Latest news with #NickMcGrath
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Nine-piece ready to rock Yonder
Rhythmonyx, a nine-piece Southland band, are performing in Queenstown this weekend. PHOTO: SUPPLIED One of Southland's most dynamic live acts is taking over Queenstown's Yonder this Saturday night. Rhythmonyx, a nine-piece, gender-bending powerhouse original music band's performing their latest self-produced and mixed single, Bones, which was written, recorded, produced and mixed entirely in-house at the band's Invercargill CBD jam room, along with the latest versions of some of their crowd-favourite tracks. They've also filmed a full-length music video to accompany the new single, produced by Nick McGrath and James Wilkinson of Second Beer — that'll be released in Invercargill next Saturday. Band member Rhys White says the track, mastered by Troy Kelly at Wellington's The Armoury Studio, something each member can be proud of. "The initial goal was to record, produce and mix the new song in-house and keep the whole process as simple as possible, something I realised very quickly that was almost impossible for a band of this size, but we persevered. "We blended produced drums, keys and recorded bass with live sessions, and did it all in our jam room where we're most comfortable — that energy really comes through in the track." White says Rhythmonyx will be supported at Yonder by Invercargill-based MC PHX, and local legends Jahfire and DJs Sohai and Nihilism. "It will be a a full evening of good vibes and creativity, and we're looking forward to playing to a Queenstown crowd — they always bring high energy and good times supporting original music, and we're stoked to have Jahfire performing, too." 'Rhythmonyx Live at Yonder' kicks off from 9pm on Saturday — tickets cost $25 plus fees, via
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Rhythmonyx Set To Unveil New Music Video 'Bones' At Gadoochi Brewery Video Release Party Saturday August 23, 2025
Southland's own 9-piece genre-bending powerhouse original music band Rhythmonyx is hosting an exclusive video release party for their latest self-produced and mixed single, ' Bones ', on Saturday, August 23 at 8PM at Gadoochi Brewery, 17 Bond St, Invercargill. Written, recorded, produced, and mixed entirely in-house at the band's Invercargill CBD jam room, ' Bones' is a bold statement of independence, creativity, and homegrown talent. Band member Rhys White said this is the first-full length video commissioned by the band and it's something that each member can be proud of. 'The initial goal was to record, produce, and mix the new song in house and keep the whole process as simple as possible, - something I realised very quickly that was almost impossible for a band of this size, but we persevered.' 'We blended produced drums, keys, and recorded bass with live sessions, and did it all in our jam room where we're most comfortable. That energy really comes through in the track.' The music video was produced by local video production creatives Second Beer (Nick McGrath and James Wilkinson), who recently collaborated with Southland musician Lachie Hayes on his standout videos ' This River' and ' Subsatellite'. The ' Bones' video marks a powerful and artistic continuation of Southland's flourishing independent music scene. 'Second Beer Film and Production absolutely nailed it on this one— they're such a rad team to work with,' Rhys said. Second Beer creative director Nick McGrath said conceiving the video was a great challenge, and one that evolved into a really inspiring collaborative experience. 'From our first listen, Bones was an atmospheric trip full of twists and turns,' Nick said. 'A big shout out to lead actors Lilly Ellison and Riley Smith; choreographer Tim Fletcher and his dancers; and to the wider Second Beer crew. Cheers also to the Southern Institute of Technology for their ongoing support, and to Rhythmonyx for entrusting us." Featuring the first-ever screening of the ' Bones' music video, The Video Release Party will be hosted by PHX MC, with a live performance by Rhythmonyx and Second Beer will also discuss the video concept and production. 'It will be a full evening of good vibes and creativity at one of Invercargill's iconic craft beer venues'. The track was mastered by the legendary Troy Kelly at The Armoury Studio in Wellington. The track will be available for purchase on Apple Music and available for streaming on all major platforms from August 23, 2025. About Rhythmonyx Formed around 2007, Rhythmonyx has steadily evolved into one of Southland's most dynamic and original live acts, known for their unique blend of genre-spanning grooves and community-driven creativity.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Rhythmonyx Set To Unveil New Music Video 'Bones' At Gadoochi Brewery Video Release Party Saturday August 23, 2025
Southland's own 9-piece genre-bending powerhouse original music band Rhythmonyx is hosting an exclusive video release party for their latest self-produced and mixed single, ' Bones ', on Saturday, August 23 at 8PM at Gadoochi Brewery, 17 Bond St, Invercargill. Written, recorded, produced, and mixed entirely in-house at the band's Invercargill CBD jam room, ' Bones' is a bold statement of independence, creativity, and homegrown talent. Band member Rhys White said this is the first-full length video commissioned by the band and it's something that each member can be proud of. 'The initial goal was to record, produce, and mix the new song in house and keep the whole process as simple as possible, - something I realised very quickly that was almost impossible for a band of this size, but we persevered.' 'We blended produced drums, keys, and recorded bass with live sessions, and did it all in our jam room where we're most comfortable. That energy really comes through in the track.' The music video was produced by local video production creatives Second Beer (Nick McGrath and James Wilkinson), who recently collaborated with Southland musician Lachie Hayes on his standout videos ' This River' and ' Subsatellite'. The ' Bones' video marks a powerful and artistic continuation of Southland's flourishing independent music scene. 'Second Beer Film and Production absolutely nailed it on this one— they're such a rad team to work with,' Rhys said. Second Beer creative director Nick McGrath said conceiving the video was a great challenge, and one that evolved into a really inspiring collaborative experience. 'From our first listen, Bones was an atmospheric trip full of twists and turns,' Nick said. 'A big shout out to lead actors Lilly Ellison and Riley Smith; choreographer Tim Fletcher and his dancers; and to the wider Second Beer crew. Cheers also to the Southern Institute of Technology for their ongoing support, and to Rhythmonyx for entrusting us." Featuring the first-ever screening of the ' Bones' music video, The Video Release Party will be hosted by PHX MC, with a live performance by Rhythmonyx and Second Beer will also discuss the video concept and production. 'It will be a full evening of good vibes and creativity at one of Invercargill's iconic craft beer venues'. The track was mastered by the legendary Troy Kelly at The Armoury Studio in Wellington. The track will be available for purchase on Apple Music and available for streaming on all major platforms from August 23, 2025. About Rhythmonyx Formed around 2007, Rhythmonyx has steadily evolved into one of Southland's most dynamic and original live acts, known for their unique blend of genre-spanning grooves and community-driven creativity.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Inside the World Crazy Golf Championship as 162 players compete for title on Hastings seafront – how did our man get on?
