2010 PRESS COVERAGE & CONCERT REVIEWS
Arena Manawatu Lawns, Palmerston North
It felt like New Zealand's music hall of fame was playing on your back lawn.
Dave Dobbyn, Che Fu, Tim Finn, and Bic and Boh Runga played their hits last night on the Arena Manawatu lawn as the More FM winery tour hit Palmerston North.
As the sun went down and the temperature plummeted, Dobbyn, Finn and Bic Runga teamed up on stage and got the crowd grooving.
Among the more than 1100 people attending was Palmerston North woman Sam Byres – who was on a date.
"I've been waiting to see these three in concert for 10 years," she said.
When Dobbyn strummed the first note of New Zealand anthem Loyal he looked like an American evangelist as the audience flocked towards the stage to sway in time.
"You are cooking," he told them.
With under 12s allowed in free, many parents took their children along to picnic or dance the night away.
Lisa Cherrington had a bit of a dance while her children, aged two and five, were running around.
Her favourites were Dobbyn and Che Fu.
Leonie Fou-Jensen was enjoying the Palmerston North concert while on holiday. She now lives in Norway, but said she was back home for the "festival season".
Finding time to have a bit of a waltz were Palmerston North's John and Kay Pedersen.
Others felt a little social lubrication in order. Halfway through the night, more than 100 bottles of wine and a couple of hundred bottles of beer had been consumed.
– Manawatu Standard, 28 February 2010
Alana Estate Winery, Martinborough
Ten years ago Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn and Bic Runga toured the country sharing their songs, swapping instruments and telling tales. It was a huge success but Finn was not in the best voice and his solo career had stagnated, and Dobbyn had just released Hopetown, one of his weaker offerings.
This 10-year anniversary finds Finn in stronger voice, newly enthused with a recent two-CD career overview. Dobbyn is close to his peak as a live performer, and in some ways this was a reintroduction to the stage for Runga, who has taken an extended break since her third full-lengther, Birds.
There was less instrument swapping this time, the three often standing together strumming guitars, but it was the perfect summer show, held at a family-friendly time.
It was nice to be part of an outdoor show where smokers moved to the back, and those who wanted to stand and dance either made their way to the front or to the centre aisle.
It didn't take long for the dancing to spread - songs such as Weather With You and Whaling are national treasures. And Runga's material (Drive, Sway, Get Some Sleep) held its own with two of New Zealand music's elder statesmen.
Finn solo songs such as Couldn't Be Done and Persuasion were easy on the ear, but the crowd definitely came alive for his Split Enz material, highlights being Dirty Creature, I See Red and, of course, the alternative national anthem, Six Months in a Leaky Boat.
Dobbyn added Slice Of Heaven, Loyal and Beside You.
The magic of these three dipping in and out of their songbooks was that this never felt like it was about ego, the songs holding hands with each other rather than elbowing in for room.
Simon Sweetman – The Dominion Post, 22 February 2010
Kiwi music greats like a fine wine . . .
ALL THINGS GOOD ABOUT GISBORNE: A sunset created by the tail end of a cyclone, a leafy green vineyard setting, fine wine and food and the icons of New Zealand’s music industry, from left, Dave Dobbyn Bic Runga and Tim Finn. About 2000 people made the most of it for an evening of wine, dancing and song at this year’s More FM winery tour at the Brunton Road vineyard. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell
Clouds hanging over this year’s Winery Tour dissipated in the nick of time last night to create a spectacular backdrop for a fantastic night at the Brunton Road Vineyard.
After slow ticket sales, the crowds did arrive and the glowing sunset set the scene for a memorable evening in the vines.
With five of New Zealand’s most famous musos easing into hit after hit after hit the mood of the crowd soon soared into the stratosphere.
A stampede on to the dance floor was led by the lady in the medallion belt, helped by Boh Runga, who got everyone on the dance floor when she sang Violent, from her days with the band Stellar, followed by a few of her more recent songs.
Che Fu kept the mood going when he sang Fade Away and Misty Frequencies before pulling one out of the back catalogue — a velvety mellow version of Chains, which he originally performed with Kiwi hip hop group DLT.
