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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Congress of Animals will be at Womad



A star-studded collective of kiwi songwriters and solo artists have joined forces to bring you the epic supergroup that is Congress of Animals. It started as a jam session with friends from some of New Zealand’s best bands - including Trinity Roots, Fly My Pretties, and Flight of the Conchords, and has blossomed into a full blown touring group with a thrilling, eclectic and upbeat feel. 



Sat, 6.15 pm, Te Paepae, workshop  Sun, 7.45 pm, Dell Stage 




THE CORRESPONDENTS United Kingdom  Back by popular demand!


One of WOMAD NZ’s most beloved performers of all time are coming back to wow us with their trademark sound of unique, genre-mashing alternative pop. The Correspondents – singer Mr Bruce and producer Chucks - create hi-octane, genre-blending dance music. Mr Bruce scats rapidly and dances as though his life depends on it, whilst Chucks takes the audience on a journey through a smorgasbord of genres; from jazz and blues to electro and drum ‘n’ bass.



With their unique aesthetic and insane energy, live shows by this duo live long in the memory. Fri, 9.30 pm, Todd Energy Brooklands Stage Sun, 2.00 pm, TSB Bowl Stage   

 https://www.womad.co.nz

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Coastella 2019 - Southwards Car Museum, 23rd February 2019

CW Stoneking - Photo by Tim Gruar
Hey, Hey Groovers.  Coastella Music Festival 2019 – Kapiti Coast Boutique Music Festival celebrates summer in style with huge crowds from around the country and the cream of music, food , drink and culture!
The Beths - Photo by Tim Gruar
Clear skies and a bumper line up brought out colourful crowds for Coastella this Saturday 23rd February on the Kapiti Coast. Over 3,000 people attended Saturday’s event, which featured music from 10 local and international acts. Now in its 4th year, the boutique festival has grown to attract audiences from the greater Wellington region, as well as attendees from Auckland thanks in part to Air Chathams’ new Auckland to Kapiti route.
Warren Maxwell, Trinity Roots - Photo by Tim Gruar

Mama Kin & Supertonic - photo by Tim Gruar
Festival goers young and old flooded the grounds of Southward Car Museum, and were welcomed with a Whakatau, led by local kaumatua Manu Parata and Mahutonga Blankensop. Everyone gathered around the lush natural amphitheatre, relaxing on the grass and settling in.
Photo by Tim Gruar
Auckland blues-rock band The Miltones kicked off the music for the day on the Coastin’ Dell Stage, playing an energetic and captivating set. After that, soaring melodies drew crowds over to the Amphitheatre stage, with Australian duo Mama Kin Spender performing with Wellington choir Supertonic in a special collaboration. The 24 voices filled the grounds, capturing everyone’s attention with their tight harmonies. Mama Kin Spender frontwoman Danielle Caruana closed the set with a warm message, saying “You want to be punk? You want to be rebellious? Go out there and show your love.” Later in the day Australian jungle-rock blues artist C.W. Stoneking wowed audiences with a simple solo set on the Coastin’ Dell Stage, surrounded by native bush and buzzing cicadas.
Photo by Tim Gruar

Photo by Tim Gruar
Auckland’s The Beths had a sizable crowd on the Amphitheatre stage, thanks to their swift rise in popularity since the release of their debut album in 2018. Aotearoa’s finest emerging bands Ha The Unclear performed on the ‘Coastin Dell Stage, and Dunedin indie-rock band Soaked Oats played the closing set on the stage for the night. As the sun began to set Trinity Roots took to the Amphitheatre and delivered a heartfelt one hour set laiden with the liquid basslines and smooth harmonies that they’ve become renowned for over their 20 year career. The night ended with a whole lot of brass, with Brisbane based Bullhorn closing the Amphitheatre stage, followed by the Richter City Rebels kicking off the after party in the Amphitheatre.
Photo by Tim Gruar
Punters were treated to a huge selection of locally made food and drink, all hand-picked by Visa Wellington on a Plate. All dietary requirements were catered for with plenty of vegan and gluten-free food on offer. Craft beers were flowing at the Tuatara bars, with plenty of other locally produced drinks on offer. Those after a drink or bite to each were served quickly and efficiently, thanks to the efficient cashless AWOP system.
CW Stoneking - Photo by Tim Gruar

Ha The Unclear - Photo by Tim Gruar
The Havana Funzone was back this year, providing a safe and welcoming space for the wee ones. There were circus performances, juggling workshops, bouncy castles and face painting. Tinytown, arguably the world’s tiniest stage was back this year, with over 16 performers from all over the world squeezing in to perform for a few lucky audience members.
Photo by Tim Gruar
Punters were all smiles, whether they were dancing up the front, lying on the grass or strolling through the festival grounds. Once again Coastella brought premiere music and culture to the stunning Kapiti Coast, allowing Wellingtonians to escape the city for the day and treating locals to the cream of local and international music.
Bullhorn - Photo by Tim Gruar


 Link To Coastella 2019

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Publishing News: NZ Booklovers Awards 2019 Shortlist Announced



A mixture of well-known writers and new authors feature in the inaugural NZ Booklovers Awards shortlist announced today.                

