Musical creative types can attend a free workshop to upcycle household items into instruments in Alexandra next Thursday (September 22).

The all ages* class, at Alexandra’s Community House at 6pm, led by full time musician David Thorpe (Davey), is made possible by Creative Communities funding. 

Attendees keen on the limelight can perform with their creations at Alexandra’s Blossom Festival Mardi Gras (September 23), together with Davey’s backyard skiffle band.

Organiser Simon Vare said this workshop will get everyone playing music and having fun, and learning social history along the way. 

“Who needs a Fender Stratocaster when you can attach a few old guitar strings to a length of wood and make beautiful music? Parents beware, your pots and pans will never be safe again,” Simon said.

The ‘skiffle era’ refers to the home grown music craze of the 1950s and 1960s. Skiffle was a part of the early careers of legends of rock history such as the Beatles, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin. 

Members of the public without a musical bent can help by donating items and dropping them off at the time of the workshop.  

Things such as cardboard cereal boxes, rubber bands, tin cans, popsicle sticks, coffee cups with lids, balloons, buckets, string or fishing line, dried beans or pasta, broom handles and stickers for decorating are required. 

Davey’s backyard skiffle band performs from 5.30pm on Friday night (September 24), the band will also have a float in the Grand Parade where home made instruments will feature.

David said on his website that backyard music is an ‘ethos’.

“I am one guy, with a ton of different music and creative projects and a brain like a firework display…[all about] keeping it local, keeping the focus on community and drawing on the local talent around me. New Zealand made.” 

View a video of Davey and the backyard skiffle band here. 

For more information on the workshop contact [email protected]

Are you planning on attending? Why not share pictures of your homemade instruments with [email protected] 

*Please note children participating in the workshop need to be accompanied by an adult.