By the time Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga and Tim Finn came onstage, the crowd was well-primed for a singalong, which erupted as soon as they opened with the Crowded House anthem Weather With You.
It was a recipe for one of those great outpourings of shared memories as Bic Runga evoked the more recent past with songs like Sway, Drive and Going Out to Everyone.
Tim Finn took them back through time to the days of Split Enz, with songs like Six Months in a Leaky Boat, I See Red.
It was definitely a night for the Baby Boomers, and for once we were in the majority.
Dobbyn, in particular, ignited that part of the audience, taking them back to the days of the Sandown with some of his older hits. Last night Dobbyn’s song Loyal was this district’s new 10 Guitars, as about 2000 people joined him word-for-word in a fitting tribute to this country’s kaumatua of music.
Then it was back to the present with his encore song Welcome Home, which many were waiting for.
About the only thing wrong with the show was the early finish, abut 10pm. By that time most people were ready to rock all night.
The Brunton Road venue was superb, the wine and food great and the zero waste mission worked well, with some opportunists making a profit from collecting glasses for recycling.
You could say it is the Gisborne version of the Mission Estate, and good on More FM for bringing such a lineup to Gisborne.
It would be great to see more concerts there.
Marianne Gillingham – Gisborne Herald, 18 February 2010
Seasoned Kiwi performers deliver stellar set
The winery tour turned out to be a slice of heaven for those who made it to the Mud House Winery at Waipara. Celebrating the 10th anniversary, Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn and Bic Runga reunited on stage and did not disappoint.
They opened with Crowded House’s Weather With You and kept the 3500 members of the audience well entertained through to darkness and the double-encore.
Finn was outstanding and showed why he is still regarded as one of the elder statesmen of the NZ music scene. His rapport with the crowd was great and the songs even better, while the dancing was reminiscent of the best of Split Enz, with Dirty Creature and I See Red.
Dobbyn was all class while Runga was not out of place with two of the countriy’s best musicians. Her performance of Sway and Something Good reinforced her song writing talent.
Dobbyn performed some of his best-known songs with Whaling, getting the crowd going while Finn and Runga joined him for his new song, In This Town, which the pair had helped work on.
Runga moved effortlessly between guitar, harmonica, piano and drums. It was also great to see the trio enjoy themselves, which endeared them further to an already receptive audience.
The support act of Boh Runga and Che Fu also impressed.
Stu Piddington, Timaru Herald – 19 Feb 2010
Vineyard tour de force – NZ HERALD 18 FEb 2010
At a winery concert there are plenty of amenities and few queues. Punters on foldable chairs nibble picnics of camembert and sundried produce and clink their (plastic) glasses of local wine. The weather is usually impeccable - it's February after all. The sunsets are as essential as the sound. And when the all-star band's big songs roar through the vines, the picnic sets make way for a grand old dance floor - especially when the set includes numbers as iconic as Tim Finn's I See Red, Dave Dobbyn's Loyal and Bic Runga's Sway. Read the full story here
Jacqueline Smith - NZ Herald 18 Feb 2010
ARTISTS Villa Maria Estate, Blenheim – 12 Feb 2010
Dave Dobbyn, Tim Finn and Bic Runga provided a revolving door of Kiwi classics and the crowd loved it at the More FM Winery Tour concert at Villa Maria Estate on Friday night.
The show was opened by Boh Runga who played from her album Right Here, which was released last July.
She was joined by Che Fu for a duet rendition of Come Together by the Beatles.
Their 40-minute set saw those dancing in front of the stage slowly grow in number.
Then the three Kiwi music powerhouses took to the stage to a loud reception, playing Crowded House's Weather With You, which had people flooding to the front.
The sun was hot until it sunk below the hills and the event was nestled away from the wind providing the perfect setting for doing just as Dobbyn instructed: "letting your hair down and getting a bit of culture".
As the light began to fade the once-orderly rows of spectators at the front had dissolved into a writhing mass of singing and dancing.
During crowd favourites such as Split Enz anthem I See Red, Bic Runga's Sway, and Dobbyn classics Slice of Heaven and Loyal, dancing punters could be seen in all directions, silhouetted against the stage lighting or fading sunlight.
