News

Current Happenings in May

OXO CUBANS @ the Annual MLT Songwriters Awards, GORE 31st May 2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

News

Oxos @ the Annual MLT New Zealand Songwriting Awards

On Thursday the 31st of May, Doug (Musical Director) Craig & Marcel travel south to Gore in the beautiful province of Southland.
Along with fellow Oxos, guitarist John Meddings, bassist John "JD" Dodd & legendary pedal steel guitarist Red McKelvie, they will provide the musical backing for the Finalists in the prestigious Mataura Licencing Trust NZ Songwriting Awards, held at the classic St James Theatre.

Entries from all over New Zealand and Australia are received for the annual Awards, which are open to all songwriters. Music and Lyrics of all entries must be deemed original by the judges and all songs must not be commercially released prior to judging.

Songs are judged by a panel of four, 10 finalists are selected, and although having been judged prior to the event, these songs are performed live at the M.L.T. Songwriting Awards evening, at which the Winners are announced. The writers have the option of performing the song themselves or having it performed for them.

About the MLT Songwriting Seminar:

The aim of the Mataura Licensing Trust Songwriting Seminar is to give songwriters access to information about songwriting and the encouragement to hone their skills.

Experienced New Zealand Songwriters will share their knowledge of the craft of songwriting. Their presentations may include performances and practical songwriting ideas.

Songwriting Industry representatives will explore such issues as: copyright of new material, royalties, the recording industry and opportunities for getting new material heard.

THE KICK DRUM RADIO SHOW!
Tonight playing live in the studio, I chat to all female African drumming group SheBang - looking forward to that. Tonight OAR FM 105.4FM

Ded Sparrows Live chat on THE KICK DRUM SHOW

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Sticking their head inside the Kick Drum tomorrow night is new Dunedin band Ded Sparrows - look forward to chatting with them and playing a couple of their songs - OAR FM 105.4fm from 8.30pm

Oxo Cubans Ra Bar, Dunedin this Friday night 27th April

THE KICK DRUM RADIO SHOW - Every Tuesday Night 8.30pm to 9.30pm

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Tomorrow night the 17th April I have the lovely Georgie Daniell in the studio with me to chat and play a song or two live in the studio. Georgie is a true rising star and I look forward to chatting with her..... remember

8.30pm - OAR FM, Otago Access Radio, 105.4FM or streamed live over the internet or you can listen to the podcast

CONCERT IN JUNE

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Please keep Sat 16th June free as we have another quality concert planned. This is NOT a Big Night Out show - that's set for late August. Details will be released any day. Exciting!

SUNDAY 25th March sees the Oxo Cubans Trio play an early evening gig at the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary as a fundraiser.Tickets are $20 each and $15 unwaged and is all in aid of bring the Tuatara back to Orokonui. SHOW TIME is 6.30pm and with a licensed cafe and great food - it'll be a neat gig.
Hope to see you there.

THE KICK DRUM - Radio Show!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

I'm delighted to have started my own radio show on OAR FM 105.4fm, Otago Access Radio, every Tuesday night at 8.30pm called ‘The Kick Drum’ (funny that) Streamed live on the net it, it’s dedicated, but not restricted to local musicians and bands with interviews and gig info etc. It's something I have always wanted to do and I'm loving the opportunity. If you or your band have CDs or any other format I can play to help push and promote and keep in the OAR FM library for future playing, then send me a MESSAGE. I’d love to hear from you! Also if you have news of gigs - they can be cover band gigs or original band gigs then send me email so I can promote it for you.

OXO CUBANS
We have a couple of concerts planned for this year - the Big Night Out has had some difficulty pinning a date down at the Mayfair that suits all parties - that is likely to be in August now. However, we have another type of show planned for June, not at the Mayfair, so when details are finalised - next week - you'll be the first to know.

ARGUS
Great to have the Argus boys here over New Year. There is talk of another Argus show in April - details by the organisers are being finalised too so will let you know asap.

DRUM STUDIO
There are a couple of free slots at the moment with students moving on from last year - if you are keen to learn the drums then contact me at info@drumstudio.co.nz or if you know anyone keen, please pass on my details. Thanks so much.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

Saturday, December 24, 2011

CHRISTMAS MORNING 25th DEC - MERRY XMAS TO YOU ALL!
What a great weekend so far - nice weather - festive spirit - had a family get together last night, Christmas Eve, at my brother-in-law's place - was lovely - had a cruisey day yesterday around the house- tidied up ready for today - this is a time to say Merry Xmas to you all and to thank you all for your support througout the year - it's been a mixed one for me with my Mother passing - but then came a well deserved holiday in Bali - clearly a highlight - locally I thank my family/friends/students/parents/caregivers/bandmates/colleagues and anyone else I have been involved with work wise - I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas full of fun, laughter and love! I'm personally looking forward to 2012 - it has a more solid ring to it - feels better when you say it! Take care and have a great weekend - lots of love, Marcel

OXO CUBANS, Bluestone, ARGUS, NEW YEARS EVE OCTAGON ,Dunedin

Monday, December 19, 2011

Can't wait for this one - standby - Argus and the Oxo's will join up for the last 20 minutes of the show - The boys from Argus are really looking forward to this as it's a chance to get in front of a big crowd and have some fun! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE...

