OPEN AIR ORCHESTRA - NEW TO MUSIC IN PARKS

Genre:  Classical, Pop, Alt, Indie, Soul, RnB, Funk

Date:  Saturday, 24 March 2018

Time:  6pm-9pm 

Venue:  Bell Park (Lloyd Elsmore Park), Bells Road, Pakuranga, Auckland

Accessibility:  Some designated limited mobility car parking available. Accessible toilets on site.

Event updates: (optional)  RSVP on Facebook for the latest news and announcements

See the 2018 Music in Parks series out with a bang at our season finale!

New to Music in Parks, Open Air Orchestra brings you a night of pop and classical treats. With hits you'll know from across the ages to today and a handful of sweet surprises, you'll be in music heaven under the night sky. Featuring live music from Tami Neilson, Julia Deans, Bailey Wiley, Alae, Jessie Cassin, Howick Brass Band, The Souls choir and The Blackbird Ensemble’s 20-piece orchestra.

Plus: special guest comedian MC Tom Sainsbury.

Adventurous, brave and heart-stopping, Blackbird Ensemble crosses genres, eras and boundaries to reinvent classical music for a new generation.

With deep, mesmerising vocals and the dynamism of country music, APRA Silver Scroll winner Tami Neilson is guaranteed to captivate any audience.

Former Fur Patrol front woman and arts festival favourite, Julia Dean's music blends rock, pop and electronica with a hint of country. 

Bailey Wiley filters neo-soul classicism through modern live musicianship. Spotify streams for her tracks Take It From Me and Dos Fuegos are sitting at over 300,000 for each track and climbing.

Fronted by lead singer Alex Farrell-Davey, Alae are folk/pop group possessing a unique sound that needs to be experienced. Alae were nominated for the Taite music prize for Best Independent Debut 2017.

Powerhouse vocalist Jessie Cassin is an Auckland-based singer/songwriter and frontwoman for band Eyes no Eyes. With a background in professional musical theatre, opera and television, she will amaze and delight. 

With an enviable schedule ranging from concerts to parades to tattoos, award-winning Howick Brass is one of the most progressive brass bands in Auckland.

Auckland's most daring choir, The Souls have sung in tunnels and in towers, in foyers and on the streets to bring a capella music ancient and contemporary to the people. 

Bring a date, friends or family for a night under the stars. Pack a picnic or grab a tasty bite from the food trucks onsite.

Free kids activities and giveaways on the night. 

Brought to you by Auckland Council Music in Parks and Howick Local Board.

This is a smoke free event.

MARLON WILLIAMS ANNOUNCES NEW AUCKLAND SHOW & NEW DUNEDIN VENUE

DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND SECOND AUCKLAND TOWN HALL SHOW ANNOUNCED + DUNEDIN VENUE UPGRADED TO THE DUNEDIN TOWN HALL

On the back of his latest record ‘Make Way For Love’ debuting at the number one spot in New Zealand, it is clear that New Zealand cannot get enough of Marlon Williams (Alistair Burns).
 
Today, it is with great delight that Marlon announces a second and fully seated Auckland Town Hall show and, an upgrade of the Dunedin venue from Glenroy Auditorium to The Dunedin Town Hall this May.
 
Released just last month, Marlon’s sophomore album Make Way For Love has been receiving high praise from both fans and critics alike.
 
“You only get a voice and presence like Marlon Williams once or twice a generation, and if you’re under a certain age, chances are what he offers is quite unlike anything you might have experienced before.” SNIFFERS

“A beautiful, honest breakup album from an old soul, 5 stars”  NZ Herald
 
 “9 out of 10. An instant classic. It’s timeless. It could have been recorded anytime in the past 60 years” on Newstalk ZB.
 
Currently in the midst of a mammoth international tour, these will be the first New Zealand audiences to hear Make Way For Love live and all shows are selling fast. Don’t missMarlon Williams with full band live and Julia Deans as support this May across New Zealand.
 
