Telstraclear Festival Club

Telstraclear Festival Club

THE TELSTRACLEAR FESTIVAL CLUB

The TelstraClear Festival Club Tent returns for the 2012 Festival – pitched at the heart of the action in Odlin’s Plaza on Wellington’s waterfront. Check out live music in the evening, then catch late-night theatre cabaret spectacular Cantina, or hang out in the bar. Open from early evening, the Club precinct is the perfect place to soak up the Festival atmosphere, meet before or after a show, grab a drink and a bite to eat, and mingle with visiting artists, crew and performers.

AN EMERALD CITY (New Zealand)

This Auckland-born, Berlin-based band’s songs have been described as “organic instrumentation and sounds of the east meet psychedelia”. Combining guitars, drums, synths, violins and keyboards, with the exotic sounds of sitars, tablas, daabuka and other percussive instruments, the six-piece group’s experimental style has gained them praise from some of the most respected voices in New Zealand music. An Emerald City’s reputation, both here and in Europe, is for unleashing memorable live shows and festival performances.

An Emerald City is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 1 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 available from Ticketek.

They also appear in Art on the Move in Paekakariki on 2 March. Tickets $15 available from Ticketek.

CANTINA (Australia)

Cabaret-style circus for adults (see full media release for Cantina)

Cantina is at the TelstraClear Festival Club from 2 to 18 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $58 available from Ticketek.

FIRST AID KIT (Sweden)

The folk-inspired songs of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg feature skilful melodies and warm vocal harmonies that belie their youth. Since being catapulted onto the international music scene with a YouTube cover of Fleet Foxes’ Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, the duo hasgone on to produce a full-length debut album, The Big Black And The Blue. This was a resounding critical success in Europe and has paved the way for tours worldwide.

First Aid Kit is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 8 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 available from Ticketek.

JAMES HILL (Canada)

With an incredible rendition of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean strummed and tapped out on his ukulele, James Hill changed the way the world views this much-loved instrument. Described as one of the world’s top ukulele composers and arguably the best player on the planet, Hill’s unusual

techniques, humour and virtuosity have seen him build a global base of fans. He will be joined by cellist and singer Anne Davison for an evening of serious virtuosity and unpredictable fun.

James Hill is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 14 & 15 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 available from Ticketek.

He also appears in Art on the Move in Porirua on 13 March. GA adult tickets $36, GA child tickets $15 available from Ticketek.

KIMMO POHJONEN (Finland)

Accordion player extraordinaire (see full media release for Kimmo Pohjonen)

Kimmo Pohjonen is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 3 & 4 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $58 available from Ticketek.

NEW KLEZELAND (New Zealand)

WORLD PREMIERE

Jonathan Besser has teamed up with composers and performers Ross Harris and Chris Prosser to assemble a new body of rich and colourful New Zealand Jewish Klezmer compositions. With its artistic breadth, distinctive sound and boundless energy, Klezmer music is unmistakable. Besser, who is Jewish, has led music ensembles for many years, combining leading talents from both the improvisational and classical orchestral worlds. Entertaining and spontaneous, catching this band of seven will be the perfect way to liven up a Sunday afternoon.

New Klezeland is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 11 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $38 available from Ticketek.

THE BARONS OF TANG (Australia)

Formed by a bunch of down and out Melbourne musicians in 2007, The Barons cut their teeth on performances for local underground theatre and circus troupes before embarking on three years of merciless touring. Lashing tango, rockabilly, Latin and gypsy with breaks, hard-hitting guitar riffs, double kick blast beats and massive horn arrangements, The Barons of Tang serve up their self-described ‘gypsy deathcore’. The catchy tunes and punk ethos all tie together to mean one thing – dancing is inevitable!

The Barons of Tang is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 25 February for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 available from Ticketek.

THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION (New Zealand)

With two gold albums, a hit movie soundtrack (Taika Waititi’s Boy), and a New Zealand Music Award for Best Group, The Phoenix Foundation has earned its reputation as one of New Zealand’s most innovative and respected acts. Originating in Wellington, this six-piece band produce a distinct, boundary-crossing sound that glides between infectious guitar pop gems, alt-country anthems, dreamy psychedelia and delirious synthesiser prog rock. Their latest album, Buffalo, was nominated for eight Tui awards.

The Phoenix Foundation is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 9 & 10 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $58 available from Ticketek.

THE TOPP TWINS (New Zealand)

National treasures The Topp Twins have performed around the world as an original country music and comedy duo for more than 25 years. Known for their vast array of personas and ability to

re-invent themselves on stage, they change character, musical styles and gender with ease. Armed with guitar, mouth-harp and spoons they deliver original songs, audience participation and comedy in a fast-paced and hilarious entertainment experience.

The Topp Twins are at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 26 & 28 February for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $58 available from Ticketek.

They also appear in Art on the Move in Masterton on 27 February. Tickets $44 available from Ticketek.

TIKI TAANE (New Zealand)

A pioneer on the New Zealand music scene, Tiki Taane rose to prominence as a member of Salmonella Dub, penning some of the band’s biggest hits, including Love Your Ways and For the Love of It, amongst others. Since embarking on a solo career in 2007 he has become one of New Zealand’s most popular and diverse artists, known as much for his powerful live performances as he is for his anthems.

Tiki Taane will be accompanied by drum ‘n’ bass legend DJ Sambora (Shapeshifter), as he steps effortlessly from the smooth vibes of his acoustic guitar into high-energy party sounds and vocals.

Tiki Taane is at the TesltraClear Festival Club on 16 & 17 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 available from Ticketek.

TUBULAR BELLS FOR TWO (Australia)

(See full media release on Tubular Bells for Two)

Tubular Bells for Two is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 29 February & 1 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 available from Ticketek.

WORDS IN MOTION (New Zealand)

Four vocally energised poets take to the stage in this immersive combination of spoken word, music

and performance. Apirana Taylor (Ngāti Porou) is a versatile Māori writer with an international reputation as a poet and storyteller. Troy Hunt performs as a musician with Waiata & The Word.

Performing with fellow musician Luther Hunt, they inspire a younger audience towards poetry

and music. Known for his music, Karl Teariki is also talented in the art of storytelling and performance. Words in Motion is produced by Toi Māori Aotearoa – Māori Arts New Zealand.

Words in Motion is at the TelstraClear Festival Club on 4 March for the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $28 available from Ticketek.

ENDS

New Gold Partners for the 2012 Festival, the Club is sponsored by TelstraClear – the home of broadband.

With support from Pub Charity

The Topp Twins sponsored by CentrePort

James Hill sponsored by Mainzeal

The TelstraClear Festival Club is supported by KPR Catering, Stoneleigh, Mata Beer and Hema Water

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