It’s a hugely interesting weekend ahead for fans of the Music in Parks programme of concerts, with three gigs south of the Harbour Bridge being staged.
The ratepayer-funded concerts in Auckland’s parks and reserves from January to April are free entry.
This weekend’s live music action starts at Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve with Music in Parks’ longest-running traditional.
Rhythm n’ blues music patriarch in this country, Midge Marsden and his band of legends, headline the show bill that includes the Dirty Tones, and Chet O’Connell playing a solo set.
He’s Midge’s long-time guitarist and collaborator, as well as being a highly respected player and producer for others and released his seventh solo album last year, Wires and Wood (chetoconnell.co.nz).
The past two years’ scheduled Blockhouse Bay concerts for Music and Parks were cancelled because of torrential rain and storms, and Midge and band ended up playing at Pakuranga, which was fully appreciated by eastside music folks.
They’ve played the Blockhouse Bay annual Friday night show for at least two decades.
Music in Parks organisers say: “Blues at Blockhouse Bay is our annual ode to all things rhythm n’ blues.
“Midge Marsden, a baron of New Zealand blues royalty, will rock the stage along with a support list of Aotearoa’s top session players.
“The Dirty Tones get the party started with a deliciously gritty blend of blues, rock and a dash of punk attitude.
“You’ll be swept away by high-energy solos and a stage presence that could make a statue dance,” say organisers.
“Chet O’Connell is a guitar master who will take you on a journey through the classic guitar era of The Shadows and Ventures to the acoustic mastery of Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, on to contemporary artists and rock heroes.
“Show headliner Midge Marsden is the ultimate act when it comes to a dynamic night of rhythm n’ blues and rock n’ roll.
“He’s been thrilling audiences in Aotearoa and the world for five decades.”
Blues at Blockhouse Bay: Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve, Endeavour Street, Blockhouse Bay; Friday, January 31, 6-9.30pm.
In almost complete music contrasts, an opera stage in the perfect, idyllic venue of the Auckland Botanic Gardens is where NZ Opera Soloists flourishes on Saturday evening.
“NZ Opera creates a Best of Opera concert amidst the flowers and foliage,” says Music in Parks organisers.
The singers include Joanna Foote, Sarah Mileham, Taylor Wallbank, Joel Amosa, Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, with pianist David Kelly and MC Kawiti Waetford.
Parking: Entrance for the free event’s parking is at 177 Everglade Drive, Totara Heights, Auckland. From the motorway, take exit for Redoubt Road / Manukau. That’s the northern end of the gardens, enter at the end of Everglade Drive. The car park’s open from 4-9pm.
NZ Opera Soloists: Auckland Botanic Gardens, 177 Everglade Drive, Totara Heights; Everglade Drive entrance; Saturday, February 1, 6-8pm.
Sunday’s Music in Parks line-up contains a fine selection of folk-pop artists: South for Winter, Aro, and Albi and The Wolves.
“A favourite of the season, this musical event is set in a delightful park beside the historic Pah Homestead and Arts Trust,” says organisers, of the concert in Hillsborough.
“This year, we’re offering an acoustic afternoon for your auditory enjoyment.
“South for Winter kicks off the entertainment with a blend of dreamy duets, foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads, followed by Aro, a multi-award nominated duo sharing their passion for language, music and telling stories that celebrate our cultural identity.
“Rounding up this fantastic line-up are soul-filled, energetic, electric and beautiful Albi and the Wolves.
“This well-known Auckland trio pride themselves on pushing the limits of what three musicians can do within the string band format.”
Music in Parks Monte Cecilia: Monte Cecilia Park, Luck Cresent, Hillsborough; Sunday, February 2, 1-4pm.
