WHO: Billy the Bard – staryteller, entertainer.
WHERE: Tekapo Solar Challenge Circle, Village Green, Lake Tekapo (there is a location map on Facebook page)
WHEN: Any evening commencing at sunset. Weather dependent, updates will be posted on Facebook. Please phone/text if in doubt.
WHAT: As the sun sets, drum beats welcome as you settle on benches around the solar circle located within the grassed reserve lakeside from Lake Tekapo village centre. Before you, the blue lake surrounded by purple mountains dipped in the last rays of light. A tongue of orange mist rolls through a pass to the east. Above you and all around the sky changes colour, minute by minute. Dressed in high country garb, the Bard speaks of the ancient names of this place and how they were arrived at: the Mackenzie/Ka pakihi O Tauti, the plains of Tauti. Takapō, to do with mythic guardians who turned unwary travellers to stone! Poems tell of adventure and misadventure, of shepherds and ghostly goddesses.
The sky darkens to a deep aubergine tinged with gold. Someone calls and points, the first bright silver speck, our first star, or is it a planet? They beat the drums and sing a welcome to the stars as they appear. One-by-one and then hundreds. Join the journey through our galaxy, and beyond – guided by more story and song. It’s a stary-telling! Welcome to all, suitable for all ages.
PRICE: This is a busking show. Attendance by koha/donation.
Billy the Bard is available for private groups, birthday parties, BBQs etc and can travel to your place. Hotel, holiday park, lodge and campground appearances by arrangement. The Bard can team up with astrophotographer Joseph Pooley for a complete treat! Fees may apply. Please call to discuss.