THE FABULOUS Oxo Cubans trio Craig Doug and myself along with special guests will open the show, then locakl blues band Bluestone will play followed by ARGUS at around 10.45pm.....going to be fun.

Australian Music icon Ian ' Molly' Meldrum critically ill.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Not good waking up to the news this morning that Australian music icon Ian 'Molly' Meldrum is in a critical condition in St Alfred's Hospital in Melbourne, after falling three metres while putting up Xmas decorations at his home. Molly is one of the nicest guys and his influence and contribution to the Australian music industry and the amount of artists whose careers he helped kick start just can't be measured. The Countdown TV music show he hosted for years put bands like ours, Mother Goose and all the big Aussie names in front of millions of Aussie's every sunday night. It was religious viewing. We made a single with Molly in the 80's - under the name of The Incredible Penguins - Molly produced it - and he got Sir Bob Geldof to sing and be in the clip - Youtube ' The Incredible Penquins - Happy Xmas War is Over - or you'll see it here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=Vm599w-wlAE&NR=1
Our thoughts and prayers are with Molly and his partner and family at this time - we here and millions of Australians who are all so very fond of him, are holding our breath....hoping he recovers.....M

OXO UPDATE / NEWS

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Big Night Out series of concerts continues in March 2012. We have finalised our lineup and it should be another fun night. Stay tuned for info and details as we get closer.

Lots of great talent has been happening at Isis - the wonderful Bailey Wiley has been making a guest appearance at our shows and has been knocking them over with her great voice and her performance. Look for her playing a bigger role in next years BNO show in March

Weeken Warriors show next Sunday 27th NOV features two of my students. Young 14year old drummer Daniel Coleclough plays his first real gig with his young band. Mentored by Craig from the Oxo Cubans they are sounding excellent and I'm looking forward to seeing them play live. Daniel is doing an awesome job on the drums. A fine young player!

On the adult side, my other student at this show, Stewart Springer, is playing three times - with three bands - his own band is opening the show then he's sitting in the drummer's chair helping out the other two bands who were short of a drummer. Will be a good afternoon and I'm proud of both my students who are doing an awesome job with their bands.

BENEFIT CONCERT THIS SUNDAY 13th NOV

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

This Sunday from 4pm to 5.30pm at Kings and Queens Auditorium on Macandrew Rd, Bill Acklin has put together a benefit concert to help X-Factor's lighting tech and my friend, Bob Russell, who is currently in the Isis unit recovering from a serious stroke. The show will be a mix of X-Factor show acts and guest artists. I'll be playing drums for approx half the show - TICKETS are $20 and all proceeds go to the Russell family to help with living expenses and commitments for his wife Bridget. If you'd like tickets then please let me know and I'll forward info to Bill or make arrangements. Please pass this message on to anyone who you think may like to go. Cheers Marcel

I'm proud to be part of the show as Bob will be in attendance.

RICKY ORBIT has landed!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Finally our songwriting project which we have called, RICKY ORBIT, has finally made a public appearance. It's been a while but the ball is now rolling. You can check us out at: www.reverbnation.com/rickyorbit or on facebook. You can hear songs and soon, when the album is done, you'll be able to purchase it online. We will upload songs for you for free in the meantime, so you can get acquainted with what we do.

Hope you enjoy,
Cheers Marcel

"Intro to Drumming 'workshop

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Something different for the school holidays for the kids is my 'Intro to Drumming' workshop. Open for two ages groups 9yrs to 12yrs 9.30am to Midday and 13yrs to 15yrs 1.30pm till 4pm The workshop is about having fun and learning the basics of playing drums. The dates are Mon- Wed 10th,11th, 12th October and the fee is $135 for the three sessions. Spaces are very limited so be quick!

Send me an email: info@drumstudio.co.nz

Project soon to be launched online!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

My new songwriting project will soon be launched - songs will be available online - I'm hoping that with time we will build a community of listener/fans who will look forward to what we have - mixed in with my life as a professional drummer and tutor - and while this will be only the beginning of greater things to come.. it's pretty exciting......soon online.... can't wait!

OXO CUBANS 'A Night on the Town' NOVEMBER CONCERT

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

November 3rd sees the Oxo Cubans play their first 'A Night on the Town' planned series of concerts. These shows are intended for smaller regional theatres, where we can take the intimacy of the Isis trio to the bigger stage.

Opening night is in Gore at the James Cumming Wing Lecture Theatre. Special guest will be Ms Bailey Wiley, one of the stars of the Mayfair Theatre' Big Night Out' concert in August. Bailey has the sort of wonderful voice that seamlessly suits the Oxo trio style. With a great mix of music, we can't wait to get going on this concert. It's going to be very exciting!

INFO on TICKET AVAILABILITY SOON! STAY TUNED.