Finn was as energetic as ever, especially during I See Red where he was practically bouncing around the stage.
They left the stage after 50 minutes, and the crowd's cries for an encore were granted.
The stage lit up to show Runga, Dobbyn and Finn without supporting band members, sitting on stools with acoustic guitars playing Runga's Something Good.
Then the electric guitars and the band returned for some more popular tunes.
They signed off with Dobbyn's sing-along Welcome Home and the massive throng before the stage roared its approval with the fading music.
Michael Berry - Marlbrough Express
ARTISTS Fine talent captivates all
With a mysterious intensity that made every woman aged over 50 swoon, Tim Finn stole the show last night.
Breaking out into the possessed dance moves he refined back in the days if Split Enz, Finn was a bright spark you couldn’t drag your eyes off during last night’s gig.
Wearing a black coat lined with red, Finn’s tortured genius dance moves had him working up a sweat as he pulled out all the Enz classics – Couldn’t Be Done, Dirty Creature, I See Red, and Six Months in A Leaky Boat. One of the 1800 strong crowd favourites was Finn’s 1983 hit Fraction too Much Friction, with hoots from the audiences and a lighter happy fan getting a bit close for comfort.
The tour is the first time in 10 years the legendry trio have shared the stage. Back in 2000, they released the Together in Concert album and last night played many of the tunes on that album as if they had been practicing every night since.
These included Dave Dobbyn’s tear jerker Beside You, and his Kiwi classics Whaling and Language. Bic Runga’s gentle tune Sway and Finn’s well known tunes Weather With You and Persuasion.
The night opened with Bic’s sister Boh who was accompanied by Supergroove’s smooth and soulful Che Fu. The pair, who are performing together for the first time during the 18-date tour have perfectly suited voices. Che Fu did a lighter version of Chains, as well as Fade Away and Misty Frequencies, with Runga performing solo tracks and songs from the Stellar* songbook, including radio pop hit Violent.
The main act, however was worth the wait and exceeded expectations. The trio played a good mix of each other’s songs and the tracks people wanted to hear, such as Loyal, which dragged even the less enthusiastic on to their feet.
The sound of “da-da-da” would have been heard for miles during Dobbyn’s Slice of Heaven, and Welcome Home was the cheery on the top for many.
Dobbyn was, as usual full of good graciousness and feel good messages for the crowd (“God Bless” and “you are in fine voice and great heart”) and the backing band was tight. Backing vocals were performed by soul jazz songstress LA Mitchell, whose live sound never fails to impress.
The scene on the night was a happy one, but my only grizzle is that the venue, as always was squashed. The mob of dancers had to spread out onto people’s picnic blankets and I think I stood on someone’s bacon and egg pie. Sorry.
Alice Cowdrey, Nelson Mail – February, 2010
ARTISTS CUT A SLICE OF HEAVEN
Aptly we arrived at the spectacular Mud House Winery to find the talented Che Fu singing Fade Away with the gorgeous Boh Runga. To the backdrop of a moody sky the pair warmed up the crowd of around 3500.
An inspired pairing of styles and vocals, as well as performing their own hits – passionate versions of Che’s Chains and Stellar*’s Violent - their renditions of I Was Made For Lovin’ You and Come Together were excellent.
As strong winds had given the crew setting up the stage more than a few headaches, it was with wry smiles that Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn and “Christchurch girl made good’’ Bic Runga, in smart black and white suits, kicked off the night of wine and song with Crowded House’s Weather With You.
Reprising their tour of 10 years ago, they took it in turns to take us through their back catalogues.
Their songs are as familiar to us all as all our own homes and to be standing in jandals just three feet from Tim Finn with the gentle mounds of the North Canterbury foothills framing the stage was pure magic. It was a big slice of heaven in Godzone.
Dobbyn’s rendition of Whaling saw him hook a note for so long that Bic exchanged an impressed smile with him. On the trio’s last tour together Bic was the newcomer, this time she showed just how brightly her star shines. The shows in this tour are her first since having son Joseph in 2007and she looked right at home and as elegant as ever singing hits like Drive as well as Winning Arrow, feel good hit Something Good Will Come Our Way, Sway and others.
