Thomas Oliver creates stir at high school

Thomas Oliver has gone on to stellar things since leaving Havelock North High School.

Before he was an internationally renowned musician, Thomas Oliver honed his skills at Havelock North High School.

Today he's considered one of the world's most talented Weissenborn lap-steel guitarists - and is gifted with the ability to write and sing original music.

In 2013 Oliver released the first full-length, all instrumental album titled Beneath The Weissenborn, which debuted at No6 in Kiwi charts, received five-star reviews and sold out shows across the nation.

Oliver's last release was International You Day, a tribute to Tony Sly from California punk band No Use For A Name - that same year. Now he's back in studio making music - and not a moment too soon for fans.

People can expect a deep and sonically rich impression, with instruments alongside loops, samples and real, and grounded lyrical messages.

"Glad to say that next month you'll be hearing some new music from me," he said.

With millions of views on YouTube, he's developed an international audience from his base in Wellington, from which he does regular offshore tours. He earned a reputation as a talented Drum & Bass DJ, working with producers such as Black Sun Empire, Rido, Concord Dawn, and boasting releases on labels including Goldie's own Metalheadz.

He's also former frontman of The Thomas Oliver Band, who released their debut LP in 2011 to critical acclaim - it debuted at No12 in New Zealand and hit No1 in the iTunes Blues Charts in NZ and Australia - going on to win Best New Zealand Blues and Roots album.

He goes to Australia in November and has a Pass The Gat show lined up on September 18 - alongside fellow Wellingtonians Louis Baker and Warren Maxwell. "It's been a while since I last played in the city ... I've got new songs off my next album to show you too," he says. "It's such a pleasure to play with these two".

Before that, local audiences get the chance to see him on stage with a talented line-up of past and present Havelock North High School students as part of an Arts Festival celebrating the school's 40th birthday, and raising money for a new auditorium.

"The current space is a) small, b) substandard and c) needs work," Principal Greg Fenton says.

"It's an opportunity to create a facility where the whole school can congregate, a performing arts precinct, an auditorium to link in with the music school adjacent, some hospitality space for guests, TV studio and outdoor performing space."

Former drama teacher Ken Keys is running three variety concerts featuring established and emerging talent.

A grand festival and reunion will be held from today to Sunday, showcasing national and internationally-recognised artists, musicians, actors, painters and writers.

Among the performers are Holly Ewens - one half of folktronica duo Rosy Tin Teacaddy, acclaimed solo acoustic guitarist Ben Fulton, who founded Funkatron and owns Red Witch.

Concerts are on Friday, at 8pm, and Saturday, 1pm and 8pm, with a cocktail party prior to both evening events at 6pm.

Tickets cost $45 or $55 including cocktail party; HNHS Friends and Family, $30 available from Wardini Books in Havelock North, eventfinda.co.nz and on the door.

-For more, visit: hnhsartsfestival.school.nz