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Annie Crummer confirmed to perform in Christchurch

Friday 2 March 2012, 10:35AM

By Mode Partners

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CHRISTCHURCH

Fans of Kiwi singer and songwriter Annie Crummer will get a sneak-preview of some of the new songs from her upcoming CD when she performs at the New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival in Christchurch on April 14.

Crummer is making her debut appearance at the popular festival, which draws together more than 110 international, national and local musicians for five days and nights of soul-soothing music.

“I’m honoured to waiata (sing) for our beautiful Christchurch,’’ says Crummer, who says she still gets a huge buzz out of performing live. “I’ll be bringing songs of my music history with a sprinkling of fresh ones from my upcoming CD, Project Annie.c.’’

Crummer will be performing alongside Christchurch funk outfit, Oval Office, who over the past four years have steadily gained a reputation as one of New Zealand's top live acts. Known for tight, high energy shows Oval Office play an engaging mix of original funk and soul fused with jazz and blues influences. Their music delivers hard hitting grooves, explosive horn lines and enticing, soulful vocals.

The festival will cap off a busy few months for Crummer, who in addition to working on her new CD, has been performing gigs with her father’s band, Will Crummer and the Rarotongans.

“He's blessed with the most luxurious voice! I play the Cook Island bass drum (Pa'u) and sing backing vocals,’’ says Crummer, who will join the band on stage this month at the Penang World Music Festival in Malaysia.

Crummer released her first single Once or Twice at the age of 16, her platinum status debut album Language in 1993 and her gold status second album Seventh Wave in 1996. She has won numerous music awards including Best Female Artist in 1993 and has supported and toured with Sir Paul McCartney, K.D Lang, Ray Charles, Sting and Michael Jackson.

In May last year she was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pacific Music Awards.

Festival director Jodi Wright is thrilled Crummer has agreed to be part of the festival line-up.

“It is going to be a night of great soul music with more than a few surprises,’’ says Ms Wright.

Tickets for Crummer’s April 14 concert are available now through Dash Ticketing. The concert will be held in the GeoDome at the North Hagley Events Village, starting at 8pm.

For more information on the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival, which runs from April 11 to 15, log onto www.jazzfestivalnz.com.