April 17, 2002

Around 1500 artists will perform at Auckland City’s annual Celebration of Performing Arts over Queen’s Birthday weekend in June at The Edge.

The free, three-day event will feature various styles of dance and music, plus drama, poetry, street theatre and a series of interactive workshops.

Councillor Scott Milne, the chairman of the council’s recreation and events committee, says this is the 10th consecutive year the council has supported the celebration, and each year it gets better and better.

“This event aims to encourage new artists through participation as well as workshops and an expo,” says Cr Milne.

“We are privileged to include in the wide and diverse programme, the Auckland Theatre Company, the Auckland Philharmonia and the NZ Opera."

Barbara Strong-MacKinnon, event organiser for Auckland City. says talent abounds at the event which provides Aucklanders and visitors the opportunity to experience and enjoy the city’s wealth of performing arts free of charge.

“It is inspiring to see all levels of the arts community come together to celebrate their profession and all its diversity,” says Ms Strong MacKinnon.

The weekend kicks off at midday on Saturday, June 1, with a performance by Mika Haka’s youth group Torotoro.

On Sunday ‘Jazz on the Edge’ will feature many of Auckland’s leading jazz musicians including Julie Mason and Andy Brown.

There will be a series of free interactive workshops covering topics from DJ tips to electronic music production and stage makeup to mask making. Entry is on a ‘first-in’ basis. The Temple nightclub will present singer/songwriters from emerging talents to professionals.

Drumming workshops, which created much interest last year with both performers and public, will be back again in Aotea Square on Saturday and Monday. Sunday will feature DJ’s in the Square.

Information about careers in the arts, community performance groups, and classes in drama, music or dance, will be available via the expo in the Owens foyer of the Aotea Centre.

ENDS

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