The Story of Thelonious Tree

An enchanting story written by home-grown poet Asha Lovegrove, accompanied by live piano, about how wonderful our connection to trees can be. Includes a botanical scavenger hunt and a few surprises.

Storyteller and Ecologist Rosi Merz and Musician Joe Dobson present, “Thelonious Tree”, an evocative and interactive kids show that will take place in the heart of the Redwood Forest of Te Mata Park. The Baby Grand awaits. How did it get here? How will it speak with these trees?
“Thelonious Tree” is funded by Creative Communities, Hastings. Entry is by Koha on the day, with all proceeds being donated to the Te Mata Trust.
This event is ideal for kids aged between 4-10 years and can be enjoyed by anyone!

!!Keep an eye on this event in case of a weather related postponement!!

This event is scheduled for Friday 3rd January 2025 at 2.00pm.

Please arrive and park at 1.00 pm at either the Te Mata Peak Car Park at the main gates or the Tauroa Road Car Park. Enjoy the walk into the BIG Redwoods, and please allow enough time to settle in for the 2.00 pm show. Performance will finish around 3.00 pm. In case of bad weather, we will postpone until Saturday 4th Jan at 2.00pm with notification through the FB event page. Bring your picnic rugs and water bottles and enjoy this extra special event!
Brought to you by Undergrand. With special thanks to the Hastings District Council Creative Communities Fund, Te Mata Trust, Bruno Chambers, and performers Rosi Merz and Joe Dobson.
https://www.tematapark.co.nz/

Rosi Merz is an Ecologist and Researcher with a passion for play, education and creating treasure hunts. Her normal job is to thoroughly understand natural ecosystems and to harness that knowledge to craft the most appropriate and systematic restoration strategies. She'll draw on this knowledge and her other creative skills as a storyteller and dancer to inspire a deeper connection between us all and the natural world. Rosi is currently a Forest Sanctuary Manager in Taranaki.

Joe Dobson is an enthusiastic Advocate and Enabler for arts events. He is a passionate supporter of local Fringe and Arts festivals, both as an organiser and a performer. Joe is an experienced and well regarded musician who has collaborated with many New Zealand and international artists over his career. He currently plays with alternative jazz group The Revolutionary Arts Ensemble and world music group ISH.
‘Undergrand’ is an initiative based on a white baby grand piano and the means to transport it into unusual spaces. Undergrand collaborates with artists for community events and festivals.

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