The Ringing Tree

By Erika Grant and Gerard Crewdson

Location: Parading throughout Cuba Street precinct

Date: April 2024

This unique enchanted public parade follows the story of The Ringing Tree - two Golden Eared beings from the Paradise Gardens have found themselves stuck, here in this strange world of heartache, taxes and death. Fortunately, the ones-that-came-before left sound portals in hidden places that will help our Golden Eared beings find their way back.

“The city is alive and is constantly singing to us. This project gives us an opportunity to listen and sing back to it, to engage in its spirit and to find new ways to appreciate this creative gem of a place that challenges and sustains us” - Erika Grant

The audience gathered at the Fig Tree in Swan Lane ach evening, to then wind our way along the journey to the final destination of The Ringing Tree, behind the Michael Fowler Carpark. Audience were welcome to join in along the way at their desire, with many encountering live then joining.

The audience were serenaded & led through the streets of Te Aro by two Golden Eared beings, while listening intently to their city around them. At each sound portal musicians will provide hidden treasures of aural delight, before joining the marauding parade.

Created by Erika Grant and Gerard Crewdson, with the help of many others, and in collaboration with Urban Dream Brokerage this was a deep listening sound walk for those of us feeling like we might need a few magical portholes to help us find our way back home. Let us lead you through the Theatre of Eternal Music on a journey to the Paradise Gardens…

Erika Grant is an artist primarily working in the areas of music and costume, but loves to dabble in all sorts of different mediums. Beginning with music when she was just a wee bairn playing in orchestras and classical ensembles, since she’s become a grown up she’s played in all sorts of bands, acts and groups, including but not limited to “Orchestra of Spheres”, “Cookie Brooklyn and The Crumbs”, “Fertility Festival” and Rosie Langabeer’s “Best Most Happiest Fun Sexy. Cabaret of Good Fortune and Prosperity”. She’s made music for film, theater and marching bands, and is currently creating Gong Baths for the people of Wellington. Erika is also an Astrologer and Music Teacher, and is fascinated with the ideas of shamanism, quantum physics and magic and myth.