See stars beneath the stars at Frank Kitts Park

NEWS RELEASE
22 January 2009

See the stars beneath the stars at Frank Kitts Park

Whether you’re into orchestral music, hip-hop, rock or you fancy a good chuckle on Valentine’s Day – the Starry Nights series at Frank Kitts Park in February will tickle your musical taste buds.

First up is the NZSO with New Zealand’s own diva of pop, rock and soul, Tina Cross, accompanied by pianist Carl Doy, on Thursday 5 February. Performing with singers Grant Sullivan and Bella Kalolo (Dancing with the Stars), their repertoire will include Young Hearts Run Free, Final Countdown and Cry Me a River.

Council Events Programmer Rebecca Hardie says the NZSO gig will be a great way to kick off the Starry Nights series. “They’ll play a more orchestral version of many 20th century hits – which will be extremely pleasing to the music lover’s ear – as well as songs from Broadway, Latin America, soul and rock. They’ll also play a special Phantom of the Opera medley as a tribute to the late, great, Rob Guest. I just don’t know how they’ll fit such a great repertoire into 90 minutes!”

Starry-eyed couples walking around town hand-in-hand on Valentine’s Day might want to check out Tommy Love’s Valentine Spectacular on Thursday 14 February – but maybe not if they’re in for a serious night of romancing.

“He’s a Las Vegas legend in his own mind,” says Rebecca. “People are more likely to be falling about with laughter rather than swooning as Tommy Love demonstrates the ‘mystical’ power he has over the ladies with the help of his Loungerillo Orchestra and sequined showgirls. This show is an absolute must – it will be a hilarious night of comedic musicianship.”

The next two concerts lined up for Frank Kitts Park will provide the opportunity for Wellingtonians to welcome hugely-popular musical veterans back to the stage. Fur Patrol are currently writing some of the best music of their career – and you will be able to check out the result of 12 years’ of expert music-making on Thursday 19 February.

To round the series off, King Kapisi will return to his hometown just for Starry Nights. According to the King, he has also got a taste for reggae, funk and soul, so “anyone coming to the gig shouldn’t only expect phat beats and rapping”.

Rebecca says “the entire waterfront will be hopping up and down one minute, and dropping down to dancehall tempo the next.

“And as usual, we expect the crowds at Frank Kitts to be spilling out onto Queens Wharf at all of these concerts, so get there early – but leave the alcohol at home!” she adds.

All concerts start at 8pm (apart from Tommy Love, which starts at 8.30pm) and are expected to finish at around 9.30pm.

Check out the NZCT Summer City brochure, available from Council service centres, libraries, pools and cafés around town, or the Council website, www.Wellington.govt.nz for more information.

ENDS

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