Don McGlashan unites with birds for ZooMusic conce

Auckland City Council

29 January 2009

Don McGlashan unites with birds for ZooMusic concert

Legendary singer-songwriter and former Mutton Birds front man Don McGlashan takes to the stage on Valentine's Day (14 February) for Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic in support of another iconic bird, the kea.

Concert-goers are in for a romantic evening with crowd-pleasing, award-winning songs from McGlashan's 2006 album Warm Hand and Mutton Birds classics, along with new songs performed with his multi-talented Seven Sisters band. They will be supported by contemporary folk / rock / jazz singer Káren Hunter and up-and-coming indie pop singer Andy Gibson.

While lovebirds will enjoy this special night at the zoo, birds of another kind will also benefit with funds raised at the concert supporting the Kea Conservation Trust, as well as International Year of the Frog.

"It's great to have an iconic Kiwi supporting another great native - the kea. Research has shown that lead can have a potentially devastating effect on kea and funds raised at the concert will help replace lead in nails and buildings in areas where kea can be found, with non-toxic alternatives. The concert also supports International Year of the Frog and this is the conclusion of our year-long activities which has raised in excess of $35,000 to help save frogs from extinction", says zoo conservation officer, Peter Fraser. The opening act (6pm to 6.20pm) is Andy Gibson, a rising indie / pop star with his 2007 debut album Behind the I receiving critical acclaim. Following Gibson will be experienced singer / songwriter Káren Hunter (6.30pm to 7.20pm), performing contemporary fold / rock infused with jazz.

Don McGlashan will take the stage at 7.30pm. Your Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic ticket is also your entry to the zoo - so come early to explore the zoo and check out your favourite animals. Please be aware the band rotunda area will closed off in the afternoon to enable safe equipment set-up. Tickets are available from Auckland Zoo and Ticketmaster. Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic Concerts for Conservation series 2009, in association with MTV, The Radio Network, Monkey Bay wines, iSite Media, and Vidcom. ENDS

Notes to the editor Event Details: * Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic 2009: Saturday 7 February - Saturday 7 March (6pm - 9pm) * Tickets available from Auckland Zoo www.aucklandzoo.co.nz (09) 360 3805, or Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.nz (09) 970 9700. Service fee applies. * Limited capacity venue. 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 * ZooMusic is a licensed event and no BYO is permitted.

Concerts for Conservation

* Don McGlashan : Saturday 14 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, supporting Cheetah Outreach, South Africa * The Mint Chicks and Pluto: Saturday 7 March, supporting Wildlife Protection Units, Sumatra

About the conservation projects Kea Conservation Trust

Funds raised at this concert will be used to help remove lead from South Island Buildings where kea occur. Recent research has indicated a high percentage of animals tested had very high levels of lead in their blood. This is acknowledged as having a potentially devastating effect on kea populations. Kea are adaptive and inquisitive and will investigate and ingest lead from a buildings flashings and nails. By removing and replacing with non-toxic alternatives, we can effectively address at least one of the threats facing kea.

International Year of the Frog

Don McGlashan's concert is also supporting the Amphibian Ark International Year of the Frog campaign - a global initiative in response to the current amphibian crisis. Frog experts estimate there are over 5,500 species of frogs in the world and approximately 32 percent of these are threatened with extinction. A deadly combination of habitat loss and degradation, infectious disease, introduced species, pollution and chemical contamination, over-harvesting for food, and climate change is decimating frog populations. Auckland Zoo has raised over $35,000.00 for International Year of the Frog. New Zealand's four endemic native frogs are among endangered species set to benefit from this global initiative.

ENDS

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