One of east Auckland’s leading arts providers is set to launch a new platform to give singer-songwriters a stage to showcase their talent.
The initiative, named ‘The Bridge’, begins at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on August 25.
It takes its name from the stage venue hosting it, a 120-year-old converted church that is Uxbridge’s intimate live performance venue.
The new event is developed by Auckland’s Brightside Productions in partnership with Uxbridge, which is expanding its theatre programme this year.
Director Paul Brobbel says a regular showcase for singer-songwriters is “a vital element in our programme, one that celebrates contemporary songwriting as a priority”.
Brightside Productions’ Maddy South adds: “The intention is share the love and benefits of music in each of our lives, celebrating the intrinsic value of music throughout our lives both for the artist and those sharing and listening to it.”
Following a trial event in March featuring performances from Justin Devereux, Davey Jo South and Steve Edwards, the Sunday afternoon time and format was deemed a hit with audiences.
Uxbridge and Brightside Productions are pleased to be working on a programme of four events per year.
South says she’s most excited about the format, which centres the stories behind the songs as much as the performance.
“We invite songwriters to share more about their craft, to expand upon the process that brought their art onto the stage.”
Auckland musician Steve Broadbent is one of the format’s fans and says he’s pleased to see it continuing.
“Such an immersive experience brought to life with the artists explaining the backstories to their songs … they hit the nail on the head with this and it’s great it will become a regular event at Uxbridge.”
As a way of supporting other musicians, 60 per cent of the proceeds from the shows will go to MusicHelps.
The charity supports an expanded role for music in society through therapy and healthcare programmes and supports musicians in times of hardship.
The upcoming edition of The Bridge, subtitled Wilde and Wilda, is a double family affair with Jesse Wilde and daughter Faith Wilde on stage with siblings Mema Wilda and Michael Levin Sesega (aka Levi Lights On).
Jesse Wilde says he’s excited about the show and particularly the support it provides to MusicHelps.
“This gig is to help raise money for a charity very dear to my heart, a charity that helps live-performing career Kiwi musicians who fall on hard times.”
Faith Wilde adds: “Performing a gig where I grew up feels full-circle for me.
“I remember having dreams of going to Nashville since a young age, and I was always at Uxbridge.
“It feels pretty awesome doing this now that I can confidently tell little me, ‘we did it!’”
Brobbel says mixing performers from around Auckland and further afield with homegrown local talent motivates the programme.
Tickets for the August 25 show start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.undertheradar.co.nz.
Doors open at 3.30pm for bar service before showtime at 4pm. The performance will last about two hours and include an intermission.
Future editions of The Bridge will be scheduled in November with the 2025 season starting in February.
