Wild for Womad
Mike McGirr doesn’t miss an opportunity to morph into character.
So when Womad New Zealand announced Friday evening as dress-up night, a first for the festival, he rummaged around his wardrobe and picked out the wares of a jester.
"I like the idea of dress-up night and taking on a different persona," he said.
The Paeka¯ ka¯ riki man arrived in New Plymouth for the 14th instalment of the music and art festival with a crew of about 30.
He has missed very few Womad events over the years and said one of the best elements was uncovering musical treasures from abroad.
"I like seeing acts I’ve never heard of."
McGirr was one of thousands to flood the TSB Bowl of Brooklands Friday evening for the launch of Womad New Zealand 2018.
Light showers threatened before kick-off but as the opening acts took the stage the sun came out to play.
Opening on the Bowl Stage was Brazilian afrobeat crew, Bixiga 70 who played to a quickly growing crowd featuring all sorts of costumed characters.
Making its New Zealand debut, the 10-piece announced they had crossed the ocean for only one reason: "to make you all dance".
Punters followed instruction, and hundreds rose to their feet, moving to the melting pot of funk, electronics and psychedelia.
Warming up the Gables Stage was Kiwi songstress Maisey Rika & Friends who played to a relaxed audience of hundreds.
With day tickets having sold out and a stellar line-up on offer, Saturday is set to be a winner for both punters and musicians.
Highlights from day two could include Indian classical and progressive sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar.
The half-sister of American singer and songwriter Norah Jones, was taught to play the sitar by her father, renowned Ravi Shankar, and has performed with a variety of musicians, including Sting, Eric Clapton and Lenny Kravitz.
Following Shankar’s performance on the main stage is charttopping Kiwi group, Dragon.
The Australasian rock legends are sure to be a crowd favourite with iconic hits like April Sun in Cuba, promised to feature in their set.
Multi-award winning jazz giant, Kamasi Washington is also scheduled to perform on Saturday.