Brenda Liddiard and Mark Laurent

The Old School’s reputation for intimate music has attracted two of New Zealand’s finest acoustic signer/ songwriters.  Mark Laurent and Brenda Liddiard have been described as playing acoustic music from the heart.  Living in Whangamata they are part of that secret army of ‘indie’ musicians who fly just below the commercial radar, playing grass-roots music in an ‘unplugged’ style.  They’ve been touring New Zealand, Australia and the UK for 20 years, and what they enjoy most is to connect with audiences on an intimate level.  They love playing  acoustic clubs such as the one at Kapiti, small theatres, house concerts, churches – wherever people want to come close and really listen.  But they can also be found jamming in a crowded cafe/bar, or filling large open spaces, like city squares or festival marquees, with the sound of guitars, mandolin, Rowan lute and harmonies.

They’re both songwriters, with their own styles, so they’ve become each other’s backing band.  Mark has a penchant for acoustic rock, blues & reggae, whereas Brenda’s songs lean more towards new folk & alt. country.  So what you get is an eclectic mix of material, that can be ‘pin drop’ delicate, or sound like a 4-piece band!  They often also pepper their shows with short bursts of poetry as well, just to keep things interesting.

An added bonus to their Raglan concert at 7.30pm on the 5th May, will be a special session for children on the same afternoon at 2.30pm. Called ‘Rufus and the Rain’, it is a music show for children with story-telling and music.

Saturday 5th May

2.30pm            Rufus and the Rain with Mark & Brenda

7.30pm            Mark Laurent & Brenda Liddiard in Concert

Raglan Old School Arts Centre, Stewart St, Raglan

Phone 825 0023 or email info@raglanartscentre.co.nz for more information or to reserve a seat.

3rd prize winner - Liz & Rick’s pesto & yummies

Curator Jean Carbon busy at work on the craft and arts exhibition

The one day Raglan Easter Show on Sunday 8th April was a big hit with entrants, exhibitiors and visitors.  Organised by the Raglan Creative Market team, the warm sunny weather saw a large turnout at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre.  The exhibition of crafts and art work was held in the Community Gallery and curated by Raglan silk artist Jean Carbon.

For entrants in the food category,  the winner was decided by a popular vote for the stall with the best food items available.  The winners were:

1^st prize: Raglan Relish $30

2^nd prize: joint winners: Adi Grace/Estrella & WE love our Direction $10 each

3^rd prize: Liz & Rick’s pesto & yummies $10

Following the release of their single “Journey” in November, Cornerstone Roots spent the summer capturing a day in the life of 12 year-old band member, Reiki Ruawai.

Filmed in their hometown of Raglan, Reiki is followed on his own journey to the legendary waves of the Whaingaroa coastline.

“Journey” is a reflective song about how we respond to life’s ups and downs”, says bandleader Brian Ruawai.

After a busy summer bringing their conscious roots reggae to audiences at Kaikoura Roots Festival, Raggamuffin and One Drop, Cornerstone Roots are proud to feature the son of band members Brian Ruawai and Naomi Tuaopepe in this stunning new video.

Journey is the first single off their fourth studio album due for release later in the year.

Wildlife photo - Image Trevor Penfold

‘The Beauty of Nature’ Photography Exhibition
by Trevor Penfold, wildlife & nature photographer
Raglan Town Hall (Supper Room)
on April 14th + 15th 2012, 10.00am – 5.00pm

EXHIBITION & ART SALE: A stunning collection of images & fine art prints by Trevor Penfold, wildlife & nature photographer and author. Images are available framed & unframed, acrylic mounted or as canvases. There are also beautiful acrylic photo blocks, cards and books.  All exploring and reflecting the wildlife and beautiful environment around us in New Zealand.