prairie girl musings

Category: Festival

Here’s Why You Need To Be At The Christchurch Arts Festival

If there was ever any doubt, Ōtautahi is a city that celebrates creativity and the arts. We’ve seen this with the restoration of Christchurch Town Hall, the success of Bread & Circus, and of course, the sheer number of talented musicians, artists, dancers and performers that regularly share their creativity with us here in Christchurch.

The recently unveiled Christchurch Arts Festival programme is a testament to that creativity and I can’t wait to see the city transform into a carnival of delights. You all know how much I love the arts and will take any opportunity to watch live music, theatre and dance. It’s a privilege to live in a city that champions these art forms.

The programme promises oversized puppets, vibrant digital street art, and some of Ōtautahi’s finest artists. Many of whom will be returning from around the world to perform at the festival. For those wanting a taste of the festival, head along to the free opening spectacle, A Winter’s Tale, which will take place along the Avon River on 26-27 July. Audiences can expect an immersive performance of light and sound led by Free Theatre that will begin with a pōwhiri from mana whenua along the new City Promenade (how cool!) Look out for oversized puppets, masked performers, large-scale projection and special winter hospitality. I’m hoping this means mulled wine?

Other shows include The Clearing – a contemporary dance performance by acclaimed choreographer and Rangiora-raised Ross McCormack; Meremere – the award-winning extraordinary survival story of dancer Rodney Bell; Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo and Flip Grater performing alongside Bel Canto (the Burnside High School Choir they were once part of); Meet me at the Doghouse – a performance featuring the extraordinary alumni of Pacific Underground, and Wild Dogs Under My Skirt with Aranui poet, performer and author, Tusiata Avia.

Another highlight will be a hāngī, for up to 1,000 people which will be laid right next to the festival headquarters at the Town Hall. After the festival, Christchurch will become home to the very first permanent hāngī in New Zealand — lucky us!

If you suffer from the winter blues, make sure you get tickets to this mid-winter carnival that will certainly bring our community together; instilling “a sense of warmth, reflection and renewal to Christchurch as we make our way towards spring.”

The Christchurch Arts Festival 2019 runs from 26 July to 4 August 2019. The full
programme and tickets are available here.

June 14, 2019
A North Canterbury Winery That Gives Back

The only problem with living so close to an incredible wine region is deciding who to buy from. With so many world class wineries at our doorstep, supporting local winemakers is a no brainer. With only a month to go until my parents visit Canterbury for the first time (ever!), I want to make sure our house is well-stocked with local produce and wine…

When 27seconds launched in North Canterbury (one of the coolest wine regions in the world) earlier this month, 100% proceeds going towards ending modern day slavery. Pete and Alanna Chapman combined their talents as a winemaker and an NGO marketer to create a vehicle for change.

The concept came about after a life-changing trip to India. Alanna and Pete were visiting friends who worked in the country’s largest red light district, Songachi, Kolkata; meeting and hearing the stories of young girls and women who had been trafficked or sold into prostitution. In fact, every 27 seconds someone is sold or trafficked into slavery.

“We left India acutely aware of our privilege and eager to help those who don’t have the same choices we have,” says Alanna.

Partnering with award-winning wineries, grapes are sourced from Terrace Edge before being processed into organic wines by Greystone Wines.

All profits go towards 27seconds’ giving partner, Hagar, which provides trauma care, education, and economic empowerment to survivors of slavery. What started out as a one-off fundraiser, escalated into a social enterprise. “We love the idea of applying what we do to help improve other lives,” says Alanna.

And they’re doing just that.

November 24, 2017
Nostalgia Festival

Combining the talents of the best local musicians, chefs, baristas, mixologists and florists, Nostalgia is unlike any festival I’ve ever attended. Held at Ferrymead Heritage Park, every detail of the day was carefully considered and flawlessly executed. I’ve attended my fair share of festivals in North America, yet was completely blown away by the atmosphere at Christchurch’s own festival. The experience reaffirmed my belief that Christchurch is a truly special place to live and work.

With so many enticing food options (Vagabond Chefs, Sage, Heisenburger, Cakes by Anna, Grizzly Bagel and Gatherings by Alex Davies to name a few) festival-goers were spoiled for choice. I was especially fond of the slow roll, which kicked off at Action Bicycle Club and offered a sustainable and enjoyable way to get to the festival.
Decor for the day fit perfectly with the mood and theme of the festival. Dried hanging flowers by Bunch Floral and quirky bunting complemented the historic elements of the park. My friend even remarked, “I need this for my wedding,” after we did our first lap around the festival grounds.

Music across two stages consisted of national and local talent, mostly of the rock and folk persuasion. Lawrence Arabia, originally from Christchurch, stole the show for me. The party continued at Blue Smoke as the sun went down, and I loved jumping around to Sal Valentine & Babyshakes.

This was my first time visiting Ferrymead Park and I was compelled to jump on the train for a scenic trip that took me back in time. The day catered to all ages and interests, while remaining true to its roots. I anticipate many photos and round ups across the interwebs, so I’ll leave you with a few photos of my favourite moments.

Tell me about the best festival you’ve ever attended? Was it a popular, globally-known festival like Glastonbury or Coachella or a more intimate, local affair?

