PK goes nuts over Kiwis

Instalment 2 of Paul's travels down under...

Stayed at 'The Crown Hotel' in Napier for two nights on recommendation of Kelly a waitress in The Chamber restaurant in Waihi. Met Paul Handsome busking in the town. He is a larger than life character of Maori origin with a beautiful voice playing a Cort guitar, a budget box sold in NZ.

Got down to Wellington on a spacesaver tyre after discovering a puncture in my nearside rear, 320Km at 80Kph max all the way. Phoned ahead to the Acoustic Roots club to see if I could do some singing. Garard and Ruth, the hosts, offered me a three song floor spot at the concert on Sunday and also a bed for the night. Got to Wellington (Lower Hutt) about 4pm. Saw the sights of Wellington and sang 'Francis & Mary', 'Pastel Shade Pearl' and 'New Orleans' for them and they were well received.

Back to Lower Hutt and we all sat up swapping songs and drinking beer. Garard is a big fan of Richard Thompson and did mostly his songs.

Monday my hosts went to work as I explored Wellington, then onto the boat to Picton, South Island.

BTW Keith Donnelly is staying with them tonight (Tuesday) as he completes his North Island tour prior to coming to the South, he's doing some with Gilly Darbey.

Also Enda Kenny is playing the Canterbury FF over Easter.

Also The Aardvark Band and Pete Grassby stay with them when they are in NZ

I'll try and arrange to bump into both of them if I can.

Stayed Monday night outside Picton at a lovely Farmstay. Now I am here in Christchurch staying at Pomeroy's, a superb pub and B&B ten minutes walk from the city centre. Must get back as they are having an Irish Session tonight and I said I would join in.

Bye for now. BTW it is hot here, the food, the scenery and the Kiwi's are all wonderful.

PK

PK in NZ - episode 1

Just received this message from our globe-trotting banjo-player! (Click on the map to enlarge and follow Mr K's adventures)

Hi you guys from NZ

Wow what a place, I've been here three days and this place has completely overwhelmed me.

I intended writing a travel blog but my notes and ideas so far are so numurous and I am learning so much all I can do at the moment is start to give a brief precie that I intend to continue along the way.

I'm writing this from Napier, a stunning Pacific coast city with a wealth of art deco style buildings that will take your breath away. I've taken time out here for two days before continuing to Wellington where I hope to catch a singaround on Sunday evening before heading to South Island.

I landed at Auckland at 11-30am Wednesday (NZ time) and had intented to stay depending on how I felt. I felt great so I picked up the car and decided to navigate the Coromandel peninsula which I had not planned. Crikey what a place, small bay after bay on the way to Coromandel with stunning scenery. Stayed the night in a B&B just outside the town, the landlady was a music lover and told me of all the NZ musicians that had stayed, we listened to the CDs they left behind, a lot of talent over here. We then went to a creative/poetry workshop being held that night in the local school, learnt a lot in just one sitting. Met her other guests a buitiful Italian couple on their honeymoon. Before bed I played three of my songs for them, Robin the landlady loved 'Francis & Mary'.

Next morning up to view some special trees in one the forrests, then up to Coleville, back down the Pacific side to Wahi. Spent the night there and had some experiances that deserve a book.
Then through Rotorua and Tapu to Napier. Saw a Martin guitar here last night with amazing pick up for just $1800. (650 sterling) I must resist and not buy, I'll do my best.

Bye all, hope everything is good for you.

PK

Here's to you, St.Pat!

This is what we like - a packed marquee of St.Patrick's revellers!

Last Saturday saw the 'Sods making a return appearance at the Greyhound in Sutton Stop, Coventry, playing music for a totally wild old time. By the end of the evening, there was no room left on the floor - so people were literally dancing on the tables.

We're already lined up to play there again for next year's St.Patrick's weekend.

Meanwhile Chele has been busy sorting out some great photos taken throughout a week of St.Pat's celebrations and a new gallery will be appearing on the website later this week.

Kenny goes down under

New Zealand is bracing itself for the arrival of a banjo player!

Oddsods multi-instrumentalist, singer and celebrated step-dancer, Paul Kenny is heading for the land of hobbits for a month's tour. He'll be visiting friends, checking out folk clubs, hanging around geysers and getting a taste of the local culture.

Watch this space for news of Kenny's travels.