The highly successful inaugural ‘Jazz at St Marks’ concert in Carterton last month has raised $2,000 for the planned Carterton Events Centre.
The concert at the historic church, attended by 150 people, featured Los Angeles jazz guitar great Bruce Forman, San Francisco saxophonist Harvey Wainapel, Wellington jazz bassist Paul Dyne and drummer Lance Philip.
The concert was made possible with the help of Rodger Fox who organised the NZ tour of the two US musicians and was organised by John Crawford and Eric Turner.
"We were privileged to be able to host such high-calibre jazz professionals from the USA and locally, and especially pleased that this event enabled us to raise money for the much needed Events Centre,” said Eric Turner. “The audience response was highly enthusiastic and without exception the feedback we received was positive. “We look forward to more of the same in the very near future."
Mr Turner said the next concert at St Marks on Tuesday 14 Sept will feature popular Kapiti-based group Hot Club Sandwich - Andrew London (guitar & vocals), Terry Crayford (bass) and James Tait-Jamieson (sax).
The Carterton Events Trust formed to help build Carterton’s multi-purpose community centre aims to raise at least $1.5 million for the project.
Following approval from the Carterton District Council to proceed in full with the project this year, the Trust last month widened its call for support, which has so far focused on large grant applications.
Earlier this month the Keep Carterton Beautiful Group donated $10,000 to the project after a public fundraising campaign was launched. The Carterton mayor and councillors have also donated their compulsory salary increase to the cause.
“The community response so far has been fantastic,” said Trust chairman John Greenwood. “We now need to keep the momentum up and are encouraging more groups to find fun ways to raise some money and help us reach out target.”
Smaller donations by way of a ‘Buy a Brick’ programme are invited from anyone wishing to support the centre. Mr Greenwood said the trust welcomed any contribution, large or small.
The council-owned centre to be built in Holloway Street will include an upgraded and extended public library and a new town hall/auditorium able to host performing arts, cultural and community activities, exhibitions, conferences and social events. A youth centre will provide a robust, dedicated space for young people and children will benefit from new Plunket rooms and the toy library. A large foyer will double as an art exhibition area and information centre. Modern meeting rooms will provide comfortable places where locals and visitors can gather.
Carterton District Council will fund $4.5 million of the estimated $6 million construction cost and construction is expected to begin later this year. |
|