Finn declared the crowd to be “da bomb’’ and he was too, lightly poking fun at “Dave’s lot’’ with “occultish’’ hand movements and telling a bloke wearing a hat with earflaps in the crowd that he “wears it well’’. For me his theatrical persona added much depth. His jerky-limbed version of Split Enz’s Dirty Creature was a highlight, as was I See Red with Bic on keys.
Dobbyn led a new song that the trio had worked on, In This Town, and it didn’t seem out of place amongst the hit parade.
I can’t speak highly enough of the backing band for the night, Sum Of All Parts, featuring Christchurch lass Lauren Mitchell, Michael Barker and the hugely talented Trinity Roots’ Rio Hemopo and Brett Adams (the Bads).
Vicki Anderson, The Christchurch Press –15 February, 2010
2009 PRESS COVERAGE & CONCERT REVIEWS
Great Day Out with Stars that Shine Bright
The weather held out, the atmosphere was summer gold and Dave Dobbyn proved he is a Kiwi legend
With a lineup like Opshop, Anika Moa and Dave Dobbyn I had high expectations for Saturday’s outdoor concert at Wharepai Domain but they were quickly far exceeded.
They (Opshop) put on an excellent live show …
Until Saturday I’d never seen Anika Moa in concert and I’m now questioning why. She is fun, truly kiwi and has an engaging voice that live makes you hear some of her old favourites like you’re hearing them for the first time …
As darkness began to fall Dave Dobbyn received a warm welcome … this venue was perfect for his ability to get a Kiwi crowd singing and dancing …That man has classics in numbers to rival any Kiwi musician …
Overall though one of the best Kiwi concerts I’ve been to
Bay Of Plenty Times – 23 February, 2009
Rocking Out While The Rain Holds Off
It was classically Kiwi …a wood pigeon sat in a plum tree while Dave Dobbyn’s distinctive voice rang out across the night.
Moa had a portion of the 1750 strong crowd on their feet in no time … the stand out was an emotionally charged My Old Man ….Moa finished up with a reggae version of the first song she ever wrote Youthful, featuring the beautiful voice of her buddy and fellow singer Anna Coddington and a cheeky freestyle verse…..
Dobbyn, laden with gracio≠usness and feel-good messages for the crowd…. soon had the small dancefloor packed during his set list of classics including Whaling, Devil You Know, Language, Loyal, Pour The Wine, Be Mine Tonight, Maybe The Rain – and the highlight for most - Outlook for Thursday.
The Nelson Mail – Feb 26, 2009
ACTS a triple treat for winery audience
The wine was flowing and New Plymouth’s Sentry Hill Winery was bursting at the seams for last night’s MORE FM Winery Tour. Not a spare patch of grass could be seen with more than 2500 people filling every inch, and with picnic baskets in hand they settled in for a night with Opshop, Anika Moa and Dave Dobbyn.
Opshop got bodies moving and the crowd cheering as it kicked off the concert…..As Moa belted out her chart hit 'Youthful', reggae style, the masses got pumping, dancing at the stage.
Dobbyn, clearly the act of the night had the crowd on their feet, singling aloud word for word, to his classic Kiwi anthems …
Taranaki Daily News – 19 February, 2009
Rifleman’s first shot a total blast
While Opshop and Anika Moa caned the competition at last year’s Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, there was no doubt who the master was on the night, signaled by a smoke machine and impressive light show. The crowd got what they came for with hits such as Whaling, The Devil You May Know and Loyal. An encore saw him unleash Welcome Home and a Slice of Heaven……
Hawke’s Bay Today – 11 Feb 2009
Heat Hellish but Winery Gig was still a Slice of Heaven
The MORE FM Winery Tour gig held yesterday at Brunton Road was a corker – artists Opshop, Anika Moa and Dave Dobbyn pulling off strong sets from the shaded comfort of their specially built stage with its 16 metre high canopy. … Dobbyn and his six-piece band had a grab bag of super-tunes to draw from…..
The Gisborne Herald – 9 Feb 2009
what the punters said...
"Wow, I came last year to Ascension Wine Estate with the family; we came back this year and the show was even better! The stage lighting for Dave Dobbyn’s set as the sun went down was unforgettable."
