Entertainers
 Avalanche City is the brain child of Dave Baxter, a musician whose background stretches across many genres and influences culminating in a sound that is an impressive and eclectic range of various instruments, melodies and harmonies. The depth and perspective create a dynamic atmosphere that is rich and raw all at once. The epicentre of Avalanche City is Baxter himself who writes, conceives, produces, records and plays every instrument on this debut album ‘Our New Life Above The Ground’.
Within the historical walls of a lone abandoned small country hall north of Auckland - ‘Our New Life Above The Ground’ materialized and was recorded strictly within the confines of a guerrilla DIY approach inspired by The Rocket Summer's first recording. Baxter's convictions remain steadfast as he recounts that…“Ever since I heard that story (of how The Rocket Summer recorded) I absolutely wanted to create and record an album where I produced everything, played everything, recorded everything" and today the anticipated result is "Our New Life..." from beginning to end.
A multi-instrumentalist who was coursed at the early age of nine, Baxter picked up the guitar and begun re-arranging classic school sing-along's like ‘She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain” into more expressive original works. From there, several school bands through Intermediate and High School - and then the formation of hardcore group ‘One Must Fall’. Both this, and following Hardcore band, The Chase carved a path in the ever growing scene in NZ and saw them tour and support international acts Hatebreed, Sick Of It All and Parkway Drive.
When it came down to brass tax this time around the only catch for Baxter assuming each role of Avalanche City was the vocalizations and singing. Working daily on vocal scales and lyric writing, he spent 6 months honing the craft, experimenting with different techniques until he performed his first solo shows with The Paper Kites (Australia), and Bradley Hathaway (USA) to a thrilled and welcoming audience.
From there, he began capturing each instrument, experimenting with different sonic techniques while simultaneously getting it all onto tape. With a raw style filled with unique nuances warmed by the scope of the country hall naturally found itself taking pages from the songbooks of some of the greats - Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Ben Gibbard to name a few. The instinctual and rugged storytelling ability is apparent and strikes more than a chord in the listener through rich narratives and the evocation of impressive imagery.
Speaking of the creative process, which is as open as the means by which the album itself was put down, Baxter recounts - “A song for me can start from anything. Sometimes I'll hear someone say a word and that will start the process, other times, it’s an image that I focus on”
Avalanche City’s alignment to the current popular lo-fi pop trend is of pure coincidence - the likes of Motherford and Sons and The Middle East, all sharing stripped back folk, pop and country aesthetics that with tactful bare bones audacity pays homage to and is reminiscent of what one might catch while hitching a ride across the backroads of America nearly half a century ago.
In addition to his own take on the genre; one savvy effort that Baxter is doing differently from most is that he is giving away ‘Our New Life Above the Ground’ album for free (!). As a free download from his website, and a choice as to whether the listener wishes to donate or not to the artist, is a bold and encouraging approach to empowering fans and generating support.
“I just wanted people to have it. I've worked so hard making this album and if I sold it it'd only reach a few hundred people. I just care so much more about people having it, listening to it, sharing it with their friends and hopefully identifying with the songs.“
Such an approach is rapidly rewarding everyone involved - artist and fan alike as people around world - UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand - have in fact been paying for it in various sums (one fan putting down $100NZD) without hesitation after listening to the album.
Although Avalanche City is a solo project, live performances will feature various musicians and instruments from mandolin, ukulele, glockenspiel, to accordion - a full rendition of the album and it’s magic…“One thing I want for Avalanche City is for it to constantly push musical boundaries. These guys are so talented at what they do and are just great at interpreting the album and putting their own flavor into it. “
Avalanche City's debut album ‘Our New Life Above The Ground’ is available online @ www.avalanchecity.com
FUSION feat. Sheryl Higgs & Alistair Bradley (DOUBLE TALK), Vanessa Kelly-Brown & Bex Murray.
Fusion is a collaboration of top local duo DOUBLE TALK (Sheryl Higgs & Alistair Bradley) with different musicians and singers from around the region. They are excited to have joining them this year, at the South Canterbury Hospice Wine & Food Festival will be the fabulous Vanessa Kelly-Brown and Bex Murray.
With three of the regions finest female voices alongside the guitar skills of Alistair Bradley, Fusion will bring you a mixture of songs from the latest chart toppers to the classics of old. Covering the genres of Pop, Rock, Country, Jazz & Blues they will cater to all tastes of music and guarantee to get you dancing up a storm!
 Shane Cortese is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable performers with a multitude of television, film, theatre and Music credits to his name. Best known for his role as Mac in TVNZ Hit Drama ‘Nothing Trivial, Hayden Peters in five series of Outrageous Fortune, and his 2 year stint on drama serial Shortland Street as evil Dominic Thompson-a character killed off in spectacular fashion.
Shane also played the title role of Brian in the Television New Zealand drama series, Burying Brian, Victor Benton in the upcoming TV3 Sitcom ‘Brown Bruthaz” and Loki/Colin in the new comedy Drama from the Outrageous Team ‘The Almighty Johnsons.