REGISTER FOR NEW SONG DOWNLOADS AND UPDATES

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

As some of you will be aware I have been working on an album of original songs. We are planning to launch the whole project soon and we'll have a couple of songs available for download to start with. If you would like to be on our mailing list for info, downloads and updates then please send me an email at: info@marcelrodeka.com

We are looking forward to getting the ball rolling and sharing some songs with you. We'll have our own website, facebook, twitter etc more info as we get closer
Cheers

BIG NIGHT OUT

Sunday, August 14, 2011

The Big Night Out show was a great success. With a nearly sold out theatre the audience came along for a great ride! The four women artists - Kylie Price, Katie Mason, Bailey Wiley and Georgie Daniel, were absolutely superb. Greg McLeod, William Davidson and the highly energised Dave Horizon lifted the energy levels and it was a pleasure to be onstage with them all. Complementing Craig, Doug and myself in the band, we had the one and only guitar doctor John Meddings, as well as Dr Rob Burns who is my rhythm section cohort bass player - he's so good - him and I are good together if I don't mind saying so - the wonderful Graeme Perkins on 2nd keys and the excellent Nick Le Brun on 2nd guitar. Dynamo sax player Stevie Rice finished an awesome lineup! I loved it. Really.

It all came together really well and credit must go to sound engineer Tex Houston, the team from Strawberry Sound Gordy Duff on monitors and Errol Head - all who did a great job!

Roll on March 2012 - when the next BNO happens and thak you to all of you who went. The excellent feedback has been humbling.

BIG NIGHT OUT selling fast!

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Grab your tickets to the show this week as tickets are selling really well! Oxo Cubans BIG NIGHT OUT, this SATURDAY AUG 13th, Mayfair Theatre, Dunedin see below for show and ticket details. Gonna be a blast!

TICKETS NOW AVAILABE & SELLING!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Our next BIG NIGHT OUT show at the Mayfair Theatre is now selling, so please get your tickets early to avoid a last minute grab. It happened to many people at our last sold out show.

This show has some awesome talent: Joining Craig Doug and myself are:

KYLIE PRICE, KATIE MASON, GEORGIE DANIEL, BAILEY WILEY, DAVE HORIZON, GREG MACLEOD, WILLIAM DAVIDSON - all fabulous singers - plus Dr Rob Burns, guitar doctor John Meddings, Keyboard maestro Graham Perkins, sax player Steve Rice. It's already shaping up to be a great night.

Check out the PRESS page for the press release.
Tickets available from me, Ra Bar, NZ Rockshop, Beggs Musicworks and Hospice Butterflies shops.

OXO CUBANS BIG NIGHT OUT III !

Monday, July 04, 2011

OXO CUBANS - Big Night Out - SATURDAY AUGUST 13th 2011 - MAYFAIR THEATRE

Standby for a new show at the Mayfair Theatre - SAT AUGUST 13th - looking forward to it already - a new lineup of young talented special guests will join us, which we are very excited about. Preparations are underway so as soon as tickets become available you'll be the first to know. With the last show in March selling out and people still looking for tickets at showtime, it'll pay to get them early this time... will keep you posted.

Had an excellent photo shoot with Melanie Peters and Tony from Melt Images this week. Am working on a few different things at the moment so it was time for a refresh - and it was good. Mel and Tony do a great job - check them out at Melt Images.

The Rodeka Parker Gibbins album has been a little slow going as other commitments took hold but we plan to make inroads into the last three songs during the upcoming school holidays. Then we won't be far away. Standby for news on CD availability, online details, facebook page, website etc....

NZCMA / MLT SONGWRITERS AWARDS

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Congratulations to the awesome Kristen MacDonald for winning the MLT Songwriters Awards for her song 'Sorry'. Us Oxo Cubans along with bass player John Dodd and pedal steel legend Red McKelvie were the backing band for the event where 10 songwriting finalists performed their songs at the awards ceremony at the St James Theatre in Gore on Thursday 2nd June. It was a great night. Aaron Jury with his song '29' was runner up. The standard of the songs was excellent. We also got to perform with the wonderful Donna Dean who took out NZ Country Music Song and Album of the Year. It was great playing with all those performers including last years winners Tami Nielsen and Lauren Thomson both of whom have awesome voices..it was a great night!

NEWS for MAY

Saturday, May 14, 2011

The Oxo Cubans with Jeff Rea and US country music legend Gary Morris concert in Tapanui was a great success. Also with the excellent Georgie Daniel, it was a sold out affair with a lot of happy, satisfied punters, if the feedback at the meet and greet afterwards was anything to go by. A great gig which I really enjoyed. We sold a lot of CDs too. Look out for news about another BIG NIGHT OUT show coming soon to Alexandra. Oxo's have also been busy planning the nextDunedin BNO scheduled for Sat 27th August and we've also had live gig shots and promo shots done by Melanie and Tony from Melt Images. They do great work.

Jack Parker from Melbourne band Low Speed Bus Chase was over and we had a session on Friday at my studio workshopping some new songs for our album, due to be finished July 30th. Hopefully we'll make that deadline. It's exciting times.

Have been enjoying more singing of late - have been singing some songs at Isis and at the BNO concerts and really enjoying it and would love to get better at it... there's always something new to tackle with music.. I love it.

RECORDING OUR ALBUM

Friday, April 22, 2011

Spent Thursday at Sweetway in Owaka with my friend Ross working on some new arrangements for our last two songs and Ross put piano down on a song that now only needs bass and vocals. It's shaping up really nicely. We are really pleased with how it's all going, in fact i'm quietly excited. It's a shame that it's going so slowly but July 30th is the due date and that's what we're working towards. Can't be helped. It's awesome to be recording a bunch of songs I've written/co written - it puts a different spin on my musical life and I'm loving it. Hope you guys get to hear it also.

