A day on the green - with The B52s, The Proclaimers and more

The B-52s are coming to NZ!  They will be playing four shows across the country with Scottish wonder twins The Proclaimers.

DUNEDIN, Wednesday 9th December at The Edgar Centre
CHRISTCHURCH, Friday 11th December at Mudhouse Winery and Café
WELLINGTON, Saturday 12th December at Alana Estate
AUCKLAND, Sunday 13th December, Villa Maria Estate Winery

Both The B-52s and The Proclaimers are renowned for their charismatic live stage shows and raucous, uplifting music, so how much fun will this be! Support band Dave McArtney and the Pink Flamingos will kick start all concerts.

‘a day on the green’ has presented nine shows since its debut in January 2008 and has quickly established itself as one of the country’s most successful music events. With three magnificent wineries in Villa Marie Estate Auckland, The Mud House Winery Christchurch and Alana Estate Wellington, ‘a day on the green’ gives patrons the chance to see international acts in a winery environment close to each main city.

By limiting travel time and keeping crowd attendances to a manageable size, it has struck a chord with NZ music fans, who love the mix of good food, good wine and great music, but in a more intimate setting.

The B-52s – Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland and Cindy Wilson - put Athens, Georgia on the musical map in the late '70s, with their quirky and unconventional take on the new wave sound of the era. The band’s pioneering fusions of punk, new wave, vintage rock and electronic music all wrapped up in savvy hooks was an instant success. With three unique vocalists, they were an upbeat irresistible party band – and the world loved them! 1978’s ‘Rock Lobster’ single exploded in the US, and New Zealand. Their self-titled debut and follow up album ‘Wild Planet’ were both Top 5 in the NZ Top 40 album chart. Then came 1989’s breakthrough album ‘Cosmic Thing’ which featured mega chart topper ‘Love Shack’. ‘Love Shack’ was a #1 hit and spent a whopping 25 weeks in the singles charts. 2nd single from ‘Cosmic Thing’, ‘Roam’ cemented that The B52’s meant business when it reached #2 on the singles chart. The B52’s have dominated the NZ music charts since their inception and throughout their long career. NZ get ready to dance the night away to those well-loved and well-remembered songs!

The band’s brilliant live concerts have ensured a loyal audience all over the world. Their last concert appearance in New Zealand in 2004 drew rave reviews from media and fans alike, and five years on, they are playing better than ever. Their current album ‘Funplex’ (April 2008 EMI) debuted at #11 on the US charts, their 2nd highest album debut ever, and is instantly recognizable as prime, yet contemporary, B-52s.

Very special guests on the tour are Scotland’s finest Celtic soul brothers The Proclaimers. Twins Craig and Charlie Reid charmed the world with their consummate pop songs, charged with emotional honesty, political fire and wit like the euphoric ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ and ‘I’m On My Way’, both massive hits in NZ. The brothers have played and conquered Glastonbury, V Festival, Isle Of Wight and Womad to name a few, their talent and charm irrefutable.

Most recently their songs have been the inspiration behind the enormously successful and award-winning musical ‘Sunshine On The Leith’ first performed in Scotland in 2007, and continuing to play across the UK. Always touring solidly, the band completed a 130 date world tour in 2007/08 before getting down to writing and producing their new album ‘Notes And Rhymes’ (Universal) released here on June 19. Honest, hard-working and absolutely wonderful live in concert, The Proclaimers have not toured New Zealand since 2002, so are long overdue!

And to get the party started is Dave McArtney and the Pink Flamingos. Formed out of the ashes of the early demise of two Auckland bands in Sydney in 1980, Hello Sailor and Dragon, The Pink Flamingos will perform all of their original gold class hits. Dave McArtney and The Pink Flamingos songs and albums earned them multiple awards throughout the early 1980’s in New Zealand, and now you get to relive those days live at ‘a day on the green’.

So there you have it...... The B-52s, The Proclaimers and Dave McArtney and The Pink Flamingos – three of the world’s best party bands all in one night! Don’t miss it.

‘a day on the green’ also encourages patrons to enjoy a weekend in the region, boosting local tourism. With a loyal following growing fast, the event will continue to expand during the upcoming summer season. For transport options, accommodation and full show details, please visit www.adayonthegreen.co.nz.

Tour dates are:
Wednesday December 9 THE EDGAR CENTRE, DUNEDIN
TICKET PRICES:
$92.50
Concert tickets available from Ticket Direct
www.ticketdirect.co.nz Ph: 0800 4 TICKET

Friday December 11 MUDHOUSE WINERY AND CAFE, CHRISTCHURCH
TICKET PRICES:
Gold - $152.50
Silver - $129.90
GA - $101.80
Concert tickets available from Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.nz Ph: 0800 111 999

Saturday December 12 ALANA ESTATE, WELLINGTON
TICKET PRICES:
Gold - $152.40
Silver - $129.90
GA - $101.80
Concert tickets available from Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.nz Ph: 0800 111 999


Sunday December 13 VILLA MARIA ESTATE WINERY, AUCKLAND
TICKET PRICES:
Gold - $152.40
Silver - $129.90
GA - $101.80
Concert tickets available from Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.nz Ph: 0800 111 999