Arts Fest Preview: Maori Showbands' Manny Abrahams

Tuesday, 28 February 2006, 1:52 pm
Article: Lyndon Hood

Arts Festival Preview: Maori Showbands' Manny Abrahams

Audio Interview with Lyndon Hood

The Maori Volcanics. Photo: Nuki Waaka

Beginning in the 50s and 60s, Māori showbands took skilled musical performance, witty repartee and Māori culture to mainstream New Zealand and then internationally.

This year's Arts Festival recognises these all-round entertainers with Māori Showbands - Taking on the World.

Manny Abrahams, musical director of 'The Māori Allstars' (a tribute band put together for the concerts) spoke to Scoop about the Māori showband phenomenon and how it feels to be sharing a stage with the legendary Māori Volcanics.

Māori Showbands - Taking on the World is on March 4 and 5 at the Wellington Town Hall.

Scoop Audio Interview: Manny Abrahams of Māori Showbands - Taking on the World (6 minute 30 sec, 1.87MB)
Click to download the file (MP3)

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NZ Arts Festival: Māori Showbands - Taking on the World
Te Papa: Māori Showbands online exhibition
Scoop Full Coverage: Festival 2006

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