PRESS RELEASE

June 9 2008

Kiwi musicians take poverty message to NZ’s southern most point

Kiwi musicians, Steve Apirana and Derek Lind are not calling their latest free concert, The Great Southern Land Tour for nothing. This event will see these seasoned musicians, not only playing at towns all over the Mainland, but at New Zealand’s southern most point; Stewart Island.

For those who don’t know Lind and Apirana, they are best described as Kiwi music’s answer to the odd couple; however when they are together, they are in total harmony. Steve Apirana and Derek Lind are will tour the South Island playing their homegrown mix of thought-provoking, sometimes humorous, blues, folk-rock. The aim of the free Great Southern Land concerts is to highlight TEAR Fund New Zealand’s child sponsorship programme which is helping children in the developing world to break the chains of poverty.

But while there is a serious message, the concerts are far from serious, as the duo’s laid-back, spontaneous sense of humour is unleashed on an often unsuspecting audience. Steve and Derek will be touring Southland from June 13 to 18. Their concerts are a must for lovers of blues and folk-rock music.
Steve Apirana
Steve is one of New Zealand’s best Gospel rhythm and blues artists. His songs are well known for their humourous and catchy lyrics. Steve almost lost his legs in a car accident in Australia five years ago and was in a coma for several weeks. His miraculous recovery continues to inspire his fans.
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Steve has an interesting story having started life in boarding schools (with the author of Once Were Warriors Alan Duff) and spent many years living on the streets.
He might still be living in Australia but Steve is a New Zealand Maori and mirrors the ‘typical’ Billy T James persona. His concerts are always very relaxed and unpredictable.

Derek Lind
Derek Lind is an elder statesman of Kiwi gospel music. His music sparkles with quality and substance and his lyrics are poignant and evocative.
Derek has played at major arts and music festivals in New Zealand and has supported international acts such as Sam Philips, Michelle Shocked, Randy Stonehill and the Hot House Flowers. Derek has also won a New Zealand Tui music award.

One could say the two artists are like chalk and cheese but strangely enough they complement each other very well. Both are zealous supporters of TEAR Fund, a Christian aid and development organisation.

Concert Dates

Oamaru >> 20th June, 7pm
Oamaru Elim Church, 6 Severn Street, Oamaru

Timaru >> Sunday 22nd June, 7pm
New Life Centre, 134 Morgans Road, Timaru

Greymouth >> Tuesday 24th June, 7:30pm
Holy Trinity Centre, 20 Tainui Street, Greymouth

Westport >> Wednesday 25th June, 7pm
Union Church, Cnr of Wakefield & Queen Streets

Nelson >> Thursday 26th June, 7:30pm
Hope Community Church, Ranzau Road West, Hope.

Blenheim >> Friday 27th June, 7:30pm
The Elim Centre, 26 Burleigh Road, Blenheim

Christchurch >> Sunday 29th June, 10.30am
St Christopher's Anglican Church, 244 Avonhead Road

Christchurch >> Saturday 28th June, 7:30pm
Opawa Baptist, Cnr Hastings Streets and Wilson's Road,

Ashburton >> Sunday 29th June, 7pm
Events Centre, 7pm, Wills Street

ENDS

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