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The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra
Live in Auckland
Montecristo Room, Nelson Street
Like spending a night with 12 very good friendly hosts who know how to have fun and put you at your ease.
That's probably not the most effective or descriptive way of writing about a night with the guys and gals from the WIUO - but it's certainly no chore spending any time in their company.
Against the velvet red curtains of downstairs at Toto, 12 microphones were laid out, ready for the return of the capital based band - a packed crowd was eager to sample their latest musical stylings..
Anticipation was certainly the flavour of the night - and the band walked onto rapturous applause - no doubt fuelled by the fact a certain special guest, a Bret McKenzie of Flight of The Conchords was among their ranks; the first time the band had been in its original form for a while.
Out on tour of support in their latest EP, The Dreaming EP ( read a review of that here) the band clearly had a room packed full of love and fans, eager to be part of the experience.
Breaking out into smiles and Haere Mai, the band's infectious enthusiasm, charm and glorious harmonies were evident right from the start - and the audience stood no chance as the musical onslaught began.
We were powerless to do anything but give in.
Tracks like Ruby, Dreaming of You, a song by Kings of Leon were wheeled out for the crowd - and we lapped every second of it up. Even a song called "I Love You Raylene" (an ode to a sign seen on the NZ road) with its wacky (but perfect in context) refrain of "I've got my bucket and paint brush" showed why they're winners. Each member of the band brings something to the performance - but together their uniqueness produces a perfect combination of musical medley mixed with a vibe of chilled out happiness.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly why it is the WIUO works so well - it's 12 friends who've got together and have no problems putting the crowd at ease. Banter in between songs was the usual deadpan Kiwi laid back humour - and saw even an improvised moment of Phil Collins burst out onto the stage thanks to Age's leadership.
Every moment of the 2 and a half hour set demonstrated why the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra deserve to be stars and are already well on their way, heading towards national treasure status.
They're consummate, good-natured entertainers, who promote music as fun and spread their infectious vibe wherever they go. Each gig sees them do everything in their power to make the audience part of the experience, encouraging all of us to sing along and join in.
And don't even get me started on Dan, the double bass man - despite the fact he had no microphone, he clearly relished his time in the limelight, exalting the audience to say hello back to him - but that's the band's charm all over.
Having said that, each member shared the spotlight; everyone had their time to shine and each one of them rose to the occasion, making it look effortless - there's clearly no egos on show here and it promotes an entire atmosphere of fun and frivolity.
It was one of those bittersweet moments at concerts when you knew it would have to come to an end - and when it did, every single person leaving the venue had a wide grin on their face. Even those who hung around at the end were treated like royalty as the informal meet and greet with the band began.
Sadly, for the punters - but not for the band - all of the rest of the tour's sold out.
Maybe it's time to start petitioning the band for some kind of regular residency in a town near you because when it comes to the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, the time to get on board with them is now - because in a few years' time, (and if there's any justice) these guys will be one of the biggest Kiwi bands ever - and my, how they deserve your love and adoration.
