New Zealand music icons Che Fu and King Kapisi kick off an online offering of Auckland Council’s popular summer programme Music in Parks this Thursday evening.
The creative response to the red light setting that has restricted audiences to under 100 will see at least eight episodes delivered over the next eight weeks. Each episode showcases a different musical act.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of Auckland Council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events committee is excited to see the innovation involved in delivering a programme for everyone to enjoy.
“Music in Parks is a part of a great summer across the Tāmaki Makaurau region. Although we can’t gather in person this year, it is fantastic to provide an opportunity for musicians to still perform and reach not just an Auckland audience, but also a wider audience across Aotearoa and even overseas.”
David Burt, Events Manager for Auckland Council, says a lot of work has gone on in the background to ensure something was delivered for this year’s Music in Parks.
“It has been so hard for the musicians and our events teams over the last three years, but we really wanted to make sure we had something in the Music in Parks space. Taking it online allows everyone to tune in and enjoy from the comfort and safety of their home, or backyard.”
The Auckland Council Events team have partnered with Money for Jam and E Noho to produce the episodes, which the Music In Parks Facebook page will host free every Thursday at 8pm from 10 March onwards.
Episodes will run between 12 and 30 minutes each, featuring performances and interviews with the musicians.
The online offering provides the musicians with the opportunity to reach new audiences, according to David.
“Going online means that people across the country and across the world can view the show. It is a great opportunity for us to take the music to people where they are, and a fantastic way for the musicians to showcase their talents to audiences they wouldn’t normally be exposed to.”
Auckland Council has also partnered with charity MusicHelps to provide viewers the opportunity to support the musical talent they are enjoying.
Anthony Healey, Chair of MusicHelps, says despite the industry having been hard hit by COVID-19, innovations like Music in Parks online are a great way to continue to nurture New Zealand musical talent.
“The last three years have been tough for everyone, and we have all missed the wonderful live music experience – audiences and musicians alike. Having this innovative opportunity to share music and encourage fans to support musicians is fantastic. We know that this will help musicians grow their audience, allow them to develop their skills and at the same time help the music community recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”
Councillor Filipaina says supporting Auckland creatives like musicians is important to do.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is more than just buildings and infrastructure. It is also full of talented people who give us all such incredible joy. To be able to watch them perform is going to be fantastic, even if isn’t in our normal way. To also have the opportunity, at the same time, to support our musical communities through this tough time is so good.”
Watch online
Music in Parks online launches Thursday 10 March at 8pm and a new episode will go out every Thursday for the next eight weeks.
The first episode features Che Fu and King Kapisi in tandem, under the name Hedlok.
Musicians featuring in future episodes include Mema Wilda; Kendall Elise; Latinaoteoroa and The Rvmes. Head to the Music in Parks website for more details.
Thanks to charity partner, MusicHelps, donations can be made online to support the music industry after the challenges of the last two and a half years. Visit MusicHelps & Music in Parks - Givealittle to donate to this unique charity dedicated to changing lives through the power of music.