Richard Gilewitz; A Kiwi plays The William Tell Overture

On September 8, 2002 I flew to the other side of the world -- New Zealand. I had made previous trips abroad to places such as Ireland, Mexico, Canada, and England, but never quite this far. This was an adventure like none other and the people I met will never be forgotten!

A Kiwi plays The William Tell Overture on his head.

During the tour I played in mountaintop bunkers, modified warehouses, the home of a legion of blue penguins, a restaurant designed as a log cabin (built by a fellow who claims he only took an eight-day course prior to the endeavor), and discussed fingernail care with flamenco players! My shows were attended by such notables as a pig farmer who argued his right to boycott the film "Babe", a scene painting director on location for an upcoming Tom Cruise film, and a college radio crew who instructed me graciously in the slang of the land.

While performing at The Mussell Inn in Takaka, I met a particularly interesting individual named Brian Colwell. He was kind enough to share a very bizarre performance for a group of us one morning as we sat around the inn having an enjoyable breakfast of muffins and coffee. When the conversation came to a brief stall, Brian (who works at The Mussel Inn) piped in, "I can play The William Tell Overture on my head." After his impromptu performance we quickly cleaned up the muffins we spewed all over the table while in hysterics! I was so ecstatic I asked Brian if I could film his performance to share with my fans, and he promptly agreed while beaming with pride. Brian's carefree, eccentric yet kind-spirited attitude was indicative of the many Kiwis I met while touring their beautiful islands. I can't wait to go back. Kindly remove all muffins from your mouth before watching the movie!

Note: Richard's tour of New Zealand, complete with photos and captions, can be viewed on his website at http:richardgilewitz.com/tours/2002newzealand/2002newzealand.html