SBS Bank ready to get funky for First Night

8 February 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

SBS Bank ready to get funky for First Night

The team at SBS Bank in Hamilton is set to get funky with the party atmosphere when the Waikato Times Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival kicks off later this month.

This year SBS Bank, in association with Creative New Zealand, are proud to sponsor First Night Funk when the festival opens on Friday 19 February.

The 12th annual festival promises to be bigger than ever with two full weeks of nationally and internationally acclaimed entertainment acts and interactive activities, which includes double the number of performers than last year and workshops being included in the programme for the first time.

SBS Bank Hamilton manager Nicki Bennett said they were looking forward to being a part of the opening night party on the Rhododendron Lawn.

“Opening night really sets the atmosphere for what is to come and this year is no exception when organisers call it ‘the party to start the party.’

“I know our team will be keen to pack the picnic basket and get grooving with the awesome 13 piece super-group, Batucada Sound Machine.

“These guys have performed at some of world’s biggest festivals, including WOMAD in the UK, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sydney Festival and Perth International Arts Festival, and it’s a fantastic opportunity, particularly when it’s free, to check out their amazing blend of Latin rhythms and Pacific soul,” Ms Bennett said.

“To warm everyone up, we’ll have our very own, dynamic Wai Taiko Drummers and Chilean singer-songwriter Carmen Salvador, a young independent songwriter from Chile who mixes native and folkloric South American music with modern sounds and instrumentation.

“It’s going to be another great night to remember and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone there – the team at SBS Bank promise to bring the flouro sticks for some colourful fun later in the night.”

ends

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