Hoedown celebrates buskers

Wellington Museum is paying tribute to the capital’s buskers this month with an evening of live music, line dancing and history. Kenny’s Hoedown celebrates Wellington night culture and the contribution of famed Wellington busker, the late ‘‘Kenny’’ (John D’Estaing Adams) who played Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler on Courtenay Place, leading to Wellington City Council regularly confiscating his amplifier after noise complaints from residents. The actor, singer and musician was born in Texas in 1946, moved to Wellington in 1992 and died in 2011. His amp is now on display in The Attic at Wellington Museum and a bench on Courtenay Place bears a plaque remembering his colourful impact on the city. Gig-goers will be entertained by live music from buskers including Joe Blossom, King Homeboy, Wrarwick and the Wrankers, Wellington’s favourite Erhu player Heleyni, and will have the chance to browse exhibitions and join in the line-dancing. Runs November 18, 6-10pm, Wellington Museum, tickets $10.