City Showcase-New Zealand programme announced

Seven Australian bands are amongst the 37 bands so far winning selection for the City Showcase music festival in Napier on November 25-28.

New Zealand’s biggest celebration of new musical talent came a step closer today with the announcement of its November programme and bill.

City Showcase Producer, UK based Nanette Rigg, said all bands were being informed this week of their success following months of rigorous selection.

More than 400 entries were submitted from bands and singer/songwriters to play at the event, pitched to replicate the success of City Showcase: London which has been finding and showcasing new musical talent since 2003.

Ms Rigg said the level of talent in New Zealand was “outstanding”.

“We have been keen to bring City Showcase to Australasia for some time and it feels that 2010 is the right moment as there are excellent musicians coming to Napier from across the country as well as from Australia and we are pleased to be able to provide this platform for them to perform and showcase their work to local and international audiences.”

All selected performers will perform over the three days (25, 26 and 27 November 2010) in various venues across Napier and the public and will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite acts who will then perform on 28th November at the SoundShell on Napier’s picturesque Marine Parade at Finding The Future - in front of a panel of specialists. The winner of City Showcase: Finding the Future will score a trip to perform at City Showcase 2011 in London.

The final list of bands selected to play City Showcase - New Zealand includes:

Abby Pye, Afternoon Raj, Annah Mac, Artisan Guns, Bonfire Nights, Cairo Knife Fight, Chanelle Davis, Christy Ellen, DJ Liam & Finders Keepers, Devils Elbow, Ed Musik, Eden James, Esther Melody Band, Ghost, Hannah Curwood, Holly Christina, Horusset, Inverse Order, Jess Atkin, Kelly Rose, Kristen MacDonald, Kotadama, Mayan Fox, Medollic, Mile High, Phil Edwards Band, Popstrangers, Riverblind, Rosie Tin Tea Caddy, Sarah Aitchison, Supermodel, Talita Summer, Tara Simmons, The Bayonets, These Four Walls, Valve, Violet and many more.

Moreover, the brilliant, The Medics – a new act from Queensland, Australia has been selected by City Showcase’s international A&R to receive the Sonicbids travel stipend to perform in Napier.

Bands will be performing in diverse venues during the day and in mainstream gig venues including The Cabana, the Sideline Bar, The Cathedral and Kazba in the evening.

And whilst Napier CBD sways to the sound of wonderful new music, at the Kazba there will be a rolling programme of masterclasses and workshops where industry and artists will talk about their work and answer questions.

The programme also includes a number of invited bands:

Hotly tipped for international stardom, I am Giant (returning from their London base for the gig, the band are now making significant waves in the UK, Europe and Asia), Autozamm (one of New Zealand’s best live acts), Coast (NZ’s newest roots/reggae band), Josh Leys (beatbox songwriter), charming songstress Lisa Crawley, fusion jazz drum’n bass outfit Soljah and Auckland’s alt rock band, The Comedowns, will all play gigs at Napier venues throughout the weekend, with two gigs being supported and presented by Mushroom Music featuring sensational synth’ rock band Cairo Knife Fight, indie rockers Motocade and the beautiful vocals of Miriam Clancy .

Wristbands, costing $30 will be on sale from TicketDirect from the beginning of October.

Wristbands will give entry into all gigs throughout the weekend and entitle the wearer to promotions and discounts in the daytime venues whilst the artists are performing.


For further information on gigs and music industry workshops:
www.cityshowcase.co.uk
www.myspace.com/cityshowcase
napier@cityshowcase.co.uk