If you're searching for signs that summer is actually on the way, look no further than Ōamaru's fabled Grainstore Gallery, which has announced a run of end-of-year shows.

The action kicks off this Thursday with a performance by Whakatū/Nelson-based Nile Street Project, a trio of orchestral players who perform music associated with the neoclassical movement.  

“Our music can be subtle and graceful, deep and dramatic, and lyrically melodic,” vibraphone player Dan Callahan says. 

“The selection we will bring to you is a beautiful representation of not only what we do but the movement as a whole.”

The trio's roots lie in lockdown, when Callahan and pianist Clare Monti began discussing ways of blending their instruments to bring new dimensions to the music of Australian composer Luke Howard. The concept worked, and the trio was completed when double bass player Alvaro Moreno came on board.

Soon after, the Project played their first show at the Nelson Centre for Musical Arts, and now they're headed to Ōamaru and the unique setting of Donna Demente's Grainstore.

“I met Donna some years ago now and we connected over the arts and music,” says Callahan. “I love what she's been able to do down there in the Victorian Precinct and her gallery environment is simply sublime.

“She invited me to bring some music down to her and perform in the Grainstore space and now we have the perfect offering for her space and the wonderful audiences that attend the concerts there. We're really looking forward to coming to play for you all!”

For any locals wishing to ease themselves back into gig going, this might be the perfect opportunity, with the trio's music a chance to take a break from the chaos and hurly-burly of the modern world.

“Our sound, and the music we make, creates a space for reflection, peace and retrospection, and our concerts can be a very spiritual and enriching experience,” Callahan says.

“Most of all, we want to share this thing called neoclassical music and tell you all why we love it so much. We're sure you'll love it too by the end of the concert!”

The Nile Street Project is at the Grainstore Gallery on Harbour Street this Thursday (November 2). Their soothing sounds begin at 8pm, and tickets are on sale from Humantix

Other upcoming shows at the Grainstore:

Nov 11: Cloudboy

Nov 17: Lawrence Arabia

Dec 01: Jon Sanders

Dec 15: Ben Salter