Whanganui is experiencing a boom in music. The visual arts, particularly glass art, has managed to gain national recognition and is reaching international markets. There are Whanganui musicians writing and performing original material who also have national and international potential.
We have venues and organisations offering a range of opportunities for local musicians to perform. There is the long-running Jazz Club, a monthly acoustic music night at Jolt Café, regular concerts run by the Whanganui Musicians Club in the Savage Club Hall and the very successful Space Monster venue. We also host the Opera Summer School, which draws participants from around the country.
Two of these venues, the Whanganui Musicians Club and Space Monster have gained national and international reputations, with bands queuing up to play. There are various reasons for this success. I think it is a combination of great venues, treating musicians fairly and the attitude of local audiences who turn out to enjoy a night of live music rather than seeing it as just another opportunity to get drunk. It is worth noting that none of this is in pubs.
Support for local music has been exceptional this year. The international Vintage Car Rally, Mainstreet festival, the tram launch and Awa events have all offered paid opportunities for local musicians.
These events plus the high level of activity at the various venues has meant music in Whanganui is on a roll.
We are successfully attracting a wide range of musicians to perform here but there are also a number of local Whanganui performers developing their own material and looking to expand their audience beyond the region.
The issue now is how to build on this momentum. It is time to see how we can "export" our talent to other centres and explore the national and international potential. It is now possible to be based in a provincial centre and write, perform, promote and sell music using the internet to a worldwide audience. Whanganui on the Awa is in a strong position to develop as a base for musicians to work from.
Rehearsal space is relatively cheap here and there are places where it will not disturb the neighbours. There are now plenty of opportunities for performers to develop their skills playing to Whanganui audiences that welcome adventurous music.
Many bands, after performing at the Whanganui Musicians Club, say we are the best audiences they have ever played too. A cynic might mutter about provincial naivety and put this down to over excitement but something else is happening. Whanganui audiences are a discerning bunch. They can detect real talent and passion.
Whanganui has the venues and organisational skills that mean we are able to consistently attract performers but currently this is a one-way exchange. Continued support for those writing and developing their own music is needed to help our own musicians reach a wider audience.
There have been studies done on the economic value of music at a national level but it would be useful to measure both the creative capital generated within the Whanganui community and social mana that comes from seeing our identity reflected back through the shared experience of music.
The potential to support local musicians toward a wider national and international profile would reinforce our sense of place and strengthen the connection of Whanganui to the world beyond the river.
Terry Sarten is a local musician, writer and social worker. Email: tgs@inspire.net.nz