OXO CUBANS 'Big Night Out' TAPANUI

Saturday, April 09, 2011

The Oxo Cubans are taking the Big Night Out to Tapanui on Wed 4th May at 8pm. After selling out the Mayfair Theatre in March, the band is taking a streamlined version of the show to some regional centres, starting with the great little theatre in Tapanui, West Otago. This show features Gary Morris from the US, a hugely successful country music star and writer of the global hit "Wind Beneath My Wings".

Please check out my PRESS page for full details. Just click the Downloadable PDF. You must have Acrobat Reader to view. If you don't just go to the Adobe Reader website and download for free.

PENGUIN CLUB, Oamaru, SAT April 16th
Looking forward to taking the Isis vibe to Oamaru this weekend. Can't wait.

Friday 15th April, I'll be in Gore as I've been invited to be one of the judges at this years national Tui Songwriting awards. Am really looking forward to that.

OXO CUBANS to PENGUIN CLUB, OAMARU

Monday, April 04, 2011

It'll be great to take the Isis vibe to a new venue. We have long considered doing a tour of small theatres/venues and this is our first foray into taking the trio eslewhere... the big band version of the Oxo's have of course traveled all over NZ but this Isis style trio is something we're keen to take elsewhere - we may take Neville our keyboard player with us too - so we'll see you in Oamaru if you are a local! If not, you can buy our album on itunes to get the Oxo experience!
- it's called ' Live at Isis 'Hopefully we may see you there.

WHERE: Penguin Club
OAMARU
Time: 8pm

'DUNEDIN STEPS UP' CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

On Friday 25th March the Oxo Cubans are part of a big lineup of Dunedin entertainers who are performing at the Dunedin Town Hall at a corporate fundraiser. The target is 45 tables sold at $1000 a table of ten. Tables are selling really well. Sponsored by Dunedin Casino, all artists/production/crew are donating their services free. Dunedin Casino is footing the bill for all food - which is a black tie, three course dinner and drinks. What a huge contribution by them and we can't thank them enough. There will be a charity auction of some wonderful items.

On the entertainment bill are:The Southern Sinfonia Quartet playing in the foyer to welcome guests, Coleman Cornish Quartet, The Rat Pack featuring Doug Kamo, backed by the 30 piece St Kilda Brass Band and to party after dinner, the full Oxo Cubans band and guests, including Georgie Daniel, Annelese Le Grange and William Davidson and Jeff Rea. It'll be a great night.

Anyone can book a table of ten, so if you think you can see the details below and get in quick!

Event Details:
Dunedin Town Hall
From 6pm - 25 March 2011
Black Tie
Cost - $1,000.00 Donation per table of 10
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Contact Julie Cheyne at Dunedin City Council
on 03 474 3824 or
email jcheyne@dcc.govt.nz

Proudly Supported by
Southern Cross Hotel, Central Foods, Southern Lights, OXO Cubans,
Trevor Coleman, Orbit Travel, Southern Sinfonia,
St Kilda Brass, Lois Scott, Chris Kennedy &
Doug Kamo Creative Management

CONCERT SUCCESS !

Sunday, March 13, 2011

It was a great night on Saturday at the sold out Oxo Cubans Big Night Out show at the Mayfair Theatre. Thanks to everyone involved and everyone who attended. It was a wonderful show to be part of and the standing ovation at the end was humbling. Our next one is planned for roughly around August. What shape or form is yet to be determined but we know there is an audience who are keen to come again, so I will keep you posted.

BIG NIGHT OUT CONCERT, THIS SATURDAY NIGHT March 12th

Monday, March 07, 2011

It's on this Saturday so don't miss it!

The lineup for our next BIG NIGHT OUT at Dunedin's MAYFAIR THEATRE is a great mix of awesome youth, talent and experience. Oxo Cubans member, Craig Doug and Marcel are really proud to be able to present this lineup these great artists sharing the stage with us....

Leading the charge in no particular order is the stunning voice of young South African born singer Annalese Le Grange, the huge voice of "Dave Horizen and the Magic of Motown' the excellent voice and energy of singer George Daniell, the warmth and experience of Jeff Rea, the swing and style of Willam Davidson, Kristen and Rita Macdonald who together sing such beautiful music, the hugely powerful 20+ member Sunny Side Up Gospel choir along with a host of other great players including guitarist Justin Van de Water in his first role with us and the experience of the silky skilled, guitar doctor John Meddings.

The Green Room is open, during interval and for the post gig party with hospitality proceeds going to the Otago Hospice.


DON"T MISS IT! - Hope to see you there! Tickets; $30 each from NZ Rock Shop, Beggs, Ra Bar, and our Oxo gigs and from me.

CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The scenes on TV of the destruction in Christchurch from yesterdays earthquake is nothing short of unbelievable. After years of nothing the frequency of earthquakes and destruction not to mention the death toll and the impact on families and people of the city is just so hard to fathom. My thoughts and prayers are with those people. I have many good friends who live there and thankfully most have checked in and are all ok - but homes have sustained significant damage. It makes me realise again that we all have to be prepared for anything these days, at a moments notice life can change.

2011 DRUM LESSONS

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

The year has kicked really well off and I still have a few day and evening times available for drum lessons available for this term. If you have always wanted to then email me at: info@marcelrodeka.com and let's get started.

