Kane Parsons, a local artist and musician, was a Guest speaker at the Milson Rotary Club. He shared insights into his multifaceted artistic and educational endeavours. He started his speech with gratitude, acknowledging the pivotal role played by his parents and the late Pat Snoxell in making his creative journey possible.
Kane's talk revolved around his involvement in several community-based initiatives and his journey from being a student with a passion for music to founding the Manawatu Youth Theatre (Myth) with colleague Graeme Johnston. MYTH has been striving to democratise theatre and make it more affordable for the local community. He proudly spoke about their successful "Moana Junior" production at the Regent Theatre, a significant leap forward for MYTH. He emphasised their dedication to fostering a sense of community, particularly in collaboration with the Pacifica community, which was warmly embraced and appreciated.
Kane delved into his personal journey,
Kane delved into his personal journey, shedding light on the challenging period when his wife battled breast cancer while they were also renovating their century-old house. This personal trial underscored the importance of resilience and support within a family unit.
Another facet of Kane's artistic career revolves around "The Cars," a children's music group he co-founded with Regan Taylor. The acronym stands for "The Kane and Regan Show." They initially ventured into creating music for children during a flood crisis in 2004 when schools needed cheerful content to lift the spirits of young learners. Their first album was focused on themes like manners, respect, and basic hygiene, featuring hit songs like "Grabbing Hands" and "Traffic Lights" song, which is still circulating in schools nationwide.
Kane proudly announced the release of "The Cars 2," their latest album, featuring original tracks and classics aimed at helping children learn while having fun. The educational aspect of their work, coupled with entertaining content, is geared towards engaging kids meaningfully.
On the artistic front, Kane revealed plans to write orchestral variations dedicated to the late Peter Hawes, a well-respected figure in the local arts scene. He also intended to collaborate with his wife, Liz, on an original musical. The aim is to tell local stories and give voice to the community's creative expressions.
Moreover, Kane spoke about their upcoming project involving the release of a second children's book. This endeavour was inspired by their earlier work related to the symphonic poem about the Manawatū Awa (the Manawatu River). The new book will be an extension of their commitment to creating educational resources for local schools and Kura, following the success of their first book, The Legend of Okatia, which had a run of 1,250 copies.
Throughout Kane emphasised that the artistic projects he and his collaborators undertake are not solely about entertainment but are also rooted in education and community engagement. He reflected on the transformative power of music in the lives of young people and the significance of nurturing talent and character. Kane's talk resonated with his deep connection to the community and his commitment to giving back through the medium of art.
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