18 January 2006

Katchafire's reggae sounds return to set ZooMusic stage ablaze

Aotearoa's much-loved band Katchafire make a welcome return to Auckland Zoo on Sunday 29 January (6pm-9pm) to set the Coca-Cola ZooMusic series alight with their celebrated reggae sounds. Katchafire's first performance at Auckland's most lush outdoor music venue, during the 2005 ZooMusic series, united the audience of all ages and cultures into a huge sing-along crowd.

Expect an uplifting affair at this year's encore concert, kicked off with an energetic set from ten-piece support act, one million dollars. This talented collective will showcase the all-original songs - combining 70's soul, funk, jazz and bossa nova - fast earning them a popular place in New Zealand's live music scene. Since forming in 1997, the Hamilton-based Katchafire has enjoyed immense success with albums Revival and Slow-Burning, and 2002's biggest-selling single, Giddy Up.

The eight-piece band's original pop-reggae tunes, combined with relentless touring, have won them fans throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. Katchafire's second-only show so far in 2006 will offer songs from their two hit albums and the audience can also expect to enjoy a few crowd-pleasing Bob Marley covers. Katchafire follow Boh Runga who opens the series this Saturday 21 January.

These are just two of seven hot Kiwi bands performing during Coca-Cola ZooMusic, which runs until Sunday 5 March. Other acts include Nesian Mystik, Pluto, The Black Seeds, Don McGlashan & the Seven Sisters and Che Fu. Each concert also features great guest artists such as Minuit, King Kapisi, Little Bushmen and Ladi6. Now well established in its third year, the ZooMusic series aims to attract new audiences to the zoo and to demonstrate what it is about as a place of both recreation and conservation. Proceeds from the series' ticket sales help the zoo carry out essential conservation work with native and overseas species.

Most of the zoo animals will still be up enjoying the warmth of the summer evenings during the series. So make a day of it, come early, explore and hang out with your family and friends (please note the Band Rotunda area will be closed in the afternoon and the zoo briefly cleared at 5.30pm to allow safe production set up). Purchase dinner and refreshments from the licensed Darwin's Café, or the bar and BBQs set up near the Band Rotunda.

A range of delicious food hampers can also be pre-ordered from Darwin's Café (phone 09 360 5261), and Weta Café will be open late. Coca-Cola ZooMusic tickets can be pre-purchased at the zoo (ph 360 3805) or through Ticketek.

With limited capacity, and tickets selling fast, we recommend advance booking. Tickets: adults $20, children (4-14 yrs) $10, and $50 for a three-concert multi-ticket or family pass (2 adults, 2 children). Friends of the Zoo members receive a 20 per cent discount on adult and child ticket prices only. Every pre-purchased ticket enters you in the draw to win some fantastic prizes, including a $3000 music package from MusicWorks.

To find out more about Coca-Cola ZooMusic, happening in the unique and intimate surrounds of Auckland Zoo, visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz . KEY DATES: Sunday 29 January 6pm Katchafire Saturday 4 February 6pm Nesian Mystik Saturday 11 February 6pm Pluto Friday 17 February 6pm The Black Seeds Saturday 25 February 6pm Don McGlashan and the Seven Sisters Sunday 5 March 6pm Che Fu

ENDS

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