Grab your picnic blanket, friends and whānau, and head to the Botanic Gardens this weekend for the first Summer Sundays concert of the season.
Movie Tunes, on 2 February, puts the spotlight on music from the 1980 hit film The Blues Brothers, showcased by 10-piece local band Capitol City.
The powerhouse local act will cover songs like ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Love’ and Aretha Franklin’s iconic ‘Think’.
Christchurch City Council Manager of Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore says this year’s concert series covers a range of musical themes.
“Fans of The Blues Brothers will know the film is famous for its mix of soul, funk, R&B, gospel and rock, so that’ll be a dynamic and energetic show.
“Next up, on 9 February, we have three talented folk and country acts taking the stage for our second concert. Singer-songwriters Tess Liautaud and Kay Duncan are each backed by their five-piece bands, and acoustic duo Wax Birds round out the Folk and Country Vibes line-up,” says Ms Blackmore.
The final concert, on 16 February, Jazz on the Lawn, also features three acts.
Jennine Bailey and her band are bringing a jazz and blues twist to The Beatles’ music. Then, young up-and-comers WooHoo Trio are leaning into Latin jazz for their set. Last up, experience the loop-layering mastery of King Tubbs, a multi-instrument duo covering the likes of Jimi Hendrix.
“We encourage music lovers across Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula to come and spend an afternoon – or three – enjoying great, homegrown talent in our beautiful gardens,” Ms Blackmore says.
Produced by Christchurch City Council, Summer Sundays showcases free live music on Sunday afternoons. The concerts are held at the Archery Lawn from 1pm to 4pm, on 2–16 February.
Summer Sundays is an all-ages, free event. Picnics are encouraged, but please no glass. Find more information about each concert, and the featured acts, at What’s On.