When seven bands take to the stage for the Blues on the Point Festival this weekend, it will be in honour of a bandmate, friend and club founder who passed away last month.
Tasman Bay Blues Club founder and former president, Paul Nickless, will be remembered as a man who devoted his life to music and the blues.
Paul’s health had declined over the past couple of years, but all were hopeful he would be here to be part of the On the Point Festival – a first for the club, and an event which he was deeply involved in pulling together.
Sadly, Paul passed away two weeks ago.
Current president of the club, Warren Houston, says Paul was the driving force behind the club’s creation, a club that in now 150 members strong.
“March 2nd was going to be a big and proud day for him. We’ll be celebrating Paul’s life of music, and we’ll dedicate the festival to him. He’s left a huge hole,” Warren says.
Having first played together in a band in Auckland in 1970, Warren and Paul were “life-long buddies”.
“Paul met his wife Betsy at my 50th birthday, they had 26 years together and they were just the perfect couple.”
Betsy and Paul moved to Nelson 12 years ago and he eventually created the blues club, bringing together a wealth of talent the region.
“They were really happy here and the blues musicianship in this area is just outstanding, so two years ago I sold up in Rotorua and moved to Motueka,” Warren says.
Seven bands will take to the stage at the Honest Lawyer through Saturday afternoon for the inaugural Blues on the Point Festival.
“They’re all working bands, well-practiced, it’s a hell of a lineup to have seven blues bands out of one area,” Warren says.
Entry is by donation, but the club hopes punters will be generous.
“It’s costing a lot to put this function on,” Warren says. “Most of the musicians are donating their time but it’s still a massive cost.”
He says the club are most grateful to the Lions Foundation, NBS and Pub Charity Ltd. who have assisted with funding.
Blues on the Point Festival is on Saturday, 2 March (postponement day Sunday, 3 March). Doors open from 12pm with music starting at 1pm and ending around 8pm. Parking is limited so take a stroll over the bridge from Stoke.
