Crossing Borders – TORU tour with AOTNZ – May / June 2017

For immediate release

Crossing Borders – TORU tour with AOTNZ – May / June 2017

Toru re-ignites the glowing embers of a 25 year musical association between Denny Stanway, James Wilkinson and Davy Stuart from Rua, the legendary Christchurch Celtic band formed by Denny's husband, the late Jimmy Young.

The name? In Maori it means ‘three’, in Japanese ‘the sea’. It seemed a logical progression from Rua (two), and the days when Rua built up a significant fan base, performing at major music festivals both here and overseas, recording multiple albums to critical acclaim (winner of two New Zealand Music Awards) and touring several times with AOTNZ.

Rua called it a day several years ago, but the music won out and now they’re back again with Crossing Borders, singing songs of love, landscape, loss, heritage, friendship and connection.

Denny: “Crossing Borders as a concept came about through physical relocation after the Christchurch earthquakes, dealing with the stress and anxiety of long-term earthquake issues, and the death of a partner.”

Crossing Borders also reflects their varied ancestry. Davy is a transplanted Scot, James has German heritage and Denny is European Maori - despite what her blue eyes and blonde colouring might suggest, her maternal grandmother was born near Kopu. “We are Ngati Maru au Hauraki.”

Most importantly, Crossing Borders reflects the music that moves these musicians. “From original NZ songs to old Celtic ballads, we cross genres within a sound that is strongly acoustic strings-based with rhythms from the Irish drum, the Bodhran and vocal arrangements featuring all of the band.”

Australian virtuoso violinist Lindsay Martin is a member of Toru when available and is currently working from his studio in Woonona, NSW to add fiddle to Toru’s latest CD. He too will ‘cross borders’ to add violin and mandolin to the mix.

Denny Stanway: - “...the consummate singer”; “...a voice you won’t forget”; “...a true diva of song” - vocalist for the groundbreaking early 80’s Auckland based group Acoustic Confusion, supporting act to Don McLean, performer at numerous NZ arts festivals, folk festivals and WOMAD ….has recorded with Shona Laing and Mahinarangi Tocker.

James Wilkinson: - virtuoso guitarist, fretless bassist, singer/songwriter, composer - his music straddles multiple genres such as Celtic, folk, blues and rock, often with a nod to the quirky and avant garde - a modern day troubadour.

Davy Stuart: - skilled guitar and bouzouki player, noted for his Chamber Music and AOTNZ tours with harpist, Helen Webby. Internationally renowned luthier – on this tour, all four musicians will play instruments made by Davy.

Itinerary

Tuesday 30 May 8pm Balcain

Balcairn Public Hall

$25 Book: Sally Mac’s Amberley, Sefton garage, Stan’s 7 Day Pharmacy Rangiora

Wednesday 31 May 8pm Lyttleton
Naval Point Yacht Club, Charlotte Jane Quay, Magazine Bay

$20, concession $15

Thursday 1 June 8pm Reefton

Reefton Club

$20, Student $10, Family $50

Door sales or phone 03 732 8542 or 03 732 8111

Friday 2 June 8pm Barrytown

Barrytown Hall

$20 Door sales only

Saturday 3 June 7.30pm Hokitika

Old Lodge Theatre

$20 Book: Hokitika Regent Theatre

Monday 5 June 7pm Lincoln

The Laboratory

$15 Book: Eventfinda or at the Laboratory

Wednesday 7 June 7.30pm Ashburton

Ashburton Trust Event Centre

‘Open Hat’ No charge prior to the event

Thursday 8 June 7.30pm Geraldine

Town and Country Club

$20 Book: LOUK Clothing Talbot St

03 693 9070 (No Eftpos)

Friday 9 June 8pm Dunedin

New Edinburgh Folk Club, 50 Dundas St

$20, concession $15

Saturday 10 June 8pm Gore

James Cumming Wing

$25 (Concessions available)

Book: Eastern Southland Gallery

Sunday 11 June 7pm Owaka

Catlins Café $20 Book: Catlins Café

Wednesday 14 June 8pm Christchurch

St Mary’s Church, Church Square, Addington
Door Sales $25/$20 Doors open 7.30pm - maximum capacity 150

Saturday 17 June 8pm Onekaka

The Mussel Inn

$15 Book: The Mussel Inn

Sunday 18 June 8pm Nelson

Fairfield House, 48 Van Diemen St

$20 www.fairfieldnelson.org.nz

Tuesday 20 June 7pm Opotiki

De Luxe Theatre

$20 Book: De Luxe Theatre, Travel Shop or door sales

http://deluxetheatre.co.nz/

Wednesday 21 June 7.30pm Thames

Kauaeranga Hall

$20 door, $18 pre-book

Book: 021 912 993 or kauaerangahallmusic@gmail.com

Or Lotus Realm 714 Pollen St Thames

Thursday 22 June 8pm Onewhero

OSPA Theatre, Hall Rd

$25 Book: www.ospa.org.nz

Friday 23 June 7.30pm New Plymouth

4th Wall Theatre

$25 Book: www.4thwalltheatre.co.nz

Saturday 24 June 8pm Wellington

Wellington Bluegrass Society, 54 Richmond St, Petone

$25, concession $20 ww.wellingtonbluegrass.net.nz

Arts On Tour New Zealand (AOTNZ) organises tours of outstanding New Zealand performers to rural and smaller centres in New Zealand. The trust receives funding from Creative New Zealand, support from Interislander, and liaises with local arts councils, repertory theatres and community groups to bring the best of musical and theatrical talent to country districts. The AOTNZ programme is environmentally sustainable – artists travel to their audiences rather than the reverse. (ends)

© Scoop Media