BIG NIGHT OUT II - CONCERT MARCH 12th, Mayfair Theatre

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

This is to confirm the Oxo Cubans Big Night Out II concert is on March 12th 2011. I will give you the final linuep shortly but the focus of this show is 'great singers' so we are all really excited about how things are beginning to shape up. The last one in September 2010 was a great success and we are hoping that many fans will return to see another quality performance from some very talented artists.
Standby for more details shortly. Personally, I can't wait.

Don't forget, the Oxo Cubans ' LIVE AT ISIS' CD is available now for $25. Send me an email if you would like to purchase one - or they are available from our Isis shows. The CD is getting great feedback.

TWO LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN MUSICIANS PASS AWAY

Monday, January 17, 2011

It is with great sadness I digest the news that Harvey James, guitarist for Sherbet and Steve Prestwich, drummer for Cold Chisel have lost their battle with cancer. Both these musicians are iconic Australian musicians from my era. I have wonderful memories of regularly partying with friends and Cold Chisel in their early days in Melbourne at a flat which was called Punt Rd, which was on Punt Rd. Legendary parties! An awesome part of my life. We had great times there and long term friendships were formed. It was also early days for Mother Goose in Melbourne and it was great to watch Cold Chisel go on and become the Aussie legends they are.

When Mother Goose first arrived Brisbane from NZ in 1977 Sherbet were the biggest band in the land. With great songs great players and genuinely nice people, they are an iconic Aussie band.Check out youtube for the songs Howzat and Still In Love with You... they had many more.

Both Harvey and Steve's death will be a huge loss for family, friends and fans. Rest In Peace.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sunday, January 02, 2011

It's perhaps a little late - being Jan 3rd here in NZ but I would still like to wish you all a big HAPPY NEW YEAR - I hope that 2011 will be filled with love, happiness, health and success! I have some plans for this year - the release of our first album of original songs - networking with overseas contacts - the development of the Drum Studio - my teaching business - more time for relaxing etc.

I was fortunate to have a good afternoon music jam with my songwriting partner Jack Parker - just after Xmas. We nutted out a few song ideas I had going and these will no doubt become the final few songs for the RPG album - sitting in with Denis for his critical ear is my next objective.

Had a great NYE - I was hired by Timaru musicains Sheryl Higgs and Alistair Bradley to be part of the 100th Celebration show of the Caroline Bay Carnival. Our rehearsal started at 10am with the first show at 1.30pm. I had never met or played with any of the other players. They included 'That's Country' bass player Gary Sammons (not sure of spelling here) and piano player Trevor Dawe. It was an absolute pleasure to meet them and share the stage with them To make matters more exciting we had to back two artists I had never met before. These were Kaylee Bell an upcoming country/rock artist with a new album called "Wayward" out now and Tap Hepari, a well established cabaret singer recently returned from Europe. I really enjoyed it and considering that the backing band had never worked together before it was great fun and we sounded great!

New Years Day afternoon was spent at the Waikouiti races with bubbles and a picnic lunch. Was just a great way to wind down after the busy NYE day and night.

I hope that you all have a great 2011 - keep in touch with me and let's rock n roll!
Cheers
Marcel

WEEKEND WARRIORS showcase gig this weekend!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Sunday Dec 19th, the annual Musicworks Weekend Warriors gig is on again at the Terrace Bar, Octagon, Dunedin starting at 1pm. I have three of my adult student drummers all playing. Stewart is playing in the band that kicks off the event. They formed for the same weekend last year and now a year later they are still a band. Am looking forward to seeing them. Then in this years specially formed bands, I have Ruth and Neil drumming in their respective bands - Neil has never been in a band and is doing a great job and though Ruth has played in Church before, this is all a totally new experience for her and Neil. Can't wait to see them - I am so proud of all three of them - they have taken it all on board, worked hard and are doing the business.......really looking forward to their show case gig for family and friends - infact of course anyone can go - bar is open it'll be a great afternoon of music.

CD ' LIVE AT ISIS' Now available

Monday, December 13, 2010

Please contact me if you would like to purchase the Oxo Cubans 'Live at Isis' CD.

OXO CUBANS NZ on REVERBNATION

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Check the Oxo Cubans out at www.reverbnation.com - become a fan - send us a message - listen to some songs off our first album ' Live at Isis' available soon on itunes. We'd love the feedback!

CD LAUNCH - 'Live at Isis' THURS DEC 9th from 6pm

Monday, November 29, 2010

We would love to see you at the launch party for our new CD ' Live at Isis'. From 6pm we'll meet and greet and have have some live music. Then a couple of short formalities and then around 6.45 / 7pm we'll play some tracks of the new album. WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE! The album will be available for purchase at the launch.

OXO CUBANS ' Live at Isis' CD is NOW AVAILABLE

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Finally, our debut album is out and available for purchase. Called 'Live at Isis' it was recorded in March at our resident gig the Isis Piano Bar, in downtown Dunedin, New Zealand. It captures the band in fine form. If you love a little bit of jazz/blues and our spin on some well known songs, then this album is perfect!

TO ORDER: Please email me at: info@marcelrodeka.com or order through www.oxocubans.co.nz
PRICE is NZ$25 plus p+p
PAYMENT: Bank Transfer/Cash
DELIVERY: O/night courier or the CD can be picked up from myself, Doug or Craig.

