We've been due an Orcon Great Blend in Auckland, and I've been keen to return to the Civic Wintergarden as a venue. So that's what we've done. In conjunction with NetHui and THE EDGE, the Orcon Great Blend 2012 will be presented by Public Address at the Wintergarden on Thursday, July 12.
I was keen to reflect NetHui's internet theme in the content of the event, so the first half of the show will be a panel discussion on 'Creativity in the Internet Age' featuring the writer and cartoonist Sarah E. Laing, Herald Online entertainment editor Hugh Sundae; musician, 95bFM graduate and freestyle internet correspondent Hayden East; and Pilot Magazine publisher and editor, Andy Pickering.
Then we go large on the art-about-media with a commissioned multimedia work from the wonderful Cut Collective, which will incorporate a new spoken word work from Tom Scott of Home Brew and @Peace fame.
Thereafter, we turn into a party, with a DJ set from Tom Scott, the Cut Collective Art Shop (more of this closer to the event, but you'll want to bring cash to buy pieces of the evening's work direct from the artists) and a few other things we'll firm up between now and then. I'm delighted to say that Hallertau will be pouring beer again.
Doors will open at 6pm and we'll roll the show from 7pm.
You can claim your FREE admission to the Orcon Great Blend 2012 via the RSVP form here. Thanks, as always, to Orcon for having the vision to make this happen.
Also, if you care about the internet in New Zealand, you really should consider setting aside the time to get to NetHui. In keeping with the conference's grassroots style, registration is a mere $40 for three days, July 11-13. It's good.