April 29, 2002

We don’t usually encourage singing loudly in Auckland City Libraries, but May is New Zealand Music Month so we’re making an exception.

Auckland City Libraries is hosting a series of free music events to celebrate the diversity of styles and talent that have emerged through our musical history.

We are working in partnership with the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) to put Kiwi music in the minds of all New Zealanders. APRA established New Zealand Music Month in 1997.

Check out these great events at Auckland Central City Library:

Thursday, May 2 – We start the series off by going back to our roots and examining the influence of Maori music on New Zealand’s musical identity. Bernard Makoare presents an inspiring demonstration of traditional Maori musical instruments that he has skilfully crafted himself. This demonstration runs from 12.15pm to 1pm at the Whare Wananga on level 2.

Thursday, May 9 – Enjoy a sample of some of the hundreds of songs that capture the essence of New Zealand’s early days, with Colonial Corn: Gems from the New Zealand Hit Parade of the Victorian Era. Max Cryer stars with Cathie and Paul Harrop in this concert, which features songs on everything from the glory of the Wanganui River to praise for Jean Batten. There’s even a number that could have been our National Anthem. Shows are at 1pm and 3pm at the Whare Wananga on level 2.

Thursday May 23 –Jazz lovers can chill out to the cool sounds of John Key and his jazz band Strange Fruit. The band has released two CDs and Key has “The Kiwi Real Book: a Celebration of NZ Jazz” in two volumes. This all-original set will run from 12.15pm to 1pm, in the atrium area on level 2.

Friday, May 31 – The final day of NZ Music Month is a chance for our future stars to shine at Generation Next. Events are from 11am onwards. For those wanting to pursue a career in music, there’s a workshop that covers different facets of the New Zealand music industry, including hip hop, drum and bass, rock and electronic music. Rising talents from all over Auckland will perform acoustically and DJs will be spinning Kiwi tracks from 11am to 2pm.

Some of Auckland City Libraries’ early music treasures will also be displayed in the atrium area during the series.

ENDS

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