JAMES FREUD RIP

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Saddened we are by the news last night of the death of James Freud, singer and bass player for iconic Australian band The Models, who last week were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. James was a lovely guy, a great songwriter and a great musician. Starting in the Melbourne punk scene in late 70's he soon went out on his own and had a very successful solo career. James and I got to know each other through what could be termed the Australian music family - in Melbourne first and then later in Sydney.

When Lynn and I were living in North Bondi I would sometimes come across James pushing his pram with his son Harrison and I'd be pushing mine with Harley along Campbell Parade on the beachfront. We'd stop at the playground and chat. We were musicians looking after the kids while our wives worked! I also saw a lot of James when I worked very casually at the Elizabeth Bay Cellars wine shop just off Kings Cross. Again, we'd chat kids and music. He also asked me to appear as his drummer in his music video for the song Hurricane - but in the end the production company chose someone else, to which I recall he was a wee bit miffed. We also shared a gig or two when I was in Perfect Strangers - he trying to keep alive his solo career and we trying to break our band. He was one creative, colouful, caring person and he will be sadly missed by his lovely wife Sally and their two boys, Harrison and Jackson. The Australian Music Industry and all those musicians that have worked with him over the years are today mourning an iconic and popular member of the Australian music community. RIP James.

BLACK BOY PEACHES at Glenroy Auditorium

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

This Saturday 6th November hot Dunedin Band Black Boy Peaches featuring Jackson Rodeka on drums are playing at the Glenroy Auditorium Dunedin to launch their brand new album. Visit youtube at this link: Copy and paste into your browser.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmXfLhZARww
or visit youtube Black Boy Peaches 'Secret Message'
Going to be a great night - however I have a gig which is a real shame. Still get down there for a great show.

I have been recording at Sweetway this week which has been brilliant and making real progress. Oxo gigs are getting busy. Have played my last gig with X-Factor last weekend - hadn't played with them for four months as they already have a new drummer. I filled in for him on Saturday. I'm happy just to be in one band now and can devote all my energies to the success of the Oxo Cubans.

The Oxo's album really is not far away - it seems to have taken forever to get completed but we are almost there. Stand By!

OXO ALBUM, ERICA MILLER, DR GLAM

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Things are hotting up this week with the Oxo Cubans album 'Live At Isis' not far away! Should be ready for stocking filler Xmas presents!! This week we'll get the master away for duplication, the cover has been sorted and can be printed so we're not too far away. I know, it's been a long time coming.

This Friday - Fri and Sat 15th and 16th Oct I'm off to Wellington and Auckland for shows with Erica Miller Experience - Looking forward to that - should be a great time and will be nice to play in Auckland again - haven't done that for a long time.

This week I'm recording a track with Dunedin's legendary Dr Glam which I'm also looking forward to. Dave Horizon is producing the track so that should be a good session too.

That's all for now - will report on the weekend's gig - to keep up to date with me you can also check my blog page. Cheers

New Domain Name for my website!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

As part of a very slow upgrade of my site I now have a new domain name. You can now find me at www.marcelrodeka.com as well as the drumstudio.co.nz address. Either will work and lead you to the same site. I feel that this new domain will spread my site to a wider audience and soon I wish to expose my songs more globally - if that makes sense!

Email address may change too shortly but will let you know when that happens. In the meantime, continue to email me at the same address you have.

For now, take care and till next time..... keep smiling!

Upgrade bug sorted

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Thanks to my awesome web designer Bob McNeil at MusicsitePro.com, he ironed out the little glitch with my website upgrade. It was no biggie and my blog is now back at its rightful home. If you need a website check them out, their work and service are first class.

Gig, album, tour

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Welcome, if you have been trying to catch with me on my blog you'll find I have not written anything for a bit. That's because I'm working through some changes to my website setup so for now, will do it here till I sort it.

The weekend was great with a gig in Arrowtown. The Oxo Cubans played at 400 person Castol/BP conference in a huge marque on a farm property in Arrowtown. We took Janine Weatherly and Dave Horizen with us and we had a great gig. The theme was Grease and was a great night. The rotten weather did not eventuate for us at all until we got some gentle snow in Arrowtown. Apart from that, the road trip there and back was sunny and lovely.

This week I have a quick run through for the Erica Miller show next week with bass player Jack Hiku - just mapping out the songs - then I have another rehearsal for a friend's wedding, then a pre-productionsession for a glam song with Dave at the Uni, then we are finally getting to finish the up coming Oxo Cubans album - well the mix and master side of things...can't wait for that - it's been so long but will be well worth it.

This week is also the last week of teaching for term three then a break but I have rehearsals all next week during the school holidays. But that won't be too stressful. So all in all a good week coming up.
Hope you are well wherever you are..... cheers Marce

Big Night Out Great Success!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Wow what a night! We had the best time and the awesome feedback we've had from the people who went was nothing short of overwhelming. Everyone loved it. We loved it too. The show flowed really well and there was plenty of variety and some brilliant musical perfomances.

THANK YOU to everyone who went to it and supported it. The band and the guest artists all had a fabulous time and to see the theatre nearly sold out was brilliant. The Mayfair is a perfect place to hold such a intimate night of great music. Thanks again.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE for this SAT's Mayfair Theatre Show,

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

It's all go for Sat - with a varied llineup the show will be a real mix of great music - tickets only $25 are still available from Beggs Musicworks, NZ Rock Shop, Ra Bar and from myself Craig and Doug. I think from the Theatre too on Sat. See the News item below

If you know anyone who wants to go please let me know - they can email me or ring The Drum Studio.