“The word “crooner” is terribly overused in music writing, but if it were ever appropriate for an artist, it’s New Zealand-based Marlon Williams. Holy s**t what a voice!” – Paste Magazine

MARLON WILLIAMS NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES
Sat. May 19 — Wellington  @ Hunter Lounge | SOLD OUT
Sun. May 20— Wellington  @ Hunter Lounge | ticketmaster.co.nz SELLING FAST
Tue. May 22 — Dunedin @ Dunedin Town Hall | ticketmaster.co.nz UPGRADED + SELLING FAST
(GA and reserved seating available)
Wed. May 23 — Christchurch @ Foundry | ticketmaster.co.nz SELLING FAST
Fri. May 25 — Auckland @ Auckland Town Hall | ticketmaster.co.nz SELLING FAST
Sat. May 26 — Auckland, NZ @ Auckland Town Hall | ticketmaster.co.nz
NEW SHOW- FULLY SEATED

I AM GIANT ADD A SECOND CHRISTCHURCH SHOW TO FINAL NZ TOUR

I Am Giant are stoked to announce the addition of a second Christchurch date to their national tour, with tickets for the Saturday show nearly sold out! Also, due to unforseen circumstances, both Christchurch shows are moving venue to Sullivans.  
 
The band released their third and final album ‘Life in Captivity’ on Friday – it was the number one seller over the weekend at JB Hifi and has begun to receive rave reviews:
 
‘Perhaps one of the best they've ever written’ Heart and Noise
 
With Woolright, Matthews, and Timu currently living in New Zealand, the UK, and Australia, and new projects on the horizon for all of the members, Life In Captivity will be their final project as a band, at least for now.
 
‘‘The last 10 years as I AM GIANT have been just huge. We’ve written some good tunes, taken them round the world, met some awesome people, played amazing shows and festivals, and most importantly, we’ve had so much fun doing it. We have to thank all our fans and friends for making this possible and give an extra special shout out to Chris Morgan and all the members of the I Am Giant Army for their years of dedicated support. Without them we would not have been able to have experienced this amazing journey ’  Paul Matthews
 
I Am Giant’s third and final album ‘Life in Captivity’, features  the singles Dead Flower, Playing With Fire and Don’t Look Back,  is out now via AWAL and Rhythmethod
 
 
The Rock presents ‘Life in Captivity’ Album Release Tour
 
Thursday 5th April Tauranga – Totara Street
Saturday 7th April Wellington - Homegrown
Friday 13th April Hamilton - Altitude
Saturday 14th April Auckland - Galatos
Thursday 19th April Nelson – Armadillos
Friday 20th April Greymouth – The Australasian Hotel
Sat 21st April Christchurch – Sullivans – NEW VENUE
Sun 22nd April Christchurch – Sullivans – NEW SHOW  
 
* All tickets sold for Sat night Chch Armadillos can still be used for the new venue
 
 
Tickets on sale now from www.iamgiant.com and www.nztix.co.nz
 

NRG RISING TAKES US HIGH WITH CLASSIC 90'S R&B VIBE

A catchy, soulful tune (echoing the popular 1990’s style of R&B) by Hamilton’s female reggae trio NRG Rising (Benita Tahuri), is to be released on March 16th, under the title ‘Take Us High’.  The track is produced by the Vodafone Best Roots Artist Award winner Israel Starr.

The mother and daughter reggae trio first flowed into the music scene with their debut album, ‘From Darkness to Light’ in 2011, and have grown a strong, loyal following ever since through their engaging live shows and performances.

Now with years of experience, maturity in song composition, hundreds of live shows, national tours and two international tours to the USA, they are back with this single.

The ‘Take Us High’ video produced by NZ hip hop legend Dei Hamo releases on 23rd March, followed by NRG’s subsequent album, ‘Say Yes To Life’ on April 27th.

OLIVIA FOA'I 'CITY GOT YOUR NAME ON IT'

Best known for her vocals on Disney's 'Moana' soundtrack and as lead female singer/dancer for Te Vaka, Olivia Foa’i (Julie Foa'i) is finding her own voice with the release of her catchy and quirky RnB/Pop single, "City Got Your Name on It".

No stranger to the stage or studio, Olivia has performed in 40 countries and featured on several tracks over Te Vaka's 9 albums. In 2017 she was nominated for "Best Pacific Female Artist" and won "Best Pacific Language Song" (for Tulou Tagaloa from the Moana soundtrack) in the Pacific Music Music Awards. Later in 2017 came the band's latest hit, "Lakalaka" which was released through Walt Disney Records with a music video directed, choreographed and performed by Olivia. The video is currently at 2M views on YouTube. A prolific songwriter of various genres from a young age and a multi-dimensional artist/story-teller, Olivia is one talent to watch for as she combines her unique and refreshing artistic background to launch into the mainstream.

