Christmas in the Park: So Damn Beautiful

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park: So Damn Beautiful

It is fitting that New Zealand Idol star Michael Murphy will perform his number one hit single, ‘So Damn Beautiful’ at an event that is known as one of the most beautiful and most creative in Auckland.

Michael, aged 17, is one of six New Zealand Idol TV stars involved in Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park on Saturday 11 December. As well as David Houma (28) and Jessie Cassin (18) – who were finalists in the top rating TV talent quest, Aucklanders will also be treated to performances by the show’s choreographer Jason Te Patu, vocal coach Suzanne Lynch, and judge Frankie Stephens.

“Coca-Cola is an avid supporter of New Zealand music,” says Coca-Cola spokesperson Annette Chillingworth. “The talent at this year’s Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park ranges from school aged youth through to veterans of the music industry. The line up is a reflection of how far we have come.”

Included in the Idol’s performances is David Houma’s rendition of ‘Reach Out’, the song by Four Tops that saw him achieve fifth position in New Zealand Idol. Jessie Cassin will treat the 250,000 strong crowd to a traditional Christmas Carol, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, and Suzanne Lynch will perform with her son Andy Lynch from the New Zealand band ‘Zed’.

Proceeds from Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2004 will benefit Youthline and funds will go towards Youthline’s nationwide youth help line, internet based information services, health promotion and youth and community development programmes. Youthline is the first point of contact for thousands of young people seeking help.

Youthline Director Stephen Bell says that New Zealand Idol stars young and old make outstanding role models. “Michael, David and Jessie are courageous and talented young people, they demonstrate the potential of our New Zealand youth,” he says.

Goldenhorse will also be joining the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park gang. Goldenhorse are one of New Zealand’s most popular and appealing bands: their song ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ was the most performed New Zealand song on radio for 2003, and sales of their debut album ‘Riverhead’ have gone Triple Platinum. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is hosted by Jeremy Corbett, Kelly Swanson-Roe and Petra Bagust.

Ends

• Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2004
Saturday, 11 December 2004 - Auckland Domain - Auckland

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