26 March 2013 - 0 Comments

Palmerston North’s Rob Thorne, a maker and performer of traditional Maori musical instruments, has just been offered a learning opportunity of a lifetime – to spend time working with indigenous shaman in the Peruvian Amazon. He is hoping that community spirit, via crowdfunding website http://www.pozible.com/, will help get him there.

Rob performs and collaborates regularly with musicians around Aotearoa and is releasing an album on Rattle Records later this year. “I see this journey not just as a chance to develop my own experience as a musician, social anthropologist, a Maori, and practicing healer,” say Rob “but importantly to share new knowledge and music around Aotearoa and beyond.”

The campaign to help Rob with $2,640 flight costs was started on Sunday 24 March and runs for 32 days on http://www.pozible.com/. By the end of the first day nearly 20% had been raised. “That’s a truly wonderful start” says Rob “it is humbling that people are being so generous, but I really do need their help to get there. This dream opportunity came out of the blue and time is unfortunately short, especially in regard to securing well priced flights. That is why I am crowd-funding. The total cost of the trip is closer to $5,000 but I’m only asking for help with the flights.”

While people can donate without receiving anything, Rob is offering a range of ‘rewards’ depending on the contribution. “I don’t expect help for nothing in return, so during my travels I will create various rewards for supporters.” says Rob. “These include a personalised copy of my travel journal, a self produced CD of Amazonian sounds recorded on the trip, and a postcard sent from Peru.” To find out more or support Rob’s Amazon adventure visit http://www.pozible.com/ and search for “Rob Thorne”.

Photo - Rob Thorne at the Mighty Mighty, Wellington - courtesy of Jo Berry Loughrey, Vulture Photography

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