Winston Watusi Music Plus

I've got a bunch of disparate things for you today, much of it live music of various sorts.

But first of all I wanted to mention the death of yet another from Tauranga's musical community. Dexter Fell, accordionist and much-loved member of Tauranga Acoustic Music Club, died last weekend after suffering a serious stroke. His funeral was on Wednesday.

Dexter had been playing for a long time. He had a very broad repertoire and was a skilled improviser. He'd played with bands in Hamilton, Napier and Dunedin – including performing there with the legendary Hyram Twang – and mentored a Sunday afternoon accordion group here once a month. You could catch him regularly at various local farmers markets and occasionally at the Omokoroa Boat Club, where he played in a duo with guitarist and fine singer Gerry Meister.

I ran into Dexter often through the years and he was unfailingly helpful and friendly: who else would lend you an accordion at short notice? He was partial to Irish tunes, playing with the band Accord on St Patrick's days, and lately entertaining folk at retirement villages with Grant Dengate. Sheryl Bond from the TAMC told me: 'his friendship, guidance and encouragement will be sorely missed”. A lot of people are feeling that this week; thanks for the music Dexter.

Brassy

Some music doesn't really need introduction or explanation: you'll know immediately if it's for you. Yodelling, for instance. Yodelling is certainly a dedicated and skilful (if inherently funny) artform. But nothing I say will change whatever perception you already have.

I think the same is true of brass band music, so I'll skip to the chase. Next weekend, on October 15-16, Tauranga City Brass will host the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Brass Band Contest at Tauranga Boys' College.

Having had the last two years' contests cancelled due to It-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, it's third time lucky but already disaster has struck the Rotorua Brass Band when a fire ruined their rooms earlier this week. They reckon about 120 years' worth of history has gone after the early morning blaze destroyed band equipment, instruments, photos and honours boards. The band community is rallying round.

The contests run two full days: free entry for Saturday's solo and party events and a $5 charge for Sunday's band events. It is, however, free if you're in band uniform, though simply dusting off your old Sgt Pepper's fancy dress outfit probably won't cut it...

Tauranga City Brass is pretty good at this, having brought back a trophy and a silver from the July National Champs in Wellington. We wish them all good luck!

And a couple of upcoming things...

Bluesy

The Tauranga Blues Jam, which for some years has been a fixture at Jack Dusty's Ale House in Bureta, and before that Driver's Bar at Eleventh Ave, recently relocated to the Tauranga Sport Fishing, which is down at Sulphur Point on Keith Allen Drive.

As it always has, it takes place on the second Wednesday of the month – which makes the next one Wednesday, October 12 – at 7pm with Chill Factor, led by bass player David Porter, as the House Band.

I had held off mentioning this in case it was a complete disaster and had to move back after a couple of months but – good news – it has been a huge success and the bigger room has allowed the jams to expand even further. Anyone wanting to take part should message Simon Fenlon or David via Facebook. Meanwhile Jack Dusty's is running a popular open mic night in its place.

And one quick gig. Expert Celtic multi-instrumentalist Rennie Pearson is coming to town, to the Jam Factory on October 15, highlighting the music of Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada.

He's something of a storyteller and plays wooden flute, guitar, Irish tin whistles, bodhran (Irish drum), fiddle and sings. As well as playing solo, duo and band shows he's also toured with Irish Dance troupes Celtica and Celtic Illusion in NZ and Australia as their flute and bodhran player. His new album ‘From Across The Seas' has just been released.

Rennie Pearson Photo: Supplied