Canadian ukulele virtuoso James Hill joins the wildly popular Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra for an outrageously entertaining double bill at Wellington’s San Francisco Bathhouse on Friday 18 March.
With his “world-class command of the instrument” (Honolulu Star-Bulletin) and tour de force” mix of jazz, classical and folk influences (Vancouver Sun), James Hill is considered “one of the world's top composers for the ukulele and probably the best player on the planet” (Rafe Mair, 600AM Vancouver).
Hill, whose family are from New Zealand, has delighted audiences throughout Canada and around the world with a “beautiful, humorous and virtuosic” style all his own (Green Man Review), making him the perfect match for Wellington’s own four-string heroes, who are slightly in awe of his mad skills.
Touted as “heading towards national treasure status”, the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra juxtapose heavenly harmonies and stunning solos against hilariously budget lighting effects, madcap antics and questionable banter, causing spontaneous audience merriment. Their song choices highlight the musical excellence and comic brilliance of “everybody’s favourite ukulele orchestra” (Ukulelehunt.com),
This will be James Hill’s only New Zealand show on this visit, and will be one of the hottest and funniest live shows of the year, so booking early is highly recommended.
James Hill and The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
Friday 18 March 2011
Tickets: $30 from www.undertheradar.co.nz & Real Groovy.
R18. General Admission (standing only).
Strictly limited door sales. Doors 8pm/Show 9pm.
Watch James Hill’s stunning re-imagining of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ here:
What they say about James Hill:
“Sleek, sophisticated and surprisingly sexy - The Ottawa Citizen
Hill is a serious virtuoso upon the [ukulele]... truly amazing. - Canadian Folk Music
Never have four strings attached to a hollow wooden shell been coaxed to do so much. - The Vancouver Sun
What they say about the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra:
“Entertainment of the highest order” – TV3
“An unmissable funfest” – Rip It Up magazine
“Quite funny” – Andy’s mum
