The Living Lounge opens on Western Park, Ponsonby, Auckland from February 26 – March 1 as part of the inaugural Auckland Fringe Festival, featuring international cult comedy/music act The Cuban Brothers, the hit show of Splore 08, The Butterfly Zoo cabaret show, together with top New Zealand musician Liam Finn and Grammy Award-winning Jamaican singer Michael Rose (Black Uhuru).
Featuring a diverse programme of music, comedy and entertainment, The Living Lounge is a stunning red tent where audience members are encouraged to come dressed in their finery!
“The Butterfly Zoo in the Living Lounge was such a huge success at Splore, that we wanted to restage it in the city, bringing together a group of fantastic New Zealand and international musicians and performance acts,” says Splore director Amanda Wright. “We were thrilled at the way audiences really involved themselves by dressing up, adding to the colour and energy of the nights.”
Opening the four-day Living Lounge programme on Thursday 26 February will be timeless Jamaican singer Michael Rose. The 51-year-old reggae singer and songwriter has been at the forefront of Jamaican music for more than 30 years and is best known as the frontman for Black Uhuru. Rose also tours, records and releases material as a solo artist and has an international following with number one single ‘Shoot Out’ recorded with producer John John in 2007 and a new album ‘Great Expectations’ released in 2008.
Zany comedy/music act The Cuban Brothers make a welcome return to New Zealand, bringing their infectious humour and crazy antics exclusively to The Living Lounge for two nights only on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 February. Based in the UK, The Cuban Brothers have an international cult following and were a sensation at Splore 06 – they perform throughout the UK ad Europe and have presented numerous music specials on MTV.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming The Cuban Brothers back to NZ – they were an absolute hit at Splore. We’re theming The Cuban Brothers nights around Havana in the 1970’s and encouraging everyone to come dressed up.”
Top NZ talent Liam Finn wraps up The Living Lounge on Sunday 1 March. Voted one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 10 acts to watch for 2008, Liam Finn has rapidly become a true talent on the international stage and his brilliant debut album ‘I’ll be Lightning’ has earned him a huge following. His exciting live shows wow audiences wherever he goes with gorgeous melodies, his self-effacing style and musical experimentation.
Free daytime workshops and entertainment for all the family will also feature in the programme. The Living Lounge is presented with the support of the Ponsonby Business Association.