March 4, 2017
Road Trip Essentials

I’m about to embark on my first road trip of the summer. We’re heading to Montreal for Osheaga, and today’s task (before I leave for work) is to pack. Packing for a road trip, particularly a festival road trip, is not an easy task. It’s important to travel lightly, after all it’s only a weekend getaway. But it’s also crucial not to forget the necessities to make it a memorable holiday. Here are my road trip essentials:

Music and Entertainment: We’re headed to Canada’s most talked about music festival, after all! I was sure to stock my iPod with music by all my favourite artists, Imagine Dragons, Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend, The Cure, Ellie Goulding, and the list goes on…

Water and snacks: Travelling by car from Toronto to Montreal, it’s important to pack some goodies to sustain us over the six-hour drive. I’m obsessed with unsalted almonds, sliced apples and cheese. Better yet, bake your own treats to share with your friends. I also always like to have a water bottle on hand, so I can sip at my convenience.

Appropriate clothing: I have the slightest obsession with stripes and denim. My suitcase is currently filled with dungarees, old Levi cut-offs and not one, but three striped shirts. Also, don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect your hair and skin. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time outside since it’s summer in Canada (and we need to make the most of it, kids!)

Your favourite sunnies: My Karen Walker sunglasses are a must for any road trip or outing. I’m obsessed with her designs, they make a statement and you’ll be sure to stand out in a crowd!

Limited toiletries: You’re going on a road trip, so minimalism is key. Don’t pack your entire lipstick collection and please, do not pack your hair straightener. Keep it simple, spritz some surf spray in your hair, braid your hair, wear it natural. If there’s a time to limit your makeup routine to mascara and a bit of bronzer, it is now. And don’t forget a bottle of sunscreen!

Cash: Take out cash so you can chip in for petrol and have money on-hand in case you need to grab food or beer at the festival. It’s also a great way to budget. Take out enough for the whole weekend, and aim to only spend that amount!

Well, there you have it! These are my road trip essentials. Please comment below to add to my list. What do you pack when you’re heading off on a weekend trip?

Stay tuned for my Club Monaco fashion haul and Montreal/Osheaga post!

August 2, 2013
Twenty Reasons I Love Summer (Toronto Edition)

(Photo by Kimberly Pesch)

1. Fashion is simple and baring one’s legs is perfectly acceptable.

2. Pool parties with copious amounts of beverages and floatation devices are a thing.

3. Havaianas are the closest I can get to walking around barefoot.

4. I’m allowed to eat as much ice cream as I desire.

5. Running outside (to counteract said ice cream) is far more pleasant in the (spring, fall and) summer months.

6. There’s always something going on. Toronto comes ALIVE in the summertime.

7. I’m allowed to laze by the lake for at least a week, maybe two.

8. OSHEAGA Music Festival is the place to be during August long. And festival fashion is my kinda fashion.

9. Exhibitions, fairs, carnivals (whatever you’d like to call ’em) are an excuse to eat mini donuts and candy apples, then scream your lungs out on rides called Vertigo and Gravitron.

10. Dining outside is a daily occurrence.

11. Baseball games are an affordable and fun way to spend an afternoon.

12. The sunsets are breathtaking.

13. TIFF in the Park is re-inventing and urbanizing the drive-in movie theatre.

14. BBQs. Need I say more?

15. It’s the perfect time to wear your favourite Karen Walker sunglasses! Harvest are my personal faves!

16. Everyone is out and about, making the most of the season.

17. Road trips are much more pleasant (and safe) in the summertime!

18. Rooftop patios are a weekly (sometimes thrice weekly) thing.

19. There’s nothing better than whiling away the afternoon at The Toronto Islands.

20. Torontonians sport an abundance of amazing, well done tattoos, that are more visible in the summer months.

July 22, 2013
Gumboots, meet your match!

Festival season is upon us! This time of year has always been a favourite of mine. Not only am I able to wear rubber boots and traipse around with flowers in my hair, I’m spoon fed some of the best music by my favourite artists, and able to explore new artists not yet discovered. In preparation for OSHEAGA in Montreal, Quebec, I selected garments with the precision of a Ukrainian gymnast (too soon?) I couldn’t help but peruse archives from Coachella and Glastonbury for outfit inspiration. Kate Moss really set the standard at Glastonbury, when she first donned her Hunter wellies. They are now an iconic item not only for festival goers, but also for students in rainy climates worldwide. I did see one or sixteen festival goers in Montreal sporting these covetable wellies.

OSHEAGA featured an eclectic range of bands from The Black Keys to Aloe Blacc to Austra. My favourites were undoubtedly as follows:

Florence and the Machine (I’ve seen her before, she continues to impress and amaze!)

Yeasayer, they are so very entertaining to watch! The crowd was equally as energetic!

Of Monsters and Men – why aren’t they more famous? They are wonderful!

Austra featuring local talent from my hometown, Ryan Wonziak!

M83, also underrated and incredible!

Bloc Party because they know how to get a crowd amped up!

Justice. I never thought I would enjoy them as much as I did! I was D.A.N.C.E.ing the night away. Bonus: a professional hip hop dancing set up camp next to us and her moves accentuated the music perfectly!

Passion Pit, I couldn’t help but dance foolishly and clap my hands continuously throughout their set.

Honourable mentions to The Black Keys, I knew they’d be wonderfully melodic and hugely popular. Their set definitely delivered, but I think I’d prefer to see them on their own in an auditorium. The Shins were also amazing. I regret not seeing MGMT and Bombay Bicycle Club, but there were simply way too many shows that conflicted. Next time!

Here are some of my favourite festival looks, featuring celebrities and non-celebrities alike:

August 10, 2012