Chartfest 2011 Announcement

Press Release:

CHARTFEST 2011, Christchurch's NZ Music Month live music extravaganza, is set to return on Saturday 14 May at the new location of CPIT’s student association (CPSA) building and grounds on Madras St, Christchurch.

With the generous support of CPIT, CCC and Smokefree, CHARTFEST in its fourth year moves in a new direction, with an exciting line up and range of music related activities. Christchurch’s annual May festival keeps the tradition of shining a light on the city's hottest emerging acts as well as honouring some important alumni.

1990’s progressive art punk rockers, SQUIRM reform and play a rare Christchurch show and join an incredible line up of South Island grown talent such as the RDU98.5FM Dux de Lux RoundUp winners THE GUEST and the UCSA Battle of the Bands champions VON VOIN STRUM and the Lyttelton super group THE HARBOUR UNION featuring the Harbour’s finest musical talent. Al Park, Lindon Puffin, Delaney Davidson, and members of The Eastern, Unfaithful Ways and Tiny Lies will perform songs from their earthquake benefit album due for release in May. Keep an eye out for other special guests on the night.

Festival organizer Jeff Fulton explains the resistance to postpone the event despite the damage caused by the February quake “the effect on the music scene has been dramatic but our team were determined to continue, get everyone together and fly a flag for Christchurch”. With sponsors and supporters help CHARTFEST 2011 is being held at the CPSA complex at CPIT, a safe, structurally approved single level venue with a grassed outdoor area is ideal for hosting the 2011 event.

CHARTFEST 2011 kicks off at 1.30pm with a free all-ages afternoon event including a MUSIC INDUSTRY & CAREER EXPO, aspiring musicians chance to meet NZ music industry rep’s and personalities. In association with APRA, soul jazz artist L.A Mitchell (Fly My Pretties, Dukes) will host a song-writing clinic, while other notable musician’s will present clinics on drums and guitars.

At 4pm the BAND SEARCH finals aim to find Canterbury’s best school band with talent from the region’s talented up-and-coming musicians - the winner going on to perform with New Zealand's leading metal act TAINTED at Zebedees (all ages) from 8pm. The doors to the CHARTFEST 2011 LIVE SESSIONS open at 7pm and tickets are strictly limited, only $15.00 plus booking fee on sale now from cosmicticketing.co.nz.

Given recent events, CHARTFEST 2011 represents a unique opportunity to gather the city's music community together in solidarity and celebrate the fine people and music culture of this proud city.

See www.chartfest.co.nz for more details.