18 January 2006
Katchafire's reggae sounds return to set ZooMusic stage ablaze
Aotearoa's much-loved band Katchafire make a welcome return to Auckland Zoo on Sunday 29 January (6pm-9pm) to set the
Coca-Cola ZooMusic series alight with their celebrated reggae sounds. Katchafire's first performance at Auckland's most
lush outdoor music venue, during the 2005 ZooMusic series, united the audience of all ages and cultures into a huge
sing-along crowd.
Expect an uplifting affair at this year's encore concert, kicked off with an energetic set from ten-piece support act,
one million dollars. This talented collective will showcase the all-original songs - combining 70's soul, funk, jazz and
bossa nova - fast earning them a popular place in New Zealand's live music scene. Since forming in 1997, the
Hamilton-based Katchafire has enjoyed immense success with albums Revival and Slow-Burning, and 2002's biggest-selling
single, Giddy Up.
The eight-piece band's original pop-reggae tunes, combined with relentless touring, have won them fans throughout New
Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. Katchafire's second-only show so far in 2006 will offer songs from their two hit
albums and the audience can also expect to enjoy a few crowd-pleasing Bob Marley covers. Katchafire follow Boh Runga who
opens the series this Saturday 21 January.
These are just two of seven hot Kiwi bands performing during Coca-Cola ZooMusic, which runs until Sunday 5 March. Other
acts include Nesian Mystik, Pluto, The Black Seeds, Don McGlashan & the Seven Sisters and Che Fu. Each concert also features great guest artists such as Minuit, King Kapisi, Little
Bushmen and Ladi6. Now well established in its third year, the ZooMusic series aims to attract new audiences to the zoo
and to demonstrate what it is about as a place of both recreation and conservation. Proceeds from the series' ticket
sales help the zoo carry out essential conservation work with native and overseas species.
Most of the zoo animals will still be up enjoying the warmth of the summer evenings during the series. So make a day of
it, come early, explore and hang out with your family and friends (please note the Band Rotunda area will be closed in
the afternoon and the zoo briefly cleared at 5.30pm to allow safe production set up). Purchase dinner and refreshments
from the licensed Darwin's Café, or the bar and BBQs set up near the Band Rotunda.
A range of delicious food hampers can also be pre-ordered from Darwin's Café (phone 09 360 5261), and Weta Café will be
open late. Coca-Cola ZooMusic tickets can be pre-purchased at the zoo (ph 360 3805) or through Ticketek.
With limited capacity, and tickets selling fast, we recommend advance booking. Tickets: adults $20, children (4-14 yrs)
$10, and $50 for a three-concert multi-ticket or family pass (2 adults, 2 children). Friends of the Zoo members receive
a 20 per cent discount on adult and child ticket prices only. Every pre-purchased ticket enters you in the draw to win
some fantastic prizes, including a $3000 music package from MusicWorks.
To find out more about Coca-Cola ZooMusic, happening in the unique and intimate surrounds of Auckland Zoo, visit
www.aucklandzoo.co.nz . KEY DATES: Sunday 29 January 6pm Katchafire Saturday 4 February 6pm Nesian Mystik Saturday 11 February
6pm Pluto Friday 17 February 6pm The Black Seeds Saturday 25 February 6pm Don McGlashan and the
Seven Sisters Sunday 5 March 6pm Che Fu
ENDS