw beef and happily ate it all up.  I haven't heard of this type of vegetarian before, but I have to say that even the carnivores blushed on watching her devour the meaty dish in delight.  Perhaps I will send her the Wikipedia link to the meaning of a vegetarian. Then, perhaps the fact the beast was a vegetarian counts towards being a vegetarian dish? Who knows, I'm very much a carnivore, but I still enjoyed my cheese balls with no hint of meat in sight.

Snapper with beetroot & ginger air

We knew we would be sitting down all evening, without intermission at the WOW show.  So, I thought I would not order anything too heavy.  See, this is more of the funny business around food.  What's wrong with ordering the rump of lamb or the confit of duck?  No, four out of six of us would just have the grilled snapper with beetroot and ginger air - so foamy and ethereal, not to weigh too much on the tum.

The duck and lamb were delicious, and I was rather envious when I saw them.

Rump of lamb

Duck leg confit

And now, as the meal was so light, we are looking forward to the dessert.  Oh, I don't think I could.  After all that beetroot and ginger air I am positively full!  Oh, chocolates you say, well, if you insist.  And they are in such a cute little box, it would be rude not to.

All in all, the pre-theatre menu was perfectly proportioned for pre-theatre.  And extremely reasonably priced for the quality, flavours and choice.  We decided to 'match' our own wine to the meal, so the meal was $45 each, great value.  We had plenty of wine options and were very happy with our selections.  My personal favourite wine of the night was the Mt Difficulty Target Gully Riesling, which went perfectly with all the delicacy of my meal.

My only suggestion for room for improvement would be the transition from entry to table and then from table to paying to exit.  But this wasn't enough of a downer to downgrade our unanimous 5/5 vote.

After the WOW show, with the beetroot and ginger air now dissipated, we agreed that a hot chocolate and cake was in order.  You see?  More silly business.  If I had chosen the lamb, then the cake wouldn't have been necessary.  But perhaps if we get a trim mocha to go with the cake...

So, we head to Dockside, as it was very conveniently located.  There was plenty of seating and they were more than happy to accommodate our silliness of trim mochaccinos and maybe just a little bit of cake, but to share, you understand.  Oo, never mind the idea of cake, how about a cheese platter, made to share.  Well, it had fruit and everything on it, which was very well received and counter-balanced the cheeses, surely?!

So, silliness over.  We are all too high on the WOW experience to mind that the rugby was playing in the background and that it didn't go so well.  But, surely that one doesn't count either?

Foxglove Pre-theatre menu:
http://www.foxglovebar.co.nz/sites/default/files/pdfs/menuitem/foxglove039s-pre-theatre-menu/pre-theatremenuapril2011.pdf

What The Locals LIke in Wellington 22nd to 28th August

Here is a summary of what The Locals like for this week in Wellington, Monday 22^nd August to Sunday 28^th August:

Boston on Blair 
This new bar opens tommorow night (25.8.11), Friday launching the new Mini Countryman, Saturday back - to - back Djs including P - Money.

at 20 Blair Street, where Maya bar used to be.
bostononblair.com


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boston-on-Blair/215425375145626?sk=wall

Opera Pre-show talks on Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci

-        It's always great to absorb some background on an opera before the lights go down. If you're attending one of these Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci performances in Wellington, why not join us a little earlier for a FREE pre-show talk before the show? We will take you through some of the history of the opera and reveal stories from behind-the-scenes on how the production came together. 

WHEN:	27, 30 August and 3 September 2011
WHERE:	St James Theatre, Hospitality Suite, First Floor
TIME:	6.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm (20 mins approx)
TICKETS:	FREE EVENTS
ENQUIRIES:	hello@nzopera.co.nz

World of Wearable Arts (WOW)

To find out more, see our blog on WOW:

http://tiny.cc/rbcxt

WOW is on at TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington

Thursday 25^th August to 10^th September

Tickets are still available to most shows:

http://www.theshop.co.nz/sb/wow//startnwow

(sold out: 26.8, 27.8, 28.8, 2.9, 3.9)

Demetri Martin - hilarious comedian

"I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I am good at everything."

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek for Sunday 28^th August at The Opera House
For tickets:
http://tiny.cc/18ito

 To see Demetri in action:

http://tiny.cc/2zz91

Daffodil Day

-       for NZ Cancer Society appeal on Friday 26^th August

String Sextet Spectacular

Wellington Chamber Music on Sunday Concert 28th August at 3pm

Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall

See Ticketek for booking.

Oceania

Early Encounters at Te Papa

and

Imagining the Pacific at The City Gallery

on 6th August to 6th November

Oceania is an inspiring collaboration between Te Papa and The City Gallery.  The two complementary exhibitions explore the richness of Maori, Pacific and European cultures, offering an unprecedented look into the soul of the region.