THE historic majesty of the Old Course at St Andrews, the lush, rolling greens of Georgia's Augusta National . . . And last but not least, the windswept, drizzly grandeur of Hastings' Pelham Place, home to arguably the greatest fixture in the global sporting calendar — the 22nd World Crazy Golf Championship. 5 5 5 Standing on the slate-grey seafront, just beyond the miniature railway and the swan lake pedalos, the tricky 18-hole course has played host to some of the most compelling confrontations in golfing history. And as the rain lashes the painted windmill on hole five, it's my turn to take to the tee. A hush falls over the cagoule-wearing crowd in East Sussex as I flick seagull poo from the soggy felt green and prepare to take the tournament by storm. Nick 'The Hack' McGrath — your time is now. Feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, putter poised, I stroke my WCGC-monogrammed ball effortlessly past the windmill towards the par two hole. My opponents in the novice competition — Dee 'The Retailer' Relf, a 49-year-old Poundland store manager from Kent, and retired local aromatherapist 'Fragrant' Sue Goodhand, 74 — raise their eyebrows in surprise, clearly intimidated by my commanding presence. Seventeen holes, 55 scattergun shots and zero holes-in-one later, I've disgraced myself and almost detached the wooden watermill on hole nine from its hinges. 'You did really well,' lies Sue charitably. 'Most first-timers average six or seven a hole, so well done.' 'Pretty fierce' Like Sue, it's Dee's second year in the championship, but she's not confident about retaining the women's crown she took home last year. 'Too many mistakes this year,' she sighs, before revealing how she will spend her prize money if she does top the leaderboard again. The ultimate hole-by-hole World Crazy Golf Championships course guide as 'Holy trinity' descend on Hastings 'Probably down the pub with a nice Jack Daniels and Coke.' Sue and Dee are just two of the estimated 11million Brits that play crazy or mini golf regularly. The first UK course opened in Skegness in 1926 and today there are more than 1,200 in Britain. 'There is definitely an element of crazy in crazy golf,' admits event organiser Simon Tompkins. 'We started with 24 entrants in 2003, and there are 162 competitors this year, from as far and wide as Hungary, America and New Zealand. 5 'It's a fun pastime for all the family and all generations. But when you get to the final round with the elite players, all the balls are in play at the same time, and they can knock each other out. The rivalry can get pretty fierce.' The titans of the modern game are two-time champion Adam 'AK 47' Kelly and reigning, four-times winner Marc 'The Force' Chapman, who will become the joint most successful player of all time if he takes home the £1,250 first prize in the Pro Contest. When you get to the final round with the elite players, all the balls are in play at the same time, and they can knock each other out. The rivalry can get pretty fierce Event organiser Simon Tompkins A fencing coach from Canterbury, 39-year-old father-of-one Marc believes crazy golf divinity has nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with mental strength. 'If you only played a one-round shootout, then anyone could get lucky and win,' says Marc, competing for the 15th time. 'But over a weekend of six or seven rounds you need focus, consistency and presence of mind. Without that, you're gone.' And far from crumbling under the pressure, he positively revels in his rivalry with Adam Kelly and fellow elite veteran and former winner Michael Smith, who is sadly absent this year. 'We're like the Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer of the Crazy Golf world,' says Marc, who plans to spend his prize money on servicing his Audi Q3. Competing for the 16th time, double winner Adam, who triumphed in 2022 and 2023, is desperate to regain the title from his arch-rival. 'Last year, if I'm honest, I was just outplayed. Marc Chapman had a great year, and I wasn't quite at my best. 'I'd love to get the title back and go on to win five championships and to be talked about among the all-time greats of the tournaments. Of course I would.' But Adam is also a realist. He is aware that he and other elite performers are not striking fear into Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and the professional golfing community. 'Rude awakening' 'You've got to have a sense of perspective,' admits Lincoln-based Adam. 'It's great to be able to call yourself a world champion and not many people get to do that. But I've also got enough perspective to realise it is a bit silly.' Flamboyant Texan Rainey 'Rainman' Statum has travelled 5,000 miles from Houston to compete for the first time in the competition and he is struggling with the conditions. 'This one has been on my bucket list for years and years,' says the confident 63-year-old. 'But it's been a rude awakening. I'm Texas -born and raised and it's usually 95 degrees out there, so I'm freezing. 'I've got five layers on and I'm still shivering but I'm still confident. And if it doesn't work out this year, I'll be back next year.' Rainey, who works in building maintenance at the Deerwood Country Club Golf Course in the US, featured in the 1996 comedy movie Tin Cup and has won $200,000 and numerous American crazy golf titles. He believes that preparation is pivotal and played 25 rounds on the Hastings course before the event itself. 