The latest works by Fiona Kidman, Nicky Pellegrino, Jo Seagar, Wendyl Nissen, David Hill and Fleur Beale are among the diverse range of books nominated for the NZ Booklovers Awards, along with exciting new authors.                

Six books are shortlisted in each of the three award categories: adult fiction, lifestyle books and children’s books.                

NZ Booklovers Director Karen McMillan says the inaugural awards received a large number of entries and the standard was extremely high.                

‘The judges were excited to see the variety of books that our talented New Zealand authors have produced.  (We) celebrate the best in storytelling, books that we couldn’t put down.'

The NZ Booklovers Awards 2019 shortlisted titles are: 

NZ Booklovers Award Best Adult Fiction Book 2019 

A Change of Key by Adrienne Jansen (Escalator Press) - ‘A wonderful collection of characters in this book set in a mostly migrant community. The residents are drawn together to support one another, and by weaving the theme of music into the story, there is a real sense of belonging and community in this little snapshot of a not-so-familiar NZ. Adrienne Jansen makes you care about the characters in this book.’ (Judge's comments)

Crystal Reign by Kelly Lyndon (Remnant Press) - ‘Crystal Reign is an eye-opening story about the dreadful effects of P on an ordinary family, written from the point of view of a man trying to hold his family and marriage together. The writing style is engaging and direct – exploring the raw emotions of what he is going through, as well as the toll it takes on those around him.’ (Judge's Comments)

Fishing for Māui by Isa Pearl Ritchie (Te Rā Aroha Press) - ‘Fishing for Māui is a portrait of a family moving through crisis. We are introduced to a large cast of characters in this book, and the author cleverly tells their stories through their own eyes, from very young, to very old. It cleverly interweaves Māori legends and a real sense of New Zealand and connection to the past and present. Drugs, mental health, families and cultures are never easy topics, but Isa Pearl Ritchie tackles them all.’ (Judge's comments)

Grandzilla by Lisa Williams (Crummer Road Press) - Grandzilla educates as well as entertains. Great characters and an enlightening read.’ (Judge's comments)

This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman (Penguin Random House) - ‘This Mortal Boy is a beautifully drawn novel that brings a true story to life. It is the little touches that make this brilliant, the small observations of everyday events. We travel back to 1950s New Zealand, a time when a judge could put a man to death. Time is running out for Albert Black.’ (Judge's comments)   

A Year at Hotel Gondola by Nicky Pellegrino (Hachette) - ‘An enjoyable mix of Venice, romance and plenty of cooking recipes. This is a great holiday read, especially for anyone who has visited Venice. Apart from the love story and the mouth-watering food, it also addresses the current issues facing the residents of Venice with the overcrowding from too many tourists.’ Judge's comments)   


NZ Booklovers Award for Best Lifestyle Book 2019 

Better than a Bought One by Jo Seagar (Penguin Random House)

Eco Home by Melinda Williams (Penguin Random House)

Flourish by Juliet Nicholas and Barb Rogers (Penguin Random House)

The Natural Home by Wendyl Nissen (Allen & Unwin)

Ripe Recipes – A Third Helping by Angela Redfern and the Ripe Deli Team (Beatnik)

Wild Delicious by Amber Rose (Penguin Random House)  


NZ Booklovers Award for Best Children’s Book 2019 

Dear Donald Trump by Sophie Spiers, illustrated by Anne Villeneuve (Millwood Press) - ‘Dear Donald Trump deals with incredibly complex and important issues through an innocent sibling drama. It’s a charming story that will spark a conversation with young children about kindness, compassion and peace in this turbulent time.’

Hero of the Sea by David Hill, illustrated by Phoebe Morris (Penguin Random House) - ‘A beautiful biographical picture book that allows a new generation of Kiwi kids to learn about Sir Peter Blake. A stellar tribute to one of New Zealand’s greatest heroes, with great illustrations from Phoebe Morris.’

