22 Jan 2014
Warren Maxwell, front man for popular groups Trinity Roots and psychedelic blues quartet Little Bushman and musician/producer Tiki Taane are just two of the headline acts set to play at this years Muriwai Waitangi Day festival on Feb 6.th
Maxwells past collaborations with John Psathas and the APO as well as film sound track credits and high profile work on the TV series “Songs from the Inside,” demonstrate that he continues to fulfill the promise of his NZ Arts Foundation New Generation Award (2006) while also developing his own venue ‘King Street Live’ in Masterton.
Tiki Taane first rose to prominence as frontman of leading band Salmonella Dub before embarking on his solo career in Jan 2007. His debut and award-winning solo release "Past Present Future" achieved double platinum sales. The beautiful acoustic ballad “Always On My Mind” hit No. 1, breaking two all-time NZ records. For the first time ever, the Woodhill-based performer brings his sounds to Muriwai Beach as part of an impressive lineup for the Muriwai Waitangi Day Festival.
Popular soul funk unit Soljah (with its Kaipara connections), Wellington-based singer Ria Hall and the legendary Will Crummer and the Rarotongans will also play. Piha-based electronica musician Paddy Free (Nga Tae, Pitch Black) steps out from his many bands to do a solo stint.
One of the festival organisers is musician Moana Maniapoto, whose own band Moana & the Tribe spent the New Zealand winter touring in Europe with support from Creative New Zealand. The band started in the Arctic Circle at Riddu Riddu Festival and ended up at Europe’s biggest festival Sziget, playing on the hottest day in Hungary’s history.
“I burnt my hand touching the mic,’ she said. ‘My warriors were leaping around a lot more than usual. I thought the Pakeha members of my band were in danger of fainting. I think we can easily cope with the New Zealand summer after that.”
The Muriwai Waitangi Day festival was first staged the first festival in 2012 and sold out within two hours.
“Our festival isn’t an annual event and it’s not the biggest, flashest festival in town and that’s actually one of our attractions, particularly for families. My goal is to showcase performers whose music does reflect their New Zealand identity. As well, we host Treaty Hot Seats onstage that focus on the theme Every Day is Waitangi Day. We want to integrate the korero so we don’t eat up simply as another concert. It’s kaupapa-driven festival – and we’re next to the beach. What’s not to love?”
Festival organiser Erin Griffin is confident the event will sell out once again.
“This event is run by volunteers with all profit back to the community,” says Erin. “We are fundraising for our new surfclub/community centre. Now we are moving our festival to the grounds of the Surf Club, just behind the sand dunes so it’s perfect. Our theme is Every Day is Waitangi Day and we will hammer that home with the music, speakers, our tribute to Ocean, our zero waste policy and the whole vibe.”
Info: www.muriwaifestival.com
Muriwai Waitangi Day Festival, Muriwai Surf Club Outdoors
Thursday, Feb 6 (Rain or shine) - 10am-7pm
$20 Adults, Under-12 Free (must be accompanied by an adult).
All profit to Muriwai Surf Club & Community Centre Auahi Kore, No alcohol, No pets. Zero waste
Tickets: www.eventfinder.co.nz and Dunz Café (Muriwai) or The Daily Squeeze (Waimauku)
Proudly supported by Te Waka Toi (the Māori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand) and Rodney Local Board.
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