Concerts medicine for the soul
Abelief that the arts and music are medicine for the soul and our well-being, inspired singer, Amber McNichol to organise a summer series of gigs at Te Puna Quarry Park.
The 23-year-old started the Creative Arts Summer Series earlier this month, and has run
three successful Friday night concerts in the amphitheatre at the park.
Amber says, “It’s important to create vibrant activities for the community that give opportunity for local artists to grow with experience and to support the work and conservation of the Te Puna Quarry.”
Amber studied in Wellington and was influenced by the
Botanic Garden’s summer concerts. She was keen to create a space for people to enjoy nature and the amphitheatre at the park: “It is a calm and beautiful setting where local artists can present original tunes and covers of their favourite artists.”
Her dream would be to create a street festival like the Wellington festival CubaDupa.
The artists playing this
Friday include, Nick Newman, Charlotte Mary Ketel, Astro Soul, (which Amber is lead singer for with guitarist Lee Mckenzie and sax Sam Raney), Stellavision (Carolyn O’Neill) and Davey Beige.
Amber acknowledges Dean Gordon who she says has been an enormous help with the sound equipment, and Te Puna Quarry Park president, Shona Purves. Also Alana
Muntz-Walsh who has supported her with her design work.
Friday’s concert runs from 6.30pm-9pm. Admission is by koha, with proceeds going to Te Puna Quarry Park. Vaccination passports required, masks (remove when seated), limited to 100 people so arrive early.