Stoneleigh Summer Arts Series

Combining a summery atmosphere, live music, a human art exhibit, and of course, lots of Stoneleigh wine, the corner of Tyler and Gore street was transformed into a classy early evening affair, awashed with the late-angled Auckland City sun…

Stoneleigh Summer Arts Series Launch 6.12.10

Last Monday Tatukai lawn, situated amidst the inner city bustle of Auckland’s Britomart played host to the exclusive launch of the Stoneleigh Summer Art Series.

Combining a summery atmosphere, live music, a human art exhibit, and of course, lots of Stoneleigh wine, the corner of Tyler and Gore street was transformed into a classy early evening affair, awashed with the late-angled Auckland City sun.

The outdoor venue filled quickly as work finished for the day. The neighbouring businesses, emptied of their tired workers, towered over the venue as the attendees relaxed over a glass of fine wine or two.

Wine! In this case, a fair few Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir waiting to be imbibed by the patrons bidding a happy farewell to another Monday in the office.

Below: a new and used Pinot Gris.

The most interesting part of the event was the human exhibit by Shona McCollough of The Human Agency, pictured below.

Immersed in body paint and foliage, this urban nymph blended in with the other various shrubs lining the square, only losing her camouflage to take the occasional break for rest and watering.

The Sweet Mix Kids again.

These guys seem to be popping up all over the place. Setting the sound for the middle-aged clientele of the event, Dragon’s ‘April Sun’ and other terrible middle-of-the-road tunes of a similar calibre blared through the speakers. Without wanting to rock the boat too much, I requested Paul Simon’s ‘You Can Call Me Al’, which they happily acquiesced to.

Josh Leys and Jessie Nathanguru provided a smooth live set of covers.

Josh utilised sampling methods to create various percussive layers bolstering their acoustic performance. A good example of this was their funky interpretation of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’. The cover of Sting’s ‘Fields of Gold’ was also a romance-tinged treat. Jessie was easily the best dressed at the event; totally stunning, and also a really good singer.

The Stoneleigh Summer Arts Series is running from December 7th to 23rd daily from 12:30pm to 9:30pm. R18 and over. There will be a variety events and live acts to enjoy after a hard day at work, and of course a wine or two. Go and enjoy it all!

Words and photos by Theo Sangster.