Top NZ singer Jackie Bristow about to launch her Aotearoa quake support tour

Leading Kiwi singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow returns home from Sydney next month for a major 13-gig Aotearoa quake appeal tour.

Bristow will open the tour at Winton in snow-hit Southland on October 21 and will carry on through Port Chalmers, Oamaru, Christchurch, Westport, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Ngakawau, Wellington (two nights), Queenstown, Bannockburn and Ashburton. Bristow said she cannot wait to sing in front of her home crowds again to help raise a little money for the Christchurch earthquake appeal.

``It’s just something I can do for the people of Christchurch who have been shaken and had their lives turned upside down by his event,’’ she said from Sydney today.

``The positive thing from an awful natural disaster like this is that the community stands stronger together and I just hope I can make a difference and help their appeal. I just can’t wait to get home.’’

Bristow opened for Op shop at the Zoo in Auckland earlier this year and with interest building in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, she will be back performing gigs and supporting the All Blacks around the country this time next year.

Her overseas brand is growing with three albums under belt with world class producers and players. The Freedom album is scheduled for release on February 15 in the US through the Burnside label. That album was recorded between Austin and Sydney and was co-produced by Bristow and Mark Punch. Musicians on the album include, J. J Johnson (John Mayer), Mark Punch (Kasey Chambers), Chris Maresh (Eric Johnson), Matt Fell (Josh Pyke), Jeff Young (Steely Dan), Clayton Doley, Rob Woolf (Jimmy Barnes).

She has been hailed across the ditch as one of the finest female singers in Australia with her pop contemporary work but the girl from Gore is returning home for the benefit of Kiwi music fans next month.

Bristow has been a hugely successful live performer and has opened shows for Art Garfunkel, Daniel Lanois, Jimmy Webb, Pheobe Snow, op Shop, Bic Runga, Renee Geyer, Madeline Peryoux, and Mark Seymour.

Her songs have featured in Australian and New Zealand film and television hit shows such as The Secret Life Of Us, Home And Away, Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street, and Go Big. Her last release in 2007 Crazy Love was highly acclaimed.

Bristow opened for Op shop earlier at the Zoo in Auckland earlier this year and with interest building in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, she will be back performing gigs and supporting the All Blacks around the country this time next year.

She made a name for herself as the voice of Australia worldwide some years ago after her track This is Australia won Tourism Australia’s song competition. She has put out three albums with world class musicians and is continuing to grow her label overseas.

Aotearoa tour dates:

21 October - The Hideaway 201 - Winton

22 October - The Carey's Bay Hotel - Port Chalmers - Special guest Bill Morris.

23 October - Penguin Club - Oamaru

24 October – Al’s Bar - Christchurch - Special guest Mel Parsons

27 October - Star Tavern - Westport

28 October - Crooked Mile Theatre - Hokitika

29 October - Cook and Saddle - Fox Glacier

30 October - Charming Creek - Ngakawau

6 November - Aitken's house concert - Wellington

7 November - Ruby Lounge - Wellington - Special guest Mel Parsons

11 November - River House - Wanaka TBC

12 November - Desert Heart Winery - Bannockburn

13 November - Waitiri Creek Winery - Queenstown

20 November - Ashburton Trust Event Centre - Ashburton