Music in Parks most-wanted, Midge Marsden

4 February 2013

Music in Parks most-wanted, Midge Marsden

On Friday 15 February, Aucklanders are in for a treat with Kiwi blues and R&B legend Midge Marsden returning to rock Blockhouse Bay Beach reserve, with The Alibis, as part of Auckland Council’s free Music in Parks series.

Midge says the Blockhouse Bay gig is one he particularly looks forward to with locals requesting him year after year.

“I’ve nurtured a real affinity with the place; it’s like my second home. I recognise the regulars who are there every year and Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve is such a lovely spot, right next to the sea.”

Auckland Council Mayor Len Brown says it’s an honour to have internationally recognised artists like Midge Marsden play in the Music in Parks series where the gig has become a local tradition.

“Aucklanders are really spoilt for choice this year. It’s wonderful to be able to present a living legend like Midge at an event that’s free for anyone to attend, not to mention all the other equally talented, but lesser known, artists performing in the series.”

Midge has had a career spanning more than 50 years, and been awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music. He has played countless concerts both in New Zealand and overseas, and performed with artists including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton and BB King.

Midge is supported by The Alibis, whose music is influenced by swing and jump blues combos from the 1950s rhythm and blues era and the neo-swing revival of the late 1990s.

The series, in its 20th year, covers a comprehensive range of musical genres from the New Zealand Opera to Avalanche City to Adeaze. Enthusiasts can browse the Music in Parks site to see who’s playing when, and listen to tracks from artists to get a feel for those they haven’t discovered – or simply enjoy old favourites.

Auckland Council’s Music in Parks 2013 programme features over 40 performances January 2 – March 24.

Visit www.musicinparks.co.nz for more information.
Facebook: MusicInParks
Twitter: @musicinparks

ENDS

© Scoop Media