Sally, Auckland (for Ascension Wine Estate)
"This is my third visit to Ascension Wine Estate for the MORE FM Winery Tour. Fantastic show, Anika Moa was just as good if not better than last year wowing the crowd with her wit. But the best moment for me was singing Dobbyn’s Loyal along with a couple of thousand others, surrounded by grape vines, great wine & music."
Nigel, Leigh (for Ascension Wine Estate)
"I won tickets listening in to MORE FM and this was my first winery tour experience. What a great day! We took the kids, a picnic, lots of sunscreen and had a blast. Kids both got their albums signed by the boys from Opshop who stayed at the signing tent until they had seen all the fans – thank you Opshop my boys are still raving."
Angus, Gisborne (for Brunton Road)
"My wife and I have just moved to Napier and we’re new to New Zealand but both ardent music lovers. To see such a polished production and top rate sound in the middle of a vineyard is impressive – by world standards. And while we didn’t know the music we had a great time just drinking in the wine and the atmosphere."
Harrison, Napier (for Sacred Hill Vineyard)
"What a spectacular setting for a live concert! I got tickets for my hubby for Christmas and I couldn’t drag him away from the stage where he danced to Dave Dobbyn for 90 minutes. It was truly a slice of heaven for us both."
Natalie, Napier (for Sacred Hill Vineyard)
2008 PRESS COVERAGE & CONCERT REVIEWS
what the punters said...
“This is my second Winery Tour experience at Matakana and I’ll be sure to come again next year. Outstanding artists / music, great atmosphere and only an hour from Auckland. We’ll organize a bigger group of friends and hire a house so we can stay here longer next year – was awesome!”
- Sarah – Auckland
“This is a great day out for the family and a bonus not having to pay for the kids (children under 12 free). We loved all the music – especially Anika Moa who was so funny and charming. The kids love the fact she doesn’t wear shoes. We’ll be back next year!”
- Natalie – Gisborne
“This was our first trip out to Alana Estate and what a huge venue! There was a great selection of wine and food for every taste. The wife packed a picnic basket but we still managed to visit a few of the food vendors as there was so much to choose from.”
- Peter – Waipara
“Mud House remains on of my favourite vineyards in New Zealand. We were on holiday from Auckland with some relatives who live in Christchurch. It is a spectacular venue and setting, especially as the sun went down. We loved the music especially Anika Moa – she can sure get the crowd going!”
- Norma – Auckland
“Black Barn and its natural amphitheatre played perfect host to Brooke Fraser, Goldenhorse and Anika Moa. What a great way to end the working day – my husband and I headed to Black Barn for a great night of food and wine. The bus service made it easy for us to get back into town after a few wines. ”
- Lisa - Napier
“My only complaint was that I didn’t have any sun lotion. Otherwise one of the best live concerts I’ve been to in a very long time. Brooke Fraser is just mesmerizing live as she is on radio.”
- Joe - New Plymouth
"I reckon $60 to see three top notch Kiwi acts perform over three hours is a great deal and a great day out of the city.”
- Moe - Christchurch
"The kids were rapt when Anika and Goldenhorse came out to do signings. We don’t get that often in Hamilton and the kids will treasure their autographed CDs and mementoes.”
- Hayley - Hamilton
Vintage melodies at the Mudhouse
Christchurch Press
February 23, 2008
Top acts turn on the magic
Nelson Mail
February 22, 2008
Stars lined up for tour
Nelson Mail
February 20, 2008
Give me Moa: Anika proves a highlight of the Winery Tour
Bay of Plenty Times
February 18, 2008
Fun with a family atmosphere
Wanganui Chronicle
February 13, 2008
MORE FM Winery Tour 2008 Black Barn Winery
Hawkes Bay Today
February 11, 2008
THE MORE FM WINERY TOUR 2008
BLACK BARN WINERY
Reviewed by Amanda Jackson
LAST year it was Bic and Boh Runga. This year a three act sensation of Anika Moa, Goldenhorse and Brooke Fraser, was the entertainment for what will become a regular February affair of wine, women and song - the perfect elixir of a good life or at least a stunningly good night out.
