Concert 'Under the Big Sky' launches entertainment series for Tekapo
Monday 21 February 2011, 4:07PM
By Alpine Springs
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An electric night of country n’ blues music ‘Under the Big Sky’ at one of the South Island’s leading tourist attractions is to be the first of two concerts a year planned for Lake Tekapo.
‘Under the Big Sky’ takes place next month at Alpine Springs, on the shores of Lake Tekapo in the majestic Mt Cook Mackenzie region.
Headlining the concert series cowboy style on Saturday 26 March is special guest and nominee for New Zealand Female Country Artist of the Year 2010 Aly Cook, supported by the Brandy Creek Band.
Opening act is local sensation Bex Murray, while Canadian-born R&B, blues, country and gospel artist Eddie Simon accompanied by Blue Train will warm the stage for Aly’s musical entertainment.
Alpine Springs Director, Karl Burtscher said guests would be treated to a very special concert on the venue’s ice rink.
“Alpine Springs provides a spectacular setting and the venue is well suited to this type of event,” he said. “We’re delighted to welcome one of New Zealand’s greatest female country singers here to perform alongside one of Tekapo’s very own. We’re expecting this concert series to attract people from all over this region as well as visitors from further afield.”
Aly Cook – who releases her long-awaited debut album "Brand New Day" on 23 February - said she looked forward to performing for ‘Under the Big Sky’ with her new band, ‘The Brady Creek Band,’ saying it promises to be a fun night.
Returning to Tekapo from Wanaka to perform at Alpine Springs, local Bex Murray said she was looking forward to the event.
"I’m super excited about playing Under the Big Sky. I'm proud to say that I’m Lake Tekapo born and bred can’t wait to play with my funky new band - get my groove on with the locals to some smoky blues tunes," she said.
Canadian-born Eddie Simons said he was excited to be performing in New Zealand.
“Count on having yourself a good time and don't forget your cowboy hat, dancing shoes and friends. This is the beginning of a good thing,” he said.
To encourage early ticket sales, the Tekapo business community has organized a prize draw for the first 500 ticket buyers. The prize is a weekend for two to Lake Tekapo including one night’s accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort, a two day pool pass to Alpine Springs, a one hour massage each at the Alpine Springs Day Spa, a star gazing tour with Earth and Sky and a scenic flight with Air Safaris or Tekapo Helicopters.
Tickets for ‘A night of country and blues; ‘Under the Big Sky’ are on sale now from the Alpine Springs website, www.alpinesprings.co.nz and on www.eventfinder.co.nz.