Winery show a wet and wonderful night

This is the tenth year of The Winery Tour. Beautiful vineyard locations and top New Zealand musicians. It’s a winning combination.

The show at Neudorf Vineyard opened with Benny Tipene. He came third in New Zealand’s X Factor show 2013 and is proof that the TV talent show format can catapult relatively unknown musicians onto the national tour circuit. The crowd recognised the upbeat Walking On Water and the first dancers of the night gathered in front of him.

This was an evening reminiscent of British summertime, ie it was wet and cold. But the Neudorf crowd had not been deterred. In rain ponchos and under umbrellas they were determined to party.

Bic Runga was up next. It was the search for a venue for a national tour stop for her in 2006 which gave birth to The Winery Tour concept. But her set as part of this show puzzled me. She seemed unconfident, almost like a novice performer, certainly not like a multi award winning artist who has been inducted in New Zealand’s Music Hall of Fame.

The majority of Runga’s set list were old favourites and it was wonderful to hear these beautifully crafted songs: Something Good, Precious Things, Get Some Sleep and Sway.

But her minimal band, lack of lighting and an under produced sound, created the impression that she was just another support act.

By comparison, Brooke Fraser exploded onto the stage, appearing very much the seasoned pro star act. Her fans flocked to the stage and hundreds were soon dancing under the rainy night sky. Kings and Queens and Something In The Water were clear favourites with the crowd, as was her latest hit single Therapy.

This was a family-friendly event and despite the rain it was a magical night.