Media Release: For Immediate Release

AUCKLAND LIVE presents
SUMMER IN THE SQUARE

OUR CITY SQUARE IS SET TO BECOME
A LUSH URBAN OASIS

Aotea Square heats up with two weeks of free gigs, performances, dancing under the stars and Christmas markets. With something for every Aucklander, Summer in the Square invites all the extended family and more to Auckland Live’s mid-city backyard to celebrate the arrival of summer from 8-20 December.

Summer in the Square (formerly Unwrapping Christmas) returns for a fifth year and allows everyone to sit back, enjoy entertainment and a raft of activities as the warm weather draws us outdoors. To get us in the mood, Auckland Live will cover the Aotea Square concrete in grass, adding deck chairs, games, live music and of course dancing. And it’s free – so there’s no excuse not to get down!

The hugely popular Bandstand Under the Stars will have you dancing the night away. Pull up a deckchair for Live at Lunch brought to you by Kiwi FM. There are fun activities for adults and children to enjoy - like losing yourself in a massive maze made by Auckland set designer Jane Hakaraia and Q Theatre’s production manager Kate Burton out of recycled pallets (courtesy of The Pallet Company). They have also given Q Theatre banners a new life as cushions. Colourful sandpits have been built from the set of New Zealand Opera’s Don Giovanni. Challenge someone to a game of giant Connect Four while you’re in the area. Head to the market and fossick through handmade goods for Christmas presents or something tasty to eat.

Settle into the Auckland Libraries pop-up tent for a children’s storytime in the shade, or one of many activities including making a book to take home.

“This year we’ve pulled together some of the best talent from across the music, theatre and dance communities to present a vibrant programme taking the arts precinct into full swing.” says Anders Falstie-Jensen, producer, Summer in the Square.

Bandstand Under the Stars
On Friday and Saturday nights, everyone is invited to learn new moves or show off old tricks at Bandstand Under the Stars. Auckland’s best dancers will teach you how it’s done while top musicians play live and once you have the moves, stick around and dance the night away. Join in on - Swing with 12 piece band Tuxedo Swing on Friday 12th,Popping with Auckland Popping Community on Saturday 13th, Salsa the night way on Friday 19th and Ballroom with Queen City Big Band on Saturday 20th.

Live at Lunch with Kiwi FM
Sit back and enjoy the music with Anthonie Tonnon, Nadia Reid, Ratsmagic, Rodney Fisher, Fazerdaze, the Leers, Miloux, Matthias Jordan and Ukiah Brown & the Lo Flying Lovers. These up and coming acts will perform from 12.30pm-1pm on weekdays. You also can catch Kiwi FM’s daily DJs between 12pm-3pm.

Live from Five
The Royal New Zealand Navy Band will kick-start your morning on Sat 13 Decemberwith some toe-tapping tunes. Later that evening, enjoy the sensational Tama Waiparaand this three piece band for a set of soulful rhythms.

The outdoor concerts wouldn’t be complete without a variety of New Zealand acts including gypsy jazz band Twistin’ the Spring on Friday 12th. Papatoetoe EFKS Youth Choir will perform Christmas carols and gospel songs on Saturday 13th. Soul Samba Circus fuses samba, soul and bass on Friday 19th. The Tami Neilson Trio performs on Saturday 20th. Tami Neilson is New Zealand’s undisputed queen of country and rockabilly and won the 2014 Silver Scrolls song-writing award. For the finale, Saturday 20thDecember, Mr Roberelli will keep the youngest children entertained with playful music and winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s Fringe Genius Award – Barnie Duncanperforms Calypso Nights.

Theatre
Adding a touch of the unexpected, Justin Haiu will bring clowning and physical theatre to the square with his new show Jandel J and the Funky Friends. On Friday 12thDecember, Red Leap Theatre will present A Traveller’s Tale - audiences get to create a flock of birds and boats and join this epic adventure.

So come down and enjoy Auckland’s biggest backyard as it comes alive with free music, theatre, dancing and so much more.

For more detailed information visit www.aucklandlive.co.nz

Auckland Live presents
SUMMER IN THE SQUARE

Monday 8 to Saturday 20 December
Aotea Square, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland CBD

Live at Lunch: Monday – Friday 12.30pm-1pm
Kiwi FM DJs: Monday – Saturday 12pm-3pm
Theatre Shows: Friday & Saturdays 2pm–3pm & 5pm–5.45pm and Sun 14 December 12pm–3pm
Live from 5pm: Every Friday and Saturday; 5pm–7pm, and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Bandstand Under the Stars: Every Friday and Saturday nights. 7pm to late
Finale: Saturday 20 December Mr Roberelli 12 noon-1pm, Calypso Nights 10pm-12 midnight

All events are FREE

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