ZooMusic roars into sixth series w top Kiwi lineup

Auckland City Council

Media release

8 December 2008

ZooMusic roars into sixth series with top Kiwi line-up

Auckland Zoo’s Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic series returns for summer 2009 serving up four fabulous ‘concerts for conservation’ from 7 February to 7 March 2009.

SJD, Don McGlashan, Hollie Smith and Nathan Haines (double bill) and The Mint Chicks and Pluto (double bill) make up the summer season line-up with a mix of pop, rock, jazz and kiwi classics set in the lush surrounds of Auckland City’s most unique park.

Launching the series on 7 February is soulful singer-songwriter SJD, whose recently released fifth album received critical acclaim. Legendary and award-winning musician Don McGlashan takes to the stage on Valentine’s Day (14 February) following his successful tour of the United States and recent tour with Crowded House in Europe

The first ZooMusic double bill on 21 February sees this country’s greatest jazz musician Nathan Haines, and award-winning Hollie Smith, perform separate sets during the evening. Hollie’s debut album Long Player (2007) reached number one in New Zealand and has won four New Zealand Music Awards.

The series concludes on 7 March with sensational experimental punk/pop band The Mint Chicks, performing with pop/rock band Pluto (New Zealand Music Awards ‘People’s Choice’ winners). Both bands will perform separate sets.

Each concert will feature top support acts, and will support a specific conservation project – giving music lovers the opportunity to enjoy New Zealand’s hottest musical talents, while at the same time helping some of the planet’s most endangered animals. Last year’s five-concert series raised over $27,000 for conservation projects.

One dollar from every ticket sold will go directly to the conservation project, along with donations made on the night, and a percentage of net profit. “This year we’re delighted to have such great Kiwi talent helping five great projects: African cheetah, Asian turtles, elephants in Sumatra as well as the iconic New Zealand kea and our critically endangered native frogs – all vital projects that need our support,” says the zoo’s conservation officer Peter Fraser.

ZooMusic sponsors, Wild Bean Cafe, have returned for a third season.
Wild Bean Cafe Marketing Specialist Dan McPharlin says Wild Bean Cafe is excited to be part of such a fun event that supports such a worthy cause, national and international conservation projects.

“ZooMusic brings together the excitement of live New Zealand music set in one of Auckland's best locations. Coupled with the fact that the proceeds go to help some of the world’s most endangered species, you’ve got an unbeatable night out,” says Mr McPharlin.

Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic ‘concerts for conservation’ series 2009, in association with MTV, The Radio Network, Monkey Bay wines, iSite Media and Vidcom. Tickets available from Ticketmaster and Auckland Zoo.

ENDS

Notes to the editor
Event Details:

• Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic 2009: Saturday, 7 February – Saturday, 7 March (6pm – 9pm)

• your ZooMusic ticket is also your entry, so come early and explore the zoo

• tickets available from Auckland Zoo on (09) 360 3805, or Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.nz or by calling (09) 970 9700. Service fee applies.

• limited capacity venue. With tickets expected to sell fast – advance booking recommended . Prices: Adults $30, Children (4 – 15yrs) $15

• Friends of the Zoo receive a 20% discount on above prices.

• for more details, including soon-to-be-announced support acts visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

• please be aware the band rotunda area will be closed off in the afternoon for set-up.

Concert series line-up:

• SJD: Saturday 7 Feb (rain date Sunday 8 Feb), supporting Asian Turtle Programme, Vietnam

• Don McGlashan: Saturday 14 Feb (rain date Sunday 15 Feb), supporting Kea Conservation Trust and Amphibian Ark International Year of the Frog, in support of native frogs (New Zealand)

• Hollie Smith and Nathan Haines: Saturday 21 Feb (rain date Sunday 22 Feb), supporting Cheetah Outreach, South Africa

• The Mint Chicks and Pluto: Saturday 7 March (rain date Sunday 8 March), supporting Wildlife Protection Unit in Sumatra’s Bukit Tigapuluh National Park

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