SEE YOU THERE!
Marcel

OXO CUBANS ' BIG NIGHT OUT ' CONCERT SATURDAY AUGUST 28th Mayfair Theatre, Dunedin

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

For the Official Press Release - please visit my Press page.

We would love to see YOU at the concert featuring seasoned professionals and upcoming stars of the future!

Craig, Doug and I are delighted to bring this concert to you. We are joined by award-winning Neville Copland on keys, fresh from his first movie soundtrack, The Insatiable Moon, and guitarist John Meddings.We

MULTI PERCUSSIONIST PETE LOCKETT coming to Dunedin!

Monday, July 05, 2010

Pete Lockett is a world renowned percussionist and we are so fortunate to have a player of his talent and reputation coming to Dunedin. If you are into all facets of drumming and percussion then this is one clinic you do not want to miss! I'll be there and will encourage all my students to get along and see the variety of skills and sounds that Pete will feature.
WHERE and WHEN: Dunedin Muso's Club, 12 Manse St, Dunedin. WED 21st July at 7pm
ENTRY BY TICKET ONLY - available from NZ Rock Shop, St Andrew St, Dunedin or call 03 4770058
Price: FREE entry!

SOCCER WORLD CUP

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

I'm having a great time following the Dutch and the All Whites at the World Cup. When the Dutch played Denmark the other night we are all in our Dutch soccer tops and last night with the All Whites v Slovakia, we are all in our whites. We are soccer mad at our house and we are loving it - so there's not a lot of sleeping going on at the moment.

As the RPG album is coming along - look for a revamped Drum Studio website in a few months. Soon you will be able to register your interest in all things relevant and musical RPG/Oxo etc soon via email, will keep you posted. In the meantime the Oxo's album mix has stalled as our engineer has been ill, but all reports indicate we should be back on track soon. Gigs are getting busier and all is good. Take care and see you all soon

Student's Success

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Congratulations to one of my students, Oli Lyons, from John McGlashan College band, Triggered, who won peoples choice at the Smokefree Rockquest regionals on Saturday night. They won the right to compete for the main national prize, and now need to make a video of one of their songs to submit for the chance to win. Well done and good luck Oli.

My call for daytime lesson slots have been pretty much filled, but if you are looking for drum lessons for the daytime then still give me an email and we may be able to find a spot.

Oxo Cubans album is in final stages of mixing and then we are good to go and my own album with Denis and Jack Parker is also hotting up with more recording this Queens Birthday weekend.

DAYTIME DRUM LESSONS AVAILABLE

Sunday, May 16, 2010

With a reconfigured schedule some daytime drum lesson slots have opened up at my teaching studio. If you have been thinking about learning the drums then send me an email and let's discuss it.

The two evening sessions I previously advertised have now been filled.

PHOTOS

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Don't forget to check out my new photo galleries on my Gig Photos page

My Drum Students excel!

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Great to be at Smokefree Rockquest today to see three of my current drum students, Taylor Sizemore (TDS), Ben Trainor (Ignition) and Olli Lyons (Triggered) perform at this well established and well respected national high school band competition Smokefree Rockquest. They all played really well and I was very proud of them. I also had four ex students from over the recent years either from schools I've taught at or former Drum Studio students and it was great to see them perform too with their bands. It's a great event for young bands and there was some great talent amongst them. Judges sent Oli's band Triggered through to the next round - the regional finals - and if they do well here they have a shot at the nationals - and some great prizes. These three young drummers are really doing well and it was great to see them rock out with their bands.

SEMINARS and SHOWS

Monday, April 26, 2010

Hi to you all. The weather is getting colder as another winter approaches. I'm not a fan of winter and somedays think about that Australian climate that I was so used to for 17 years. Fresh fruit, hot weather, great beaches... I think I should stop there for now or I'll be on the next plane!

Last week I had the pleasure of being involved in two Business of Music seminars, one in Dunedin and one in Invercargill at SIT - the Southern Institute of Technology. Facilitated by Ross McNab of Sweetway Studios, the speakers were Mike Chunn - from Play It Strange/Spilt Enz, Petrina George of APRA, Scott Muir of dunedinmusic.com and myself. We also had the fabulous Kristin Macdonald perform some songs on Thursday and her sister Annah Mac perform for with us on Friday. The students and teachers really enjoyed it and from all reports after, they all got a lot out of it.
I also got a lot out of it - networking with the others and generally getting to know everyone a little better.

On the Thursday night Petrina also held a meeting fo Dunedinr APRA members at Refuel so it was great to catch up on the latest issues in copyright. A few drinks and then off to Isis where we all got up and played and jammed. Was a lot of fun.

On Saturday I was off to Tapanui where there was a great lineup of artists for a concert in the theatre at Tapanui. And what a great wee theatre it is. The line up was - The Oxo Cubans band Craig, Doug and myself along with with John Meddings on guitar, Ross McNab on percussion, Mike Hood on guitar and Mandolin, and we had to back four other artists - they were the awesome Jeff Rea, who really should be on a huge world stage playing to thousands -his son James, who did a brilliant job - the lovely Annah Mac - watch out for here album out soon -she's truly amazing - Will Northcoat , singer songwriter from Arrowtown and Vanessa Crawford a singer also from the Tapanui/Gore region. I throroughly enjoyed sharing the stage with them all and it was an excellent show.

