Songs With Substance: Mary Coughlan Returns
ONE NIGHT ONLY Friday, 19 March 2004 James Hay Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand
Mary Coughlan, the popular contemporary Irish jazz singer / songwriter is to return for a one night only engagement in
Christchurch according to an announcement today by the Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival.
“The Festival is about bringing headline talent to Christchurch audiences. Mary is a sell out performer with a devoted
following. We are thrilled we could get her”, says Festival Director, Jodi Wright.
Coughlan will perform her unique blend of jazz, blues and cabaret at the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch on Friday,
March 19. For the first time in New Zealand she will be accompanied by her trio in an exclusive 90 minute show.
Coughlan was born in 1956 in Galway on the west coast of Ireland. Following a traumatic and harrowing adolescence, she
moved to London to find “fame and fortune”. However, it wasn’t until she returned to Ireland in 1974, that she began
singing. Her first album, Tired and Emotional, one of many produced with the venerable Dutch musician Erik Visser, sent
her to number one in her home country. Couglan has released more than eight albums and is now critically acclaimed
worldwide. She visited New Zealand for the first time in 2003, with four sell-out appearances in the Christchurch Arts
Festival.
“We’re certain this performance will satisfy those who saw her first show and those who missed out”, says Jodi Wright.
“She’s got real substance and a great sense of humour, and put simply, she gets under your skin.”
The Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival has been running since 1998. The next Festival will run from April
1-10, 2005. The largest jazz festival in the South Island, the event attracts nearly 50,000 people and comprises more
than 200 local and international jazz artists. Previous Festival headliners have included Grammy award-winning jazz
sensation Diana Krall and double Grammy award-winning composer, arranger and jazz pianist Alan Broadbent. The Festival
is core funded by the Christchurch City Council.
Friday, 19 March 2004, 8pm James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Book Ticketek $35 / $30 Phone: (64 3) 377 8899
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List of albums released by Mary Coughlan
After The Fall Live In Galway Long Honeymoon, The Love For Sale Love Me Or Leave Me Red Blues Sentimental Killer Tired
And Emotional Uncertain Pleasures Under The Influence