Manukau Festival of Arts kicks off

Manukau Festival of Arts ‘09 kicks off next week with a variety of events including Ardijah, Southside Gig and the Manukau Film Festival.

For the first time ever Ardijah will perform with three well-known artists, Che-Fu, Whirimako Black and Ruia Aperahama.

Ardijah vocalist, Betty-Anne, says it is a once only performance with hand-picked artists who have been chosen because of their fit with Ardijah’s genre of music.

“This is a collaboration that we have thought hard about because we wanted to work with artists who we enjoy working with and respect. It will be something different that no-one has seen us do before and we wanted to share this experience with the people of Manukau.”

Southside Gig will be rocking all day with free hip-hop workshops taught by 17-year-old, Parris Goebel, one of New Zealand’s leading choreographers and a gold medal champion in hip-hop. There will also be free break-dancing workshops run by three- time NZ rep in Battle of the Year, Solomon Smith.

Manukau City Council Arts Manager, Leisa Sitiene says kids who attend will be taught hip-hop and break-dance moves to some of today’s popular music.

“There will also be dance competitions, and the day finishing on a high note with a performance from one of the country’s most popular bands, Nesian Mystik.”

Check out the Manukau Film Festival with an exciting line-up of home-grown and internationally acclaimed films. Venues are scattered throughout Manukau, with the festival kicking off at Metro Theatre in Mangere East.

Manukau’s new Barry Curtis Park will be used to celebrate the festival, with Colour the Sky, featuring an array of fantastic kites for the children and families to enjoy as well as kite-making demonstrations.

For details, get a copy of the festival programme from a library, arts centre or visit www.mfa.org.nz or check out the Manukau Festival of Arts facebook page.

ENDS

What: Ardijah and special guests
Where: TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
When: 23 October
Tickets: www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 TICKET

What: Southside Gig
Where: TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
When: 24 October
Tickets: Free

What: Manukau Film Festival
Where: Venues across the city – visit www.mfa.org.nz for details
When: Starts 19 October
Tickets: $5 door sales only