Love markets, but like to sleep-in in the weekends as well?  Never fear, for you can now enjoy all things market on Wellington waterfront on Sundays. 
The underground market is having an Indie Fashion & Jewellery Market special, opening on Saturday 27th August and Sunday 28th August from 10am - 4pm under Frank Kitts Park on the waterfront.
For more details see:
http://undergroundmarket.co.nz/undergroundmarket/Welcome.html


Paella Monday at Osteria del Toro
Come and try authentic Valencian style paella from 7pm at $25 per head. Ole' 
http://www.osteriadeltoro.co.nz/paella_dl.pdf

Master Chef at work

Simon Gault Cooking Demonstrations at Queensgate Mall 

- Thursday 25th August 11am & 1pm

http://tiny.cc/nxc9y

 Wellington Indoor Community Sports Centre Open Day

Come along to the official opening day of the Wellington Indoor Community Sports Centre on Saturday 27th August.
There'll be netball, volleyball, basketball, korfball, futsal (indoor football), athletics, handball, floorball, ultimate frisbee, celebrity sports match, face painting and inflatables.
The Wellington Indoor Community Sports Centre is at 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, and provides indoor sport and recreation facilities for community use.
Free travel to and from the centre will be available on a bus shuttle running between Wellington train station and the centre. The shuttle will stop at all bus stops along route number 2, starting at 9.30am and running every half hour until 2.00pm. The last bus will leave the train station at 2.00pm and the centre at 3.30pm.
Parking is limited. If you need to drive, a park-and-ride service will run from the Evans Bay Marina car park.

Tune in for more of What The Locals Like

Brancott Estate World of Wearable Arts (WOW)

WOW is an internationally acclaimed theatrical extravaganza showcasing wearable art garments that are truly extraordinary.  The show is fully choreographed with models, dancers, performers, dramatic stage sets, scripted lighting and commissioned music.

We highly recommend this show.  And there are still tickets available for this incredible show on all days, apart from Friday and Saturday of both weeks. 

The Brancott Estate WOW Awards Show is:

• A two hour spectacular show that takes art off the wall, on to the body and across the stage

• A surreal procession of art and creativity, dreams and fantasies

• An integration of every facet of performance and entertainment: music, dance, drama and comedy

• A world class event that showcases quintessentially kiwi creativity through breathtaking choreography with sophisticated lighting and stage technology

• Accessible to all with no narration and no explanation needed

• An original concept licensed to the World of WearableArt Ltd

WOW®’s beginnings were:

• In 1987, Nelson sculptor Suzie Moncrieff had an idea to promote a rural art gallery

• A fusion of art, design, movement and drama presented to 200 people in a community hall

• The birth of a new genre of performance

• WOW® by name. ‘WOW’ by nature

Today WOW® is:

• In its third decade

• Proud to produce a completely fresh ‘audience & designer experience’ every year

• The most creative event on the international design, fashion and costume calendar

• The ‘must see’ show for close to 50,000 people every year who come to Wellington, the creative capital of New Zealand

• A global phenomenon with entries from the USA, UK, Australia, India, Thailand, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands, Israel, Fiji, Canada, Japan, China, Korea and New Zealand

• A demanding production with a cast and crew of more than 400

The WOW® designers provide:

• More than 300 entries every year

• Around 170 finalists who are selected to showcase their work

• Representatives from every creative field including film, fashion, photography, craft, design, sculpting, drama and the art worlds as well as those who may not work in a creative field. This non-elitist approach ensures new artists from all walks of life participate every year

WOW® offers designers:

• One of the most prestigious art and fashion competitions in the world

• Close to NZ$150,000 in prize money

• Thirty-five different awards

• The chance for designers to have garments shine on stage and be

exhibited amongst the world’s best

• Scholarships with international art academies and institutions

The WOW® Museum is:

• Home to the World of WearableArt  & Classic Cars Museum in Nelson

• The permanent home of the WOW® historic collection

• The chance to get up close to creations made from books, car parts, recycled plastic bags, human hair, coins, ballet shoes, used film rolls – any conceivable product

• A dramatic presentation, accentuated by creative lighting and music

Facts about WOW® since 1987

4,500 WOW® garments seen on the stage

6,800 WOW® garments created

$1 Million Handed out in prize money

23 Countries have entered the show

340,230 People have seen the show

8,862 Cast & crew have worked on it

36,376 Total WOW® Star package supper bags

11,490 Total WOW® VIP Table dinners

•••••• Tickets still available on 25 & 31 August and 8 September - Book online •••••• Double check your tickets for the date and time of the show. Doors open 1 ½ hours before the show starts – arrive early to avoid missing out  on pre show entertainment. Fabulous food & fine Brancott Estate wines are available to purchase. Don't forget to buy the 2011 show programme – it is a ‘must have’ souvenir and guide to the show. No cameras, videos or recording devices are allowed and cell phones must  be turned off. Above all else enjoy the show! 2011 WOW® RETAIL WINDOW DRESSING COMPETITION   www.wowwindowcomp.com Make sure you check out the WOW®Retail Window Dressing competition as  Wellington retailers dress up in preparation for the army of serious shoppers  who come to Wellington for WOW. Everyone loves shopping and some  fabulous creative window dressing will make the experience all the more fun.  Proudly supported by Positively Wellington Tourism, The Breeze Radio Station  and the Air New Zealand American  Express Platinum Card providing those who love to travel the fastest way to  get their  wings americanexpress.co.nz/wow GET SET CREATE - Sunday 28 August 11am - 12.30pm. Foyer at Te Papa Watch the WOW Designers showcase their skills competing against the clock  with limited materials.  Live entertainment and spot prizes.  Proudly brought to you by Wellington City Council. THE DOMINION POST PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD Don’t forget to vote for your favourite garment in The Dominion Post People’s  Choice Award and be in to win – voting forms are at the show venue or vote  online dompost.co.nz/competitions, or txt WOW leave a space then the garment  name to 3100 (each text costs 20 cents). For the latest Brancott Estate WOW® Awards Show news and for what’s  happening go to  worldofwearableart.com or follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

www.worldofwearableart.com