Live aid concert SouNZ Like fun

BY MELANIE VERRAN

A live aid tribute concert next week aims to help Samoan tsunami survivors get their lives back on track.

By enjoying an evening of entertainment from tribute artists like Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, ABBA and Barry White, people will be supporting a great cause.

SouNZ Like Tribute Show director Paul Norfolk hopes to raise between $10,000 and $20,000 for the Samoa Tsunami Appeal.

"Everyone’s been affected by the tsunami and everyone in New Zealand seems to want to get behind it. Our singers wanted to do a live aid concert to support our friends in the Pacific.

"These singers are pretty busy and they’re giving their time free."

Every cent from ticket sales, as well as money raised through raffles and donations will go to the appeal.

The Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Mt Wellington has donated the venue.

Two Samoan cultural groups and a mariachi band will also perform.

Recovery and reconstruction efforts are ongoing in the Pacific island that lost more than 140 people and entire coastal villages in the September 30 tragedy.

Mr Norfolk says the stories that emerged in the aftermath were heart-wrenching.

"To lose 13 members of your family – I don’t know how you’d get over that."

Josephine Laumatia of the tsunami appeal says the money raised will be gratefully accepted by the wounded country.

"The number of people that are donating and giving so much – I’m amazed," she says.

Gloria-Jean Norfolk, who doubles as Agnetha from ABBA, says the show has been put together in just three weeks.

"The hardest part is getting the word out."

The concert is on November 12 from 7pm to 9pm at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Rd, Mt Wellington.

Tickets cost $10 and will be on sale at the door. Seats are limited to 750.

- © Fairfax NZ News