ARIA NICHOLS 'THOUGHTFUL'

Dubbed the Adele of Trap music, Aria Nichols is an exciting up-and-coming artist, ready to take the Electronic music world by storm. Raised in New Zealand, but based in Dubai, Aria kick-started her musical career during her final year at medical school.  She teamed up with talented producer Don Fuego, forming a solid tandem and fusing deep, authentic songwriting with EDM.

Solid early influences including The Cranberries, Alanis Morissette, The Carpenters, Shakira and more recently Tove Lo, Ellie Goulding and fellow New Zealand star Lorde – Aria has put her signature on Trap, adding Jazzy undertones, unique melodies and soulful, emotive lyrics to the distinct heavyweight drops associated with the genre.

Aria’s latest single ‘Thoughtful’ describes the subtle, ever present melancholy when you lose someone you love. The constantly repeating thoughts, the regrets, the longing. Although the track is highly relatable, Aria wrote ‘Thoughtful’ as a way to express her grief just months after losing her newborn daughter to a heart condition.  Aria’s heartbreaking vocals reveal those complex emotions in this stunning downtempo track produced by Don Fuego.

Aria has launched an exciting, intense release schedule for her music, with her signature sound, genuine emotion and catchy melodies she is sure to keep her name in the spotlight over the coming months.

INTRODUCING SIMON HIRST

Simon Hirst (Janelle Matchett) is a young singer / songwriter from Hamilton, New Zealand.  He recorded his debut EP in 2015 and more recently his full album, Feet of God which features stunning original music that has been compared to the likes of Dave Dobbyn & Crowded House. This LP also features famous drummer Patrick Khutze & Split Enz Keyboardist/Producer, Eddie Rayner. Simon is equally at home as a solo act or with a band, performing both originals and covers which makes him a very diverse & in-demand artist. The future looks bright for this multi-talented kiwi! Keep watching this space...  

Simon's new full length album 'Feet of God' has been a very special project released on the 1st of January 2018 and was recorded in Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios. The album described as "a beautiful set of songs" features the likes of famous NZ Drummer, Patrick Kuhtze and also Split Enz's very own Eddie Rayner. Eddie also produced an orchestral arragement for a special online-only version of the album closer 'Through The Wall Of Light'. 

Simon Hirst - Upcoming Gig

7th of April at Nivara Lounge, Hamilton @ 7pm

Tickets on Eventfinda | $10

Join us for an evening with Simon Hirst at the retro underground venue, Nivara Lounge. The perfect spot to promote this brand new full length LP, 'Feet of God' in a stripped back, relaxed atmosphere. 
Without a doubt, the night will include good banter, memorable moments and great music played to the 'home crowd'. 

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/simon-hirst2/hamilton

MMF NZ ANNOUNCE DIRECT TO FAN SEMINAR IN CHRISTCHURCH

The NZ Music Managers Forum is proud to announce a vital seminar for their Christchurch members about Direct to Fan Marketing and Promotion, on Tuesday 27th March from 6pm to 8pm

Guest speaker Jessie Scoullar is founding director of Wicksteed Works, a London-based consultancy empowering musicians to maximise their potential through connection, communication and coordination of kick-ass direct-to-fan marketing and retail campaigns.

Wicksteed Works clients past and present include Laura Marling, Bic Runga, Mumford & Sons, Delaney Davidson, Paul Kalkbrenner, Elvis Costello, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Eurovision, Eagle Rock, Neil Finn, Little Boots and Paul McCartney.

Jessie has spoken at many international conferences including The Great Escape (UK), Indie Con (USA), Fast Forward (Holland), Primavera (Spain)

During the seminar Jessie will be:

•      identifying artist values as the basis for communications planning

•      a tour through the basics of direct-to-fan strategy

•      analyse product strategy 

•      look at different fan funding models

Don’t miss this essential seminar! MMF members only – rsvp to lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz or to find out how to join the NZ Music Managers Forum

Direct to Fan Seminar – Christchurch

Date:Tuesday 27th March

Time:6pm – 8pm

RSVP:lorraine.owen@mmf.co.nz

MMF Members only