For immediate release
Crossing Borders – TORU tour with AOTNZ – May / June 2017
Toru re-ignites the glowing embers of a 25 year musical association between Denny Stanway, James Wilkinson and Davy Stuart
from Rua, the legendary Christchurch Celtic band formed by Denny's husband, the late Jimmy Young.
The name? In Maori it means ‘three’, in Japanese ‘the sea’. It seemed a logical progression from Rua (two), and the days when Rua built up a significant fan base, performing at major music festivals both here and overseas, recording multiple albums
to critical acclaim (winner of two New Zealand Music Awards) and touring several times with AOTNZ.
Rua called it a day several years ago, but the music won out and now they’re back again with Crossing Borders, singing songs of love, landscape, loss, heritage, friendship and connection.
Denny: “Crossing Borders as a concept came about through physical relocation after the Christchurch earthquakes, dealing with the stress and
anxiety of long-term earthquake issues, and the death of a partner.”
Crossing Borders also reflects their varied ancestry. Davy is a transplanted Scot, James has German heritage and Denny is European Maori
- despite what her blue eyes and blonde colouring might suggest, her maternal grandmother was born near Kopu. “We are
Ngati Maru au Hauraki.”
Most importantly, Crossing Borders reflects the music that moves these musicians. “From original NZ songs to old Celtic ballads, we cross genres within a
sound that is strongly acoustic strings-based with rhythms from the Irish drum, the Bodhran and vocal arrangements
featuring all of the band.”
Australian virtuoso violinist Lindsay Martin is a member of Toru when available and is currently working from his studio in Woonona, NSW to add fiddle to Toru’s latest CD. He too will
‘cross borders’ to add violin and mandolin to the mix.
Denny Stanway: - “...the consummate singer”; “...a voice you won’t forget”; “...a true diva of song” - vocalist for the
groundbreaking early 80’s Auckland based group Acoustic Confusion, supporting act to Don McLean, performer at numerous NZ arts festivals, folk festivals and WOMAD ….has recorded with
Shona Laing and Mahinarangi Tocker.
James Wilkinson: - virtuoso guitarist, fretless bassist, singer/songwriter, composer - his music straddles multiple
genres such as Celtic, folk, blues and rock, often with a nod to the quirky and avant garde - a modern day troubadour.
Davy Stuart: - skilled guitar and bouzouki player, noted for his Chamber Music and AOTNZ tours with harpist, Helen
Webby. Internationally renowned luthier – on this tour, all four musicians will play instruments made by Davy.
Itinerary
Tuesday 30 May 8pm Balcain
Balcairn Public Hall
$25 Book: Sally Mac’s Amberley, Sefton garage, Stan’s 7 Day Pharmacy Rangiora
Wednesday 31 May 8pm Lyttleton
Naval Point Yacht Club, Charlotte Jane Quay, Magazine Bay
$20, concession $15
Thursday 1 June 8pm Reefton
Reefton Club
$20, Student $10, Family $50
Door sales or phone 03 732 8542 or 03 732 8111
Friday 2 June 8pm Barrytown
Barrytown Hall
$20 Door sales only
Saturday 3 June 7.30pm Hokitika
Old Lodge Theatre
$20 Book: Hokitika Regent Theatre
Monday 5 June 7pm Lincoln
The Laboratory
$15 Book: Eventfinda or at the Laboratory
Wednesday 7 June 7.30pm Ashburton
Ashburton Trust Event Centre
‘Open Hat’ No charge prior to the event
Thursday 8 June 7.30pm Geraldine
Town and Country Club
$20 Book: LOUK Clothing Talbot St
03 693 9070 (No Eftpos)
Friday 9 June 8pm Dunedin
New Edinburgh Folk Club, 50 Dundas St
$20, concession $15
Saturday 10 June 8pm Gore
James Cumming Wing
$25 (Concessions available)
Book: Eastern Southland Gallery
Sunday 11 June 7pm Owaka
Catlins Café $20 Book: Catlins Café
Wednesday 14 June 8pm Christchurch
St Mary’s Church, Church Square, Addington
Door Sales $25/$20 Doors open 7.30pm - maximum capacity 150
Saturday 17 June 8pm Onekaka
The Mussel Inn
$15 Book: The Mussel Inn
Sunday 18 June 8pm Nelson
Fairfield House, 48 Van Diemen St
Tuesday 20 June 7pm Opotiki
De Luxe Theatre
$20 Book: De Luxe Theatre, Travel Shop or door sales
Wednesday 21 June 7.30pm Thames
Kauaeranga Hall
$20 door, $18 pre-book
Book: 021 912 993 or kauaerangahallmusic@gmail.com
Or Lotus Realm 714 Pollen St Thames
Thursday 22 June 8pm Onewhero
OSPA Theatre, Hall Rd
$25 Book: www.ospa.org.nz
Friday 23 June 7.30pm New Plymouth
4th Wall Theatre
$25 Book: www.4thwalltheatre.co.nz
Saturday 24 June 8pm Wellington
Wellington Bluegrass Society, 54 Richmond St, Petone
$25, concession $20 ww.wellingtonbluegrass.net.nz
Arts On Tour New Zealand (AOTNZ) organises tours of outstanding New Zealand performers to rural and smaller centres in New Zealand. The trust
receives funding from Creative New Zealand, support from Interislander, and liaises with local arts councils, repertory
theatres and community groups to bring the best of musical and theatrical talent to country districts. The AOTNZ
programme is environmentally sustainable – artists travel to their audiences rather than the reverse. (ends)