Kuwi’s Rowdy Crowd by Kat Merewether (Illustrated Publishing)
Lyla by Fleur Beale (Allen & Unwin) - "An absolute delight, with gorgeous illustrations and a wonderful subtle tale about being happy with what you have.  Lyla sensitively and poignantly portrays the experience of a young girl living through the Christchurch earthquake, the courage that she shows at the time and during the aftermath and the effect it has on her and her family and friends.’    

Puffin the Architect by Kimberley Andrews (Penguin Random House) - Puffin the Architect: ‘Witty, with wonderfully detailed illustrations. This is a great read-aloud book.’

Who Stole the Rainbow? by Vasanti Unka (Penguin Random House) - ‘Snappy illustrations and humour make this book about how rainbows are made accessible and fun for a younger audience.’   

Announcements

The winner in each category will be announced on 18 March 2019, and each winner receives $500 from NZ Booklovers.  

The Best Adult Fiction Book Award is judged by writer and literary editor Marcus Hobson, publishing professional Rachel White, and NZ Booklovers Director and author Karen McMillan.  

The Best Lifestyle Book Award is judged by journalist and author Andrea Molloy, NZ Booklovers Director and author Karen McMillan, and publisher, home renovator and foodie Iain McKenzie.  

The Best Children’s Book Award is judged by author and creative writing teacher Paddy Richardson, editor and writer Heidi North, and early childhood kaiako and journalist Rebekah Fraser.  

About NZ Booklovers 

NZ Booklovers is an online home for books and for those who enjoy reading them. It is a bookworms’ hub, dedicated to bringing New Zealanders everything they need to know about reading and the world of literature. Working alongside publishers, NZ Booklovers showcases both New Zealand and international titles. It provides a platform for sharing articles, author interviews, reviews, and book-related stories, as well as book news, competitions, and reading and writing advice.   Director Karen McMillan heads up a talented team of contributors and reviewers, fellow readers and writers who are passionate about books and who believe books inspire and enhance people’s lives. The NZ Booklovers Awards are the brainchild of Karen McMillan, with the aim of supporting the local publishing community and New Zealand authors.  

Monday, February 18, 2019

WOMAD is Coming!



Get Ready.  Here comes WOMAD 2019!

The lineup has been announced for the WOMAD New Zealand 2019 festival of world music, arts and dance, celebrating their fifteenth anniversary at New Plymouth's TSB Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park this coming March.

The internationally established three day world music, arts and dance festival WOMAD is all about artist discovery and the 2019 festival once again features an array of artists from all corners of the globe. Artists from countries as varied as Benin, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, Mexico and Greece are all invited to Aotearoa next March to share their cultures, identities and heritage and to tell ancient, joyous and powerful tales via a mixture of traditional and modern performances. From upbeat Afropsychedelic party vibes to quiet moments of reflection and meditation featuring cellos, bagpipes and voices, WOMAD is a dizzying cocktail of exhilarating experiences for all.



Once again set in the stunning 55-acre Brooklands Park and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, amongst the trees and the lake, and under the watch of the mighty mount Taranaki.



The organisers have also announced a special expansion of their War Of Words stage in a revamped Kunming area, with a hefty selection of top tier local wordsmiths set to perform, including Dominic Hoey (Tourettes), Michele A'Court, Nick Bollinger, Michelle A'Court, John Tamahere, and Pip Adam.

WOMAD New Zealand 2019  Friday 15th March to Sunday 17th March - New Plymouth, TSB Bowl of Brooklands, Pukekura Park Featuring:

Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Silkroad Ensemble (Various), Correspondents (UK), Teeks (Aotearoa), Amjad Ali Khan (India), Baloji (DR Congo/ Belguim), BCUC - Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (South Africa), Dona Onete (Brazil), Jamie Smith's Mabon (Wales), La Dame Blanche (Cuba), Las Cafeteras (Mexico), Maalem Hamid El Kasri (Morocco), Maarja Nuut (Estonia), My Baby (Netherlands), Rebetien (Greece), Sharon Shannon Band (Ireland), Taiwu Childrens Ancient Ballads Troupe (Taiwan), Charlotte Johansen (Aotearoa), Finn Andrews (Aotearoa / United Kingdom), Congress of Anmals (Aotearoa), Nadia Reid (Aotearoa), Niko Ne Zna (Aotearoa), Ria Hall (Aotearoa), The Black Seeds (Aotearoa), Kora (Aotearoa) amongst others.



Local artists announced for the War Of Words stage... Dominic 'Tourettes' Hoey, Elizabeth Smither, Marama Mullen, Marcus Thomas and Neil Silverwood, Michael Donaldson, Michele A'Court, Nick Bollinger, Penny Ashton, Pip Adam, Sonya Renee Taylor.

https://www.womad.co.nz