Splore 06 Launches Top International, NZ Line-up

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15 NOVEMBER 2005

Splore 06 Launches with Top International And NZ Line-Up

New York hip hopper Talib Kweli, Scottish performers The Cuban Brothers, UK funk/hip hop duo The Nextmen and a roll call of New Zealand’s top live acts and DJs lead the line-up for Splore 06.

Splore 06 – a three day multi-discipline arts and music festival – takes place from 17-19 February 2006 at Auckland’s Tapapakanga Regional Park and melds a strong music line-up together with visual arts, performance art, workshops and film screenings.

Splore director Amanda Wright says she is thrilled at the strength of the 2006 line-up, adding that New Zealand festivalgoers will be “blown away” by some of the acts.

“Talib Kweli is amazing. USA Today called him ‘one of hip-hop’s most inventive lyricists’ and he’s collaborated with some of the top hip hop names in the US. We are delighted he is coming to New Zealand for Splore 06.”
But, Amanda says, it is Scottish-based performers The Cuban Brothers who are likely to cause the biggest stir at Splore 06.

“These guys have performed at private parties for the likes of Madonna, Robbie Williams and Elton John – they have entertained audiences at some of the biggest festivals in the world and even have their own MTV show! Now they’re coming to Splore 06!”

The Cuban Brothers perform a high-energy show that mixes together music, comedy and dance and leaves audiences screaming for more.

UK production duo The Nextmen also head down to Splore bringing their eclectic uncompromising sound which has taken the world by storm this year.
Further international acts are yet to be confirmed for Splore 06 and join some of New Zealand’s top performers for the festival.

Among the roll call of New Zealand acts is multi-award winning Wellington band Fat Freddy’s Drop, electronica duo Pitch Black, the multi-talented Sola Rosa, Kora, Module, Rhian Sheehan, Ladi6, Whirimako Black and DJs Spikey Tee (UK), Philippa and Nic D, plus a host of DJs who will entice audiences to dance into the early hours of the morning.

Splore is New Zealand’s only three-day live-in festival and as well as music, it also features performance – including theatre, dance, comedy and performance art – visual arts, sculpture trails, film screenings and workshops. Innovative international and local artists are encouraged to collaborate, producing memorable, unique performances and installations.

Well-known New Zealand artists Fatu Feu’u, Jeff Thompson and Steve Woodward have all confirmed they will be taking part in Splore 06.

“Splore is dedicated to celebrating the art and culture of our time,” Amanda says. “It enhances the understanding and appreciation of contemporary culture by providing artists with an inspiring environment that exposes their most creative work to a diverse and well attuned audience.”

This is the sixth Splore festival and this year marks a change of venue to Tapapakanga Regional Park, located just one hour south-east of central Auckland, set on the Firth of Thames and nestled at the base of the Hunua Ranges.
“It is a truly magnificent location,” Amanda says, adding that the spectacular beach location will add an extra dimension to the festival.

Amanda adds that Splore festival goers come from a diverse range of backgrounds and the event is family friendly with ample parking, camping and activities.

The festival’s sublime beachside location will see outdoor pursuits as an additional option for the audience with kayaking, mountain biking and beach football all included in the weekend’s programme.

Tickets for Splore ‘06 are on sale from Ticketmaster. Limited early bird weekend passes are available for $105 each. Children under 13 years are free.

For more information visit www.splore.net

ENDS

“The sound systems and visuals were brilliant – there you are on a grassy dancefloor, surrounded by bush, speakers blasting music from all sides and something to look at in every direction.” – Rebecca Barry, NZ Herald

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