Didgeridoos and ‘Dreamtime’ dancers

MEDIA RELEASE

27 November 2003

Didgeridoos and ‘Dreamtime’ dancers –
the Outback comes to the Zoo!

For an out of this world evening, come and see Queenland didgeridoo band OKA and indigenous dance group DJENGI BUAI performing at Auckland Zoo on Friday, 5 December (5.30pm)!

“We promised to bring you some unique twilight events this summer, and this first one is a little ripper,” says Jackie Sanders, Auckland Zoo Events Co-ordinator.

Many indigenous Australians believe that if the earth has a voice, it would be the didgeridoo. OKA brings you this sound, the “essence of Australia”, in a way you’ve never heard before. Their unique music is a breathtaking fusion of traditional didgeridoo rhythms and stories woven into pumping electronic beats, vocals, exotic woodwinds and percussion, in a high-energy performance you will never forget.

From performances at WOMAD in Spain and the Sydney Olympics, Djengi Buai have become one of Australia’s foremost indigenous dance groups. Through dance, they will conjure up the events and animal characters of the ancient era of creation and the ‘Dreamtime’ for you.
We’re firing up the ‘barbies’, so some great Aussie tucker will be on sale. We’ll also have a cash bar operating, along with some fabulous free samples from Amarula, and possibly others! Plus, you can be in to win, as we have two “Oz Experience” trips (valued at $500.00) to give away.

This Friday evening special with OKA and DJENGI BUAI marks the start of our Australia Mania celebrations. The party continues on Saturday, 6 December (10.30am – 2.30pm) when we say ‘g’day’ to all our Australian residents (old and new!) in our revamped Aussie Walkabout exhibit. You’ll be in for a truly cultural experience with a great ‘swag’ of Oz-style entertainment, including performances by OKA and DJENGI BUAI, workshops on how to play the didgeridoo, the meaning of ‘Dreamtime’ dancing, and indigenous Australian art. You’ll also have the chance to meet some awesome Aussies, both animal and human!

For both events, all you pay is the normal Zoo admission price (Adults $13, Students $10, Children 4+ $7) and Friends of the Zoo members receive a 20 per cent discount on entry after 4.15pm.

Details are also available at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz or phone the Infoline on (09) 360 3819.

ENDS

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