This weekend we are looking at tweaking the mix on the Oxo's live album. Once that's done and approved we can get on with CD production. Will let you know when it's out. Recording more drum tracks for RPG album next Friday - have two new songs on the go that are quite different and may yet appear on the album. Am also looking at recording a track in Melbourne in July but it's all in the planning stage at the moment.

That's all for now. Hope this finds you all well and happy. Keep smiling.
Cheers, Marcel

Albums

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Hi you guys! Hope this finds you well.

I cannot believe how fast time flies - it's well past Easter and now here in NZ we are into school holidays. My teaching schedule is reduced with my school students away but my adult students are still coming which is fine by me. It has given me a chance to slow down a little though which is good. Not too much to report - having a wee quiet patch of gigs this month but things get busy again next month onwards. The Oxo Cubans album is currently being mixed and admin and organatisational stuff is going on behind the scenes in preparation for it's release. Willl keep you posted.

RPG song work carries on with more drum tracks to be recorded in two weeks. Funnily it's the most recent songs we have written which are becoming first choice to record. I'm loving this process and also can't wait for the day when that record is out. Will keep you posted.

In the meantime I'd better prepare for tomorrow's Town Hall show so will move on. Thanks for tuning in. Don't forget to keep up with me too in my journal in the ABOUT section of the site.

Till next time,
my very best
Marcel

HAPPY EASTER

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

A quick note to wish you all a very happy Easter break. I will be relaxing, watching football, writing, cooking, having friends over, doing stuff around the house and generally taking the opportunity to chill and stop everything for a few days. I hope that you too can enjoy some sort of break somewhere.

Next week is school holidays where the studio will be on a reduced timetable and I''ll be able to do some things there too hopefully.

Great recording session yesterday at Sweetway with Melbourne bound singer Jack Parker laying down an excellent lead vocal on a track we basically finished in the studio. So far, a great result. A slightly different feel this track and am looking forward to its completion. Lots more work ahead of us though, but it's a project I/we are throughly enjoying.

Have a great Easter and hope somewhere the sun is shining on you.
Cheers
Marcel

OXO CUBANS Album - RPG STUDIO

Friday, March 26, 2010

The year is now in full swing and recordings both for the Oxo Cubans and my own project are prorities at the moment. The Oxo's live album gig last week at Isis was a great success and currently we're evaluating the first mix and working from there. A final track listing will be decided and then it's into production. Will keep you up to date. There was a great crowd at Isis last night and it'll be great to have the album for sale at our gigs when it's finished.

Recording with my own project is also in full swing. Our singer, Jack Parker returned from Melbourne yesterday where on Thursday night his band, Low Speed Bus Chase, played a showcase gig in the front bar of the famed ' Espy' Hotel at St Kilda - or the Esplanade as its is officialy known. By all reports the gig was a raging success and luckily our third partner Denis was also in Melbourne to see the show. Next week we head to Sweetway Studios to lay a vocal track or two down with Jack, then he flies home the next day. We're rapt with how things are proceeding.

MUSIC page

While you're there, two songs that we recorded last year for the album appear on my MUSIC - NEW page. Visit the page, listen to the two songs and send me an email with your comments or thoughts.
I always welcome your feedback.

Hope you are well wherever you're reading this!
Cheers
Marcel

OXO's LIVE ALBUM

Sunday, March 14, 2010

NEW OXO CUBANS CD .. "LIVE @ THE ISIS LOUNGE"

On Thursday the 18th of March at The Isis Lounge, Doug, Craig & Marcel will be joined by special guest keyboard whizz Neville Copland to celebrate the beginning of the band's eighteenth year and to record tracks for a new Oxo “live” CD.

With the aim of capturing the vibe of band and audience at a typical Oxo Isis Lounge gig, friends, fans and music lovers of every persuasion are invited along to sing, shout, carouse and add their own "sparkle" to the album.

Driving the mixing desk and making sure no note goes astray will be the University of Otago's Professional Practice Fellow of Music Technology Rob Falconer.

Well known in the South as the drummer for “King” Leo LaDell’s Growling Dogs and the driving force behind The Rolling Thunder Revue, Rob is highly regarded as a recording engineer with a deft touch and will bring a new dynamic to the Oxo Cuban sound.

The session begins at 8.30pm with doors and bar open from 6pm.

So if you would like to be part of a “live” album we would love to see ya there …

The Isis Lounge
68 Princes Street
Dunedin

BLACK BOY PEACHES

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

I was lucky enough to catch Black Boy Peaches at the University Union on Friday night. It was the first time I had seen them in their current vibe and I gotta say, they were absolutely awesome! Please check out their site at www.blackboypeaches.com and there you can download their EP for free. Featuring the fabulous drumming skills of Jackson Rodeka, this band are going to go places. Every band member is great at what they do and are into this big time. They looked and sounded like a really together unit on a mission. They are recording a new album soon and are appearing at Queenstown's Dux de Lux at the end of March. All bias aside - of course - they were fabulous and that drummer... man he's amazing! He's the real deal and is definitely one to watch in the near future.