14 December 2004

Hot Sounds at the zoo this summer

The hottest Kiwi music plays at one of the city’s most unique locations this summer, in ASB ZooMusic, a series of six twilight concerts at Auckland Zoo (from Friday 21 January 2005 to Saturday 5 March 2005).

Dave Dobbyn, Nathan Haines, Katchafire, Goodshirt and Nesian Mystik are amongst the acts featuring in ASB ZooMusic, which kicks off with a concert by Dave Dobbyn on Friday 21 January. You can also hear great guest artists at all these evening concerts (from 6pm – 9pm), such as Opshop, The Exiles, One Million Dollars, Charlotte Johansen, Flow on Show, Tyna and JB and others.

Dave Dobbyn launches the series with a solo acoustic concert on Friday 21 January. Supporting him will be up-and-coming singer-songwriter Charlotte Johansen, whose style has been likened to Michelle Shocked and Ani Difranco. Rikki Morris and Chris Sanders will also perform.

On Saturday 12 February, you can mellow out with international jazz maestro Nathan Haines. Haines plays his own brand of improvised acoustic jazz, which has won him fans around the world. He will be fresh from his December concerts with the NZSO, and will be joined by support act One Million Dollars, a soul-jazz 11-piece band who combine the sounds of 70s soul, funk and samba.

Aotearoa’s leading reggae group Katchafire will light up the zoo on Sunday 20 February, with songs from their new album and old favourites. They will be joined by The Exiles.

The final two concerts of the ASB ZooMusic series are part of the AK05 Auckland Festival.

Award-winning band Goodshirt plays on Saturday 26 February, before it heads off overseas to promote the band’s popular Fiji Baby album. Enjoy a great summer evening soaking up the sounds of this talented group, winners of Song of the Year for hit single ‘Sophie’ and Best Songwriter Award at last year’s New Zealand Music Awards. Goodshirt will be joined by special guests Opshop.

The series wraps up with a concert from arguably the best Hip Hop/R'n'B boys in the Pacific on Saturday 5 March, Nesian Mystik, hooked up by FLAVA 96.1 and hosted by Stacey Daniels. Nesian Mystik will be joined by Tyna and JB, and Flow on Show. You can also check out the group of graffiti artists producing a wall of art during the evening’s performance.

“Music at the Zoo has always been popular,” says Auckland Zoo events co-ordinator Jackie Sanders. “It is such a unique and enjoyable environment. Last year was our first ASB ZooMusic series, with a fantastic range of contemporary New Zealand artists. The concerts were a big hit and we are keen to build on that success. We are delighted to have ASB Bank back on board supporting the series, and are excited to have top Kiwi acts from such diverse musical genres.”

Most of the animals will still be up in the warmth of the summer evenings, so come early and hang out in the lush surroundings of Auckland's best park with your family and friends. Bring a picnic, or purchase dinner from Darwin's café or the BBQs we'll have set up near the Band Rotunda, or pre-order a zoo hamper from Darwin's café (phone (09) 360 5261). Darwin's is licensed, and we'll also have a fully licensed bar set up in the grounds. ASB ZooMusic tickets can be pre-purchased through Ticketek, or from the zoo. With limited capacity, and tickets already selling, we recommend advance booking. Tickets: adults $20, children (4+yrs) $10, students and seniors $15 and a 3-ticket pass $50.

ASB ZooMusic is a six-gig concert series happening from 21 January 2005 – 5 March 2005. To find out more please visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz.

ENDS

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