5 'I've also got this bible,' he says, clutching a notepad full of intricate line drawings of the undulations, angles and eccentricities of each hole. 'This definitely helps, but you've still got to hit them.' Obsession has its pitfalls though, reveals Rainey. 'My ex-wife got rid of me because I played too much crazy golf, so yeah, it kinda cost me my marriage. But my new lady friend loves it.' As the competition draws to a close on the Sunday afternoon, AK 47 slides down the leaderboard. "But my new lady friend loves it.' As the competition draws to a close on the Sunday afternoon, AK 47 slides down the leaderboard. Leapfrogging him into second place as the final round approaches is wily Welshman Seve 'The Dragon' Kukielka, currently top seed in the British Minigolf Association Rankings. He gets to within a single shot of Marc Chapman but the Canterbury competitor's two holes-in-one in the final three holes earns him a record-breaking fifth title and enough prize money to service his Audi. He is clearly jubilant after joining Tim Davies at the top of the all-time World Crazy Golf Championship table, and local player Murray Thompson eventually pips Seve to second place. Marc is already thinking about passing the baton on to his crazy-golf-mad son Ambrose, three. And how will Marc celebrate his triumph? 'Probably with a restless night being kicked in the back by the little one when he gets in the big bed.'
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pacelli among those institutions keeping an eye on potential state level cuts
May 30—Around a week ago Pacelli Catholic Schools recognized another successful class during its 2025 Commencement, graduating all 11 of its students. It's a trend that has continued over the years as the school has boasted a 98.6% 10-year graduation rate and even though class sizes range on the low end of students per class, it's a mark Pacelli has nonetheless become proud of. However, recent maneuvering within the Minnesota State Legislature have raised anxieties regarding non-public schools funding Pacelli receives from the State of Minnesota. "This has been huge in the private school world," said Pacelli Advancement Director and social Studies teacher Nick McGrath. State law allows reimbursement to schools regardless of whether or not they go to a public or private school. That reimbursement funding goes towards things like busing, however, in his most recent budget proposal, Gov. Tim Walz pinned the cutting of $109 million in funding for non-public school aid as well as funding for busing non-public school students. It's something those in the private school sector, including Pacelli, have been watching closely as the school could miss out on close to $1,100 per student. "It's just a really touchy subject if we lost our funding," McGrath said. There are plenty of misconceptions that float around in the orbit of private schools including things like its education for the upper class or in Pacelli's case, you have to be Catholic to attend — neither of which are true in its case. "There's a common saying that if you've seen one private school, you've seen one private school," McGrath said, adding that Pacelli's enrollment mirrors its much bigger neighbor across the street, Austin High School, in terms of demographics. "You don't have to jump through hoops," he said. "Seventy-five percent of the student body receives aid of some kind. We mirror the demographics of the public system." A large chunk of Pacelli's overall each year comes from fundraising, including its biggest fundraiser, the Pacelli Auction, which this year aimed for raising between $225,000 and $250,000 and uses the money for things like scholarships. The school was actually saved through a fundraiser in 1992 when the financial strain of keeping the school open very nearly closed the school permanently. This year, the auction raised a total net profit of $217,531.67. While the legislature failed to get a budget passed during the regular session, it is now facing a special session to get it completed. However, the proposal has since been indefinitely postponed. Lobbying groups for private schools have opposed the bill, with the Minnesota Association of Independent schools citing that it's contradictory to state intentions. "This legislation directly contradicts long-standing Minnesota policy that ensures equitable access to educational benefits for all students, including those attending nonpublic schools," the MAIS said in a letter to the Minnesota Senate Education Finance Committee on March 30. However, educator unions have voiced support for the bill saying that money generated from the public should be used for public education. It's a source of frustration for private schools who say that education standards often cross over with those of public schools and in some cases, like Pacelli, the only difference tends to be that faith is a guiding principle. "We do not offer a cut-rate education," McGrath said. "You are not being served 80% coming Pacelli. What you are getting is a comprehensive education rooted in faith."
