THE GIG '08 Open Music Forum
Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:13 pm

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THE GIG ’08 Open Music Forum

Saturday 31 May, 2008

Register 10am Tai Poutini Polytechnic

GREYMOUTH

Top Music Industry representatives will once again visit Greymouth to participate in THE GIG ’08 Open Music Forum on the 31st of May at Tai Poutini Polytechnic. This New Zealand Music Month signature event presented by the Youth & Music Development Trust in association with Tai Poutini Polytechnic brings together musicians and fans of contemporary music to share information, network and indulge in musical matters for a whole day.

Oakley Grenell (O.G.) and Flip Grater, two of the NZMC Musicians Mentoring in School Programme, are also attending. This highly successful programme is funded and supported by the NZ Music Commission and the Ministry of Education.

Son of NZ Country Star- John Hore Grenell, Oakley first rose to notoriety in Christchurch in his own right when his High School band, ska/reggae outfit 'Bunyip', was placed 3rd in the Rockquest Regional Finals. They then went on to release the 'Routes E.P.', tour NZ extensively with acts such as Salmonella Dub and even opened for Ben Harper. After graduating with a Scholarship in Guitar Performance from the Christchurch Jazz School he went on to teach music at Aranui High School. Coaching his first class through the Rockquest nationals, all the time constantly writing, producing and performing himself, regularly throughout NZ. These days he splits his time between the UK and NZ, producing, performing and teaching music.

Flip Grater has been performing since 2003 and has shared the stage with international artists Ben Lee, The Shins, Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3 and Gina Villalobos as well as New Zealand's premiere artists Anika Moa, The Phoenix Foundation, SJD, Lucid 3, Gramsci, Autozamm, and James and Donald Reid. She has just signed a deal with Native Tongue Music Publishing and has released her first album, Cage for a Song on Maiden Records recently. Flip currently has two videos about to go into major distribution on national television. She is an ascending talent in New Zealand music with intelligent self-penned songs and a versatile honey-coated voice. Flip's style ranges from indie-folk, to gentle introverted lullabies.

Workshops will also be presented by the YMDT. The YMDT (est.2001) is a group of experienced educators, musicians, and recording engineers keen to assist West Coast young musicians in gaining the same skills and experiences available to their city counterparts.

The days workshops commence at 10am, are usually an hour or two each, and are as hands on as possible. These will be mixed with musical performances and an all-day BBQ followed by Youth + Music Development Trust All Ages Gig from 6pm – 9pm.

The whole days workshops and performances are $15 per person or $5 after 5.30pm for the evening entertainment only.