Whanganui Regional Museum is inviting the community to experience live music in a unique setting with the launch of Saturday Sounds – Live Music in the Museum, a new Saturday afternoon performance series celebrating local and visiting musicians.

Held in the Museum’s Atrium, the series will showcase an eclectic mix of musical styles, from indie and acoustic performances to jazz and beyond. Each one-hour session will make the most of the Atrium’s welcoming atmosphere and excellent acoustics, creating a unique live music experience in the heart of the Museum.

Pou Maanaki | Visitor Engagement Lead, Cherie Johansson, says the series is another way for people to enjoy the Museum as a vibrant community space. “Museums are places for creativity, connection and discovery, and we’re excited to introduce a regular programme of live music that brings people to the Museum in a different way,” says Cherie.

“Whether you’re visiting the Museum for the first time or you’re one of our regulars, the Saturday Sounds sessions offer a relaxed opportunity to spend a weekend afternoon enjoying talented musicians in a beautiful heritage setting.”

The inaugural session, on Saturday 8 August from 2.00–3.00pm, features four local musicians. Lisa Gooch, Sam Walters and Owen Hugh will each perform acoustic guitar sets, presenting original songs and fresh interpretations from the indie music scene, while Denis Troufleau will perform works by French composer Yann Tiersen on the Steinway grand piano.

The second session, on Saturday 15 August from 1.00–2.00pm, welcomes the return of jazz pianist and composer Rick Baum for the third in his series of performances at the Museum. Following the release of his solo piano album Rebirth of Passion, Baum will be joined by bassist Dr Mike McAuley for a lively set of funky jazz grooves and improvisation.

The Saturday Sounds sessions will continue intermittently throughout the year, with each performance offering audiences something new to discover.

Cherie says the Museum is already looking ahead to future performances and welcomes expressions of interest from musicians across the wider region. “We’re keen to build a programme that reflects the diversity of our musical community,”she says.”We’re talking with local schools, and we’d love to hear from performers of all ages and genres who are interested in being part of the series. Whether you’re a solo artist, band, choir or ensemble, we’d encourage you to get in touch and explore the opportunity to perform in this unique museum setting.”

All performances are approximately one hour long. Admission is free, no booking is required. Koha or donations are always appreciated. As performance times may vary, visitors are encouraged to check individual event listings for details on the Museum’s website wrm.org.nz.