In 2006 Shane presented the entertainment series, So You Think You Can Dance? and won the hearts of the nation as runner up on Dancing With The Stars in 2005. He met his partner, Nerida on this series; they married in early 2009 and have 2 sons together, Kees and Jett.
Shane also had a role on the children’s series Maddigan’s Quest in 2005 and on the film Inside that same year. He back packed around Sri Lanka for TVNZ’s award winning Intrepid Journeys and in the same year had roles on Legend of the Seeker and narrates Serious Crash Unit and SPCA Rescue.
Shane also fronts his own rock ‘n’ roll band, The Class of 58, which has played all over New Zealand. The band plays a selection of Rock ‘n’ Roll. They have recently completed a tour of New Zealand’s biggest theatres culminating in a highly successful concert in Twin Towns/Australia. They released their debut album in the same year, a portion of the sales goes to the Starship Foundation. Earlier that year Shane supported music legend’s Gerry and the Pacemakers on their tour of New Zealand. He has also appeared alongside Johnny Devlin on a special NZ tour.
Before returning to New Zealand for Shortland Street, Shane starred in musicals all over London’s West End and the United Kingdom including The Rocky Horror Show, Joseph, and Elvis The Musical. In June 2009, he starred in the New Zealand stage production of Cats as Rum Tum Tugger.
A strong supporter of charities in New Zealand Shane is an official ambassador for Variety New Zealand, and The Breast Cancer Research Trust as well as being an avid supporter of the Starship Foundation.
 Chet O'Connel is not only an accomplished guitarist and vocalist, but also played drums in a band for 4 years, and still plays today when the situation arises.
It is difficult to categorise Chet in one particular style of music. Chet's extensive repertoire sees him performing music ranging from "middle of the road", classical and country, through to rock and blues. His vast musical ability has enabled him to move around the music scene with ease. Chet has been a star attraction at the "Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival" for the past 11 years, he travelled to South America in 1999 to perform with the "Pacific Asia Travel Association", and that same year made a guest appearance at the "World Series Guitar Festival Concert" featuring guitar greats Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor.. Chet spent much of 2000 touring throughout New Zealand as Musical director/Guitarist/vocalist with a "Shania Twain Tribute show". That same year he was also a nominee for Guitarist of the year.
2001 has seen Chet perform with Tommy Emmanuel, and also be confirmed to perform on the "World Series Guitar Festival Concert" held in New Zealand in November.
Chet is a dynamic performer whether it be with his band or as a soloist, and has a "wicked sense of humour". His guitar playing seems as natural and effortless as breathing and it's his dedication to the instrument that has made his achievements possible. Chet O'Connell is an outstanding musician and a "first class crowd pleaser" - he has to be seen to be believed.
 Soul Agency - Johnny Elder, Dale Pelvin, Al Walker, Sharleyne Diamond, Roselyn Cloake, John Willers and Micah Templeton-Wolfe are The Soul Agency. Performing music that combines big band influences tossed in with Commitments styling, Jo Cockers grunt and Imelda Mays class, they are unique to the local live band scene in Timaru. With strong male and female vocals incorporating full 3 part harmonies, with sax and trumpet enhancing that big band sound and complementing the guitar, drums, bass and keys, this band has the type of sound that brings that something extra to any event.
Check them out at www.thesoulagency.co.nz
 Tim McLeod & Emma Hall - Tim is an Itinerant Teacher of Music, teaching violin and singing in high schools throughout South Canterbury. He has had a lifetime of music, learning violin from the age of 7. Guitar, bass and singing evolved along the way, and over the years he has been involved in performing everything from classical music to punk rock.
His passion for musical theatre has seen him perform a diverse range of characters, from Che Guevara in 'Evita' to Freddie Trumper in 'Chess' and Seymour Krelbourne in 'Little Shop of Horrors', but he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the 2001 production of 'Les Miserables'.
This is Tim's 4th performance at the Wine and Food Fest, and this year he is thoroughly enjoying singing with Emma Hall.
Emma Hall grew up in Timaru and her love for performing on stage began by being involved in several South Canterbury Junior Drama League shows. Through her years at Craighead she was involved with the Chorale and had Singing lessons with Vicki McLeod.
She has recently completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art. While she was at NASDA Emma played the roles of Anytime Annie in '42nd Street', Dolly Pickles in 'Cloudstreet' and most recently Jennyanydots in 'Cats'.
Emma has a fierce passion for music and entertaining which she loves to share with everyone and is excited to be back at the South Canterbury Wine & Food Festival.
 Sol Rojo - Wellington's hottest new live act, Sol Rojo, featuring Sebastian Elsen and George Wills, playing hot blooded Latin guitar. These two amigos are a must see for any World Music lover. Sit in awe or shake your hips! Sol Rojo is Fresh, Vibrant and will certainly Spice up the Festival!
The Groove - Rock, Blues and Boogie. Live entertainment that will make you want to 'get up and dance'. Band members are Lindsay Smith (Smithy) on bass; Dave Scott (Scotty) on lead guitar; Brent Birchfield (Captain) on Rhythm guitar; and Bill Blakely on drums. All in their sixties they share a life time love of music and the enjoyment of providing backing tracts, and playing for community events and private functions.
 