It wouldn't have mattered in which order they sang but this night Anika Moa started the show, warming up the capacity audience with her cheeky charm and bubbly personality and topping it off with a voice that cut to the quick, stirring, heartfelt and gutsy. She sang with an honesty that totally won the support and admiration of everyone there, acknowledging the banter with the quick wit of a comedian and answering in the most expressive offerings of original music. Seeing her live is a double whammy of musicality and personality second to none.Goldenhorse followed, fresh from a successful summer tour of Europe. In no time they were picking up the mood and getting the crowds dancing on the terraces. The vivacious little lead singer, Kirsten Morell, fired up the atmosphere further with fizzy, complex rhythms, reminiscent of Split Enz at times. Her clear, bouncy sound, so warm and fresh and so original, was an exciting mix of pop and funky voice gymnastics.
The final act was Brooke Fraser whose first album, What to do with Daylight, catapulted her to fame and she became a household name in her own right. Hers' was a different sound again, mixing soulful and new age with a great voice that rang like a bell around the darkening amphitheatre. Once again singing mostly original work, she penetrated the mood with messages of significance and sincerity, belting out some pretty thought provoking lyrics. Although it wasn't her own song, the highlight of her singing performance on this night was Sounds of Silence, her own version, and probably the most beautiful interpretation ever sung since the original.
Maybe it was the sky, the warm clear summer evening, or the wine, or the songs, or maybe it was the inspired pick of the creme of female songwriting talent. Whatever the magic in the mix, the show was superb and part of that pleasure was the confidence in what we have as a pure New Zealand sound, hearing how good it was and celebrating with all the like-minded people who were there, the very best things in life.
And some of that best news is that the show is returning to Black Barn in a couple of weeks to enjoy all over again.
Hawkes Bay Today 11/02/08
Fun with a family atmosphere
By SIMON WOOD
THE SUN came out, the rain stayed away and everyone had a blast.
The nation-wide Winery Tour came to Cooks Gardens yesterday, as Anika Moa, Goldenhorse and Brooke Fraser treated Wanganui to three hours of twilight music.
A well-behaved crowd of about 1000 bopped away to three of New Zealand's finest pop acts.
Some chose to dance, others camped on picnic rugs enjoying the music and a few quiet beverages.
Everyone agreed it was a great night out.
"We came to see Goldenhorse, but also Anika and Brooke too," one man said, his two kids radiating huge smiles.
Committed fans had the opportunity to claim autographs, but most were content to spend the evening in front of the stage.
"It's so much fun. This doesn't always happen in Wanganui," one excited girl told the Chronicle.
Over at the merchandise stand, T-shirts and CDs were selling well.
"A lot of people see the acts and then come and buy their albums," a salesperson said. "Sometimes people will have one of the acts' CDs but they want the other two as well."
As the night progressed, and the smell of candy floss and freshly cut grass wafted over the stadium, more and more people got into the music, young and old letting their hair down with few inhibitions.
And after morning rain, the weather played its part perfectly, putting on a wonderful mild night.
"I hope they do something like this again. It's a really great family atmosphere," one couple said.
The Winery Tour is a 16-stop nationwide roadshow culminating at Auckland's Villa Maria Estate on March 2.
Wanganui Chronicle 13/02/08
Give me Moa: Anika proves a highlight of the Winery Tour
By VICKI WATERHOUSE
Anika Moa is my new favourite singer, and I only knew two of her songs before the MORE FM Winery Tour on Saturday night.
I arrived at the show with a friend at 5.30pm and settled into a spot right at the front to get the best view. Moa was greeted by an enthusiastic Bay crowd.
My friend John had always been a big fan of Moa, but I had never really gotten into her music. But all that changed when I saw her live.
Quite apart from the fact that her voice is dynamic, pure and never wavers, her stage presence is riveting.
I don't care if she pulls out the exact same jokes at every stop on the tour - the crowd was almost in tears with laughter, and she kept her personality throughout the show.
One verse of her hit Youthful was sung "like a Maori", including the line "you're a hory bro", replacing "you're so beautiful".
It's hard to do Moa justice with words on a piece of paper - her performance was engaging, she is absolutely stunning in real life with gorgeous dimples and a bottle of Corona in hand, and she was the highlight of my night.
She was nothing like the dark brooding persona that comes through on her music videos, and had so much fun on stage. Goldenhorse were up next, and lead singer Kirsten Morelle took to the stage dressed like a rock star. Sequined top, huge glasses, shorts and boots - she certainly looked the part.
The crowd agreed - within no time, a huge group of people had congregated at the front of the stage, happy to dance the night away.
Gutted though I was, I had to leave before Brooke Fraser took to the stage.
Fortunately, I have seen her many, many times before, and know she would have been great, as she does every time with her incredible voice and relaxed small talk. The wine was flowing, the crowd was in high spirits and I had a great time. There was none of the agro that I have found at similar large concerts.
It's a tour I'd highly recommend - I'll definitely be going next year.
Bay of Plenty Times 18/02/08
Top acts turn on the magic
Reviewed by Nicole Attrill.
The Winery Tour with Anika Moa, Goldenhorse and Brooke Fraser. Neudorf Vineyards, last night.
Neudorf Vineyards was a perfect host for the 2008 MORE FM Winery Tour, and the crowds came to enjoy the sounds of some of the best in New Zealand music.
A beautiful Nelson evening helped to set the scene for the large crowd relaxing in true picnic style, topped off with a glass of wine, which equalled a very enjoyable evening.
Anika Moa warmed the audience with her Kiwi humour and personality. I'm sure that even if her songs were not that well favoured which they are she would still wow the crowds with her bold presence on stage. I am a huge fan of both her music and her ability as a songwriter. Moa mixed it up for the crowd with new and old tracks. A new song she
wrote after being inspired by Johnny Cash, Day In Day Out, was a particular favourite for me.
And you really can't go past the oldie with a twist Youthful. Anika, if you are reading this, I think we can all agree that yes, you can do a fantastic rendition of a Rastafarian!
Goldenhorse cranked up the crowd with their unique pop-rock. Kirsten Morrell has such an energetic presence on stage, and this, coupled with great beats and music, soon had the crowd energised. Morrell started off holding something back but after the first song, she honestly informed us all that she was having a bit of a downer thanks to the full moon and being on tour. It wasn't a negative at all she also said we could turn it around, which I am glad to say we did. All we needed was a tiny bit of encouragement to jump to our feet.
Not a hard feat; Morrell dominated the stage, and the band's hits, especially Maybe Tomorrow, brought the whole vineyard to life.
Brooke Fraser had the crowd excited even before she hit the stage. Another very talented Kiwi songwriter and performer, her purity and smoothness of voice is so appealing.
Her honesty in allowing an insight into her life, with stories about her fiance and upcoming future, were appreciated. New songs were received well, in particular Seeds, which Fraser described as a cute song for future generations. The more well-known songs were enjoyed thoroughly but a particular favourite of mine was her cover of Simon and Garfunkel's The Sounds of Silence. An outstanding performance it's a version I would love to own on CD. Her music, while mellow, was a welcome ending to a fabulous evening.
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see three such outstanding Kiwi artists/bands in such a fantastic location. If you haven't got tickets for tonight's performance, get them. To quote Kirsten Morrell, "I love chaos in the vineyard". Well, if this is chaos, may we have more times like this.
Nelson Mail 22/02/08
2007 PRESS COVERAGE & CONCERT REVIEWS
Bic Runga at Ascension Vineyard, Matakana
NZ Herald
February 7, 2007
what the punters said...
“Bic’s show was incredible and in such an amazing setting, the concert of the summer”
- Penelope Munroe, Hamilton
“What an fantastic location for such a brilliant concert”
- Joe Simpson, New Plymouth
“To see Bic in this setting made for a stunning afternoon of wine and song”
- Rachel Wallace, Auckland
“I went to the Matakana Ascension vineyard show with a group of girls, we drank wine as the sun set as we were entertained by Boh and Bic Runga. It was divine”
- Kate Borwick, Devonport
“The show at Black Barn was incredible, the amphitheatre was amazing and was a perfect frame for such a great concert...I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summer evening”
- H. Smith, Napier
“I was at the Millbrook show and we were up and dancing by the end of it. Bic was amazing”
- S. Seddon, Arrowtown