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Rhythm & Vines Is Back For 2009!

Thursday 30 July 2009, 9:24PM

By Isaac Promotions

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Rhythm & Vines 2009
Rhythm & Vines 2009 Credit: Isaac Promotions

GISBORNE

New Zealand’s premiere three-day festival RHYTHM & VINES returns bigger and better for 2009, promising an exciting, upbeat experience at the stunning Waiohika Estate in Gisborne. Just 10 minutes away from the city and surf, the idyllic vineyard venue is world class, with multiple acts performing over numerous stages throughout the three days.

Starting out in 2003 as a one-day party on December 31 organised by a group of friends, RHYTHM & VINES has developed to a first-class three-day event running from 29 December to 1 January, expanding in size, playing host to 25,000 people and boasting a top notch international and local artist line-up. RHYTHM & VINES guarantees a vibrant atmosphere full of people, culture, food, drinks and music, and is the first festival in the world to bring in the New Year, which is does so in style.

“Rhythm & Vines is more than just another New Years gig – it’s a full three day festival experience with a unique atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand,” comments RHYTHM & VINES Programme Director Hamish Pinkham. “Whether you’re sampling the fine array of local cuisine, lying amongst the vines and enjoying the Gisborne sun or watching a world class artist performing on the Cellar stage, Rhythm & Vines has something for everyone.”

RHYTHM & VINES has a professional team behind its organisation and programme line-up, including Festival Director Paxton Talbot who has worked on international events such as Glastonbury and Exit.

Commenting on the process that goes into selecting artists for RHYTHM & VINES, Talbot explains, “We select artists for the event who we know are exceptionally good at what they do, both in terms of the energy and relevance they bring through their sound and also their ability to really engage with an audience - in some cases with huge audiences. There is a lot of skill in being able to connect with a crowd.”

He continues, “We try to find room for as many contemporary music forms as we can because it creates such a good atmosphere. There is so much good music out there at the moment that it’s impossible to cover all the bases; but we believe that music festivals should be an opportunity to broaden ones understanding of where music is at right now and allow those already in the know an opportunity to experience live performances that they ordinarily wouldn't have access to.”

This year is no exception in quality, with the first of the three programme announcements now released. The first of many artists lined up to grace the stages of RHYTHM & VINES this year include:

Empire of the Sun (AUS), Major Lazer (USA), Midnight Youth, State of Mind LIVE feat. PNC, Krafty Kuts (UK), LCD Soundsystem DJ Set (US), Kora, P Money, Bag Raiders (AUS), The Juan Mclean (US), The Proxy (RUS), Lisa Mitchell (AUS)

PLUS…

Sola Rosa, Antiform, The Checks, Dick Johnson, Aural Trash, Optimus Gryme, PNC, Iva Lamkum, Bionic Pixie, Brand New Math, Computers Want Me Dead, Dan Aux (Shopliftas), Daniel Farley, Tim Richards, Maya and Vanya, Cool Kids Club, Hat, Jason Howson, P Vans

(Artist information and publicity contact details are provided on the attached document)
In regards to the decisions around this first announcement and future line-ups, Talbot comments, “Empire of the Sun and Major Lazer are massive signings for us, being two of the hottest acts in the world right now. Then of course we have DFA from New York bringing LCD and the Juan MacLean; we're going hard at making this the party of the year. Midnight Youth , Kora and State of Mind are the first Kiwi headliners to lead the local charge. We hope this first release gives everyone a real taste of things to come. We're really excited about the overall program this year; it'll be our strongest program to date with some fantastic headliners.”

With over a third of the available tickets already sold, RHYTHM & VINES has become a must-do event for thousands of New Zealanders who return year after year, or are heading to Gisborne for the first time to partake in this ultimate New Year summer experience. Further information including future RHYTHM & VINES line-up announcements, accommodation details, VIP ticket options and upgrades will be made available in the coming months.

Tickets can be purchased for RHYTHM & VINES online at: www.rhythmandvines.co.nz