Popular Irish singer coming to Christchurch

News release
March 29, 2011

Popular Irish singer coming to Christchurch for special concert

Ireland’s leading jazz and blues singer Mary Coughlan is coming to Christchurch on Thursday 28 April for a one-off concert that will raise money for those in need in the city.

The Irish singing sensation was originally due to perform in Christchurch next month at the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival, but that festival was cancelled after the February 22 quake.

Despite the festival’s cancellation Coughlan has offered to perform a concert in Christchurch for no fee.

All the proceeds from her April 28 concert at Burnside’s Aurora Centre, which is being sponsored by The Press, will go towards supporting the City Mission’s foodbanks. Those attending the concert will also be asked to donate a non-perishable food item.

“We’re thrilled that Mary Coughlan still wants to come here and perform. It’s very generous of her and will be a great treat for music lovers at this difficult time. It also gives us a practical way to help the City Mission at a time when there is tremendous need in the city,’’ says concert organiser Jodi Wright.

Likened to legends such as Peggy Lee and Marianne Faithfull, Coughlan has collaborated with such musical greats as Jimmy McCarthy, Elvis Costello and Greg Cohen and has more than 12 studio albums to her credit.

During her Christchurch concert she will be performing some of her favourite songs including the blues classic I’d Rather Go Blind and the haunting Irish ballad Ancient Rain.

Tickets for her concert are available now from Ticketek. The standard ticket price is $50 but $25 tickets are available for seniors and those in financial hardship.

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