Kiwi Concert Party Featuring Bic Runga, Tim Finn, The Topp Twins And More Comes To Villa Maria This Jan!

22 Oct

Presented by: Eccles Entertainment

Bic Runga, Tim Finn and The Topp Twins will perform a two hour variety concert, together with the Hātea Kapa Haka group. Expected to be a stand-out entertainment event, the Kiwi Concert Party brings together a who’s who of musical and comedic talent at Auckland’s exceptional outdoor venue Villa Maria.

On board since the conception of this wonderful show, Tim Finn is looking forward to hitting the stage:

"I thought after everything we'd been through together in 2020, a mix of music and comedy would be a great tonic. A modern take on the old "Variety" show. Then I flashed on those famous images of Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe scurrying under the still whirring blades of a helicopter towards a makeshift stage. And I remembered Dad telling me about the troops being entertained in WW2. The idea for a Kiwi Concert Party starring Bic Runga, the Topp Twins and myself felt both classic and timely. Add into that mixture the Hātea Kapa Haka group with their amazing vocal harmonies, a musical director of the calibre of Karl Stevens, acclaimed songwriter Reb Fountain and iconic DJ Manuel Bundy and you have a unique and celebratory event. We will share the stage and shift the mood, reminding everybody what a special place NZ is. Have a sing, have a laugh, have a dance and a drop of the doings. See you there!"

Bic Runga, Tim Finn and The Topp Twins are New Zealand artists who really need no introduction. However, this will be the very first time the three acts have been on stage together performing each other’s songs.

Since the release of her first single ‘Drive’ in 1996 – a top ten hit when she was just twenty – Bic has been awarded almost every musical honour in New Zealand, including the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll song-writing award. Bic has won the most Tui Awards (New Zealand Music Awards) by any individual, ever (twenty). In 2016 Bic was awarded the Legacy Award at the NZ Music Awards and inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame. Cherished singles ‘Sway’, ‘Get Some Sleep’, ‘Something Good’ and ‘Listening For The Weather’ have helped paved Runga’s career and cemented her as one of Aotearoa’s best loved musicians.

Tim Finn, one of the most praised and admired artists of the past thirty years has enjoyed a unique and remarkable career. From his time with pop pioneers Split Enz (which he co-founded) to writing and performing with Crowded House on the internationally successful album Woodface. Finn has also written two major theatrical compositions, opera ‘Star Navigator’ premiering in March ’21 for NZO and stage musical ‘Ladies in Black’ which was awarded an Australian Helpmann award for best new Australian work. For his service to his native New Zealand and its music industry, Tim was accepted onto the “Queen’s Birthday Honours” list in 1993 and awarded an OBE. But he prefers to be known as a working songwriter and is remembered for his songs 'Six Months In A Leaky Boat', 'I See Red', 'I Hope I Never', 'Fraction Too Much Friction', 'Parihaka', 'Persuasion' and 'Weather With You' (written with his brother Neil) to name but a few.

Dames Lynda and Jools aka the Topp Twins, are New Zealand national treasures who have performed around the world as an original comedy-music duo for more than 25 years. The twins re-invent themselves on stage, changing character, musical style and gender with ease. They have had their own award-winning prime-time TV series, most recently Topp Country (TVNZ), released many albums and children’s audiobooks, been inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame and received Honorary Doctorates. A documentary film about their lives became a worldwide hit. They have unparalleled broad appeal, regularly performing at corporate events, theatres, stadiums, Festivals and A&P shows where they are often mobbed by adoring audiences.

The Kiwi Concert Party will share the stage with the Hātea Kapa Haka AND a multi-piece house band comprising of some of NZ’s most accomplished musicians including Kody Nielson, Brett Adams and Jol Mullholland.

Hātea Kapa Haka was formed in 2000 by the whanau of Pēhiāweri Marae. The membership is drawn from the whānau of the marae and extends to others who reside in Whāngarei as well as from Auckland and further afield.

Hātea is focused on holding and maintaining Ngā Mahi ā Te Rēhia me Tānerore and strives to contribute to the excellence of Māori performing arts. The group have received multiple accolades for their original compositions and performances and will be joining Bic Runga, Tim Finn and The Topp Twins over the evening.

Opening the live concert proceedings on the night is Reb Fountain with her full band. Award winning songwriter Reb Fountain was born in San Francisco and immigrated with her family from North American to Lyttelton – the quiet port town out of Christchurch that has been fundamental to the South Island folk scene, raising artists like Delaney Davidson, Marlon Williams and Aldous Harding. Reb currently dominates the kiwi music scene with an APRA Silver Scroll nomination for her song ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am’ as well as five nominations in the Aotearoa Music Awards for Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Best Alternative Artist, Best Producer and Best Album Art for her recent self-titled album which was released in May 2020.

Throughout the early section of the Kiwi Concert Party fans will enjoy a musical soundtrack to set the scene from DJ Manuel Bundy. Ask any DJ around Auckland city who is the DJ they most admire, and the answer will most likely be Manuel Bundy aka Manny Styles (Manuel Matisi). One of the most respected DJs in the nation, Manuel has been cutting and scratching behind the decks since 1987.

Dr Karl Steven (Supergroove, Drab Doo Riffs, Heart Attack Alley) is the Musical Director for this dynamic show which will produce a mixture of music, culture, and entertainment for all!

Karl Steven is an award-winning NZ/Swedish film and television composer whose credits include Ant Timpson’s comedy-thriller ‘Come To Daddy’, Hamish Bennet’s rural drama ‘Bellbird’, and South Pacific Pictures’ ‘The Bad Seed’, the latter of which won Best Original Music in a TV Series at the APRA Silver Scrolls in 2019. His film and telefeature scores have generated enormous buzz and earned him countless accolades including Best Original Score at the 2018 NZTV Awards ‘Resolve’ and Best Original Music in a TV Series at the 2016 APRA Silver Scrolls ‘800 Words’.

Villa Maria, Auckland’s finest outdoor venue has hosted some of the greatest names in music. Attending shows at Villa Maria is a unique and picturesque concert experience set in a beautiful vineyard. Families can enjoy one complimentary child under 12 years old, a picnic style evening in the GA fields. Reserved seating is also available for those who would like a more upfront experience with a great view. All patrons, including children, will require a full priced ticket in the reserved seating area.