Music in Parks set to delight with Whirimako Black performance

Hutt City’s Pelorus Trust Music in Parks series kicks off next month with a performance from award-winning jazz diva Whirimako Black at Williams Park in Days Bay.

 

The Valentines Day performance is the first of three in the Pelorus Trust Music in Parks series set to draw a crowd of thousands.

 

Mayor David Ogden says council is excited to be offering the concert series to residents this year.

 

“It’s great to be hosting such high quality entertainment in some of our beautiful parks and reserves this summer – and it’s free.  I hope everyone can get along and enjoy the talented musicians on show”.

 

Whirimako Black has been described as having one of the most beautiful, soulful voices in New Zealand, and she’s renowned for her spirit, passion and expressive live performances.

 

Acclaimed by many as New Zealand’s soul diva, Whirimako has built up a loyal jazz, blues and Maori following both nationally and off-shore and is noted for her sublime Te Reo Maori and English. 

 

On Valentines Day, she will weave her magic, backed by some of New Zealand’s finest jazz musicians including Kevin Field, piano; Ron Samson, drums; Dixon Nacey, guitar and Ben Turua, bass.

 

This special performance will combine noted jazz and romantic standards and some of Whirimako’s own compositions.

 

The 16-member strong Vaughn Roberts Big Band features musicians who perform regularly with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Vector Wellington Orchestra and other fine ensembles.

 

In 2006, the group’s debut recording Grrreat Stuff picked up a New Zealand Music Award for best Jazz Album.  The big band’s repertoire consists exclusively of original compositions and creative arrangements by its leader, Vaughn Roberts.

 

Vaughn Roberts is one of New Zealand’s most prominent jazz trumpeters and finest composers and arrangers.  He has performed worldwide with such artists as Norah Jones, Kiri Te Kanawa and Hayley Westenra.

 

Phil Costello and the Five O'clock Shadows are a lounge jazz act that gets people dancing. Think The Rat Pack with Roy Orbison, Elvis and Tom Jones in it. Add on some great Kiwi classics, all with a jazz flavour (horn section and stand-up bass) and there's something for everyone. Classic Hits radio DJ Phil Costello leads the charge with high energy entertainment, a great patter and a mandate to get everyone dancing.

 

The Pelorus Trust Music in Parks series continues with performances from Nesian Mystik, Cydel and Hikoikoi on 21 February at Frederick Wise Park in Wainuiomata and Little Bushman, Good Laika and Mercury Crowe on 28 February on TheNewDowse lawn.

 

Music in Parks is proudly supported by Hutt City Council, Pelorus Trust, The Radio Network, the Hutt News and Tip Top.

 

Note to editors:

 

• Music in Parks is alcohol and glass free
• Picnics are welcome or concert-goers can buy from on-site vendors.

 

Getting to Williams Park in Days Bay

 

By car: Parking in Days Bay is very limited.  A free park and ride shuttle service will be operating from 2.30pm from Port Road, Seaview (opposite Seaview Marina).  If travelling by car, concert goers are encouraged to use this service.

 

By ferry: The East by West ferry will be operating an extra return service to Queens Wharf at 8:30pm after the event.  Timetable information is available at www.eastbywest.co.nz.

 

By bus: Catch the 83 bus from Wellington or Queensgate.  Timetable information is available at www.metlink.org.nz.

 

Please note Marine Drive is expected to be congested and concert goers and residents should expect delays.