Funkin’ for Freedom in West Auckland

For immediate release

29th July 2009
 

Funkin’ for Freedom in West Auckland

New Zealanders impassioned by human rights have taken freedom into their own hands this August for Freedom Week, Amnesty International’s annual fundraising and awareness drive.

The closing of Freedom Week will be celebrated with Funkin’ for Freedom on Saturday 15 August at New Lynn Community Centre.

“In these difficult economic times, many of us face tougher circumstances, but we still have the freedom to live, be ourselves, and have freedom of expression and ideas,” says Sam Healey-Cunningham, Amnesty NZ’s Fundraising Manager.

“Freedom Week is an opportunity for New Zealanders to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy every day, and a way to act locally to help defend tens of thousands of people around the world facing grievous human rights abuses,” he adds.

In association with Tree Tops Presents, Funkin’ for Freedom will feature:

Black Sand Diva

“Black Sand Diva soar from slinky jazz grooves to rocked up roots, funky soul, and stylish blues to create a unique sound organic to the wild west coast”- Kiwi FM.

With the release of the album Chameleon at Auckland's Khuja Lounge earlier this year, the singles Gypsy and Blue Eyed Girls have received consistent airplay on stations such as 95bFM and Kiwi FM (where it was voted album of the week), all the while tracks from the rest of the album are regulars on the playlist of George jazz. Black Sand Diva will groove your soul with their original repertoire of sensual and strong songs that weave a musical story. Featuring some of Auckland’s finest jazz musicians including Cat Chunks (vocals), Jason Orme (Mojave – percussion/drums), Kiri Kainamu Wheeler (piano/keyboards), Dave Hodkinson (mojave/bass), and Joel Vinsen (guitar).

SL Macombee & The Absolute Truth

Arriving on New Zealand’s shores from the U.K, SL Macombee combines an international array of talent, featuring James Gardner (Pete Shelly Band, Apollo 440) 175 East Orchestra, The GHT Gospel Choir and Waitakere Brass. Time Out London said “Crushingly honest lyrics and song writing genius” whilst NZ's own Jazz supremo

Caitlin Smithsaid “Sarah is the best singer/songwriter in NZ right now”.  “Polished, theatrical and laugh out loud brilliance” - Sarah Mcleod (Actress/Shortland Street)

The Magnets

Fresh from their show-stopping performances at this year’s Titirangi Music Festival and Tree Tops Studios local favourites The Magnets will be joining us to play a set of original tunes that will even impress the most ardent of music critics.

The Magnets are Ben Collier (GoldenHorse, The Nukes), brother Tom Collier, and Marcus Lawson (Lucid3, Dave Dobbyn). They deliver a fine set of self written songs drawing on many styles, with vocals sometimes reminiscent of the Beach boys and CSNY “Three top quality musicians capable of transfixing an audience with spellbinding, interwoven harmonies and tunes that would make Frank Zappa sit up and listen” - Titirangi Music Festival.  “Think the bastard sons of the unholy union of Jeff Buckley & the Beach Boys, strange but true” - 95bFM

Hosted by Sarah Mcleod (Actress/Shortland Street) & Sam Healey-Cunningham (Amnesty International NZ)
Plus turn-table displays with DJ's from 95bFM and Prana.

ends

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