New Plymouth catches vibe as acts arrive
BY FELICITY ROSS
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The rhythm of Womad began yesterday as more than 250 performers from 19 countries arrived in the region for the festival.
Music expo Sounds Aotearoa also kicked off yesterday in New Plymouth with some of New Zealand's most celebrated musicians performing at the inaugural event.
Womad will be held at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands from tomorrow until Sunday.
Taranaki Arts Festival Trust chief executive Suzanne Porter said tickets had been selling fast in the past week.
"There has been a really big pick up, especially in student tickets, which is fantastic. We are really pleased to see teenagers are coming to Womad," Ms Porter said.
So far the equivalent of 10,000 three-day passes has been sold, which is closing on the 12,500 capacity.
"Taranaki weather is never reliable, but it's looking like it is going to be another superb weekend," Ms Porter said.
"It's all getting exciting now."
Meanwhile, Pukekura Raceway is also filling up, with festival-goers wanting to stay as close as possible to the event.
Womad artists were bused to New Plymouth from Auckland and enjoyed a welcome barbecue and jam session at the Fitzroy Boardriders Club last night, with a powhiri to be held tonight at the Owae Marae in Waitara.
Across town, Sounds Aotearoa, held at the TSB Showplace, continues today, with more than 167 delegates registered for the two-day music industry event, including international music buyers and agents as well as members of the international music press.
"This is a chance for our local artists to really shine and it could be the start of their international career," said organiser Emere Wano.
Local schools have sent some of their talented students to the event.
Local musicians including those from the band, The Smiles, and a number of popular singer/songwriters like Jordan Barnes and Merran Dixon have signed up.
The conference day programme offers workshops and forums covering topics on domestic and international touring, band management, marketing and promotion, funding channels, world music media and labels, and more.
The general public can catch tonight's showcase acts, Maisey Rika and Tama Waipara followed by the bands, An Emerald City, Little Bushman and Kora at the TSB Showplace from 7.30pm.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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