Let The Tour Begin

December 8, 2009

Let The Tour Begin

It's time for the tour to begin.

Thursday night at Bar 159 in Henderson marks the start of the summer International Jazz and Blues Festival featuring a stellar line-up of world class musicians.

Billy TK Jnr is being joined by Los Angeles' sultry blues singer Diana Harris and San Francisco soul queen Edna Love for a 14-gig tour that starts in Henderson and finishes in Gisborne in early January, and he's promising heart-stirring toe-tapping sounds for all.

“I am really excited we're about to get this tour underway,” he says. “This project has been a long time in the making and it's awesome we're on the eve of our first concert together.”

The tour features all sorts of other epic musicians along the way, including Billy TK Snr who is touted as New Zealand's answer to Jimi Hendrix, and legendary bluesman Hammond Gable who has played support for the likes of The Eagles, Joe Cocker, Talking Heads and so many more.

Throughout the tour, Billy TK Jnr is drawing from the best of local talent too, with sometimes up to 18 acts over the multi-day festivals.

“We're getting incredible feedback all the way which is exciting for everyone – it's time for the awesome music to begin I say!”

With his latest album – Presenting Billy TK Jnr – not long out to rave reviews on both sides of the Tasman, Billy TK has plenty to sing about.

Diana Harris and Edna Love, Billy's special guests on the summer tour, are seasoned performers who bring a world class taste of soul and blues to his epic sounds. Love is the undisputed queen of the San Francisco soul and blues scene, with a repertoire that includes Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, melded with originals.

Blues singer Diana Harris is another stunning performer who also plays in a band with CSI star Marge Helberger in Hollywood. Her authentic blues and rock 'n roll show that has encapsulated many a crowd in the US will get everyone's toes a-tapping.

“This will be a tour to remember,” says Billy TK Jnr. “You'd be a fool to miss it if you love world class blues and rock.”

The tour starts in Henderson on December 10, and runs through to January 4 when it winds up in Gisborne.

THE TOUR....

Thursday, December 10 Bar 159, Lincoln Green, Henderson 8pm till late

Friday, December 11 Whangarei Jazz and Blues Festival 6.30pm till late

Saturday, December 12 Whangarei Jazz and Blues Festival 12 noon till midnight

Sunday, December 13 Whangarei Jazz and Blues Festival 11.30am till 10.30pm

Thursday, December 17 Plains Hotel, Edgecombe 9pm till late
Friday, December 18 Quarterhouse, Whakatane 9pm till late

Sunday, December 20 Kentish Hotel, Waiuku 4pm till late

Saturday, December 26 Twin Peaks, Pavilion Bar, Kaitaia 8pm till late

Monday, December 28 Ascension Winery, Matakana 4pm till 9.30pm

Wednesday, December 30 Whitianga Waterways, Whitianga 2pm till 9pm

    - with Hammond Gamble and Billy TK Snr

Thursday, December 31 Marsden Cove, Ruakaka 4pm till midnight

    - with Hammond Gamble and Billy TK Snr

Friday, January 1, 2010 Kennedy Park, Pauanui 2pm till 9pm

Sunday, January 3 Gisborne International Jazz and Blues Festival

    - with Hammond Gamble and Billy TK Snr 2pm till 9pm

Monday, January 4 Gisborne International Jazz and Blues Festival

    - with Hammond Gamble and Billy TK Snr 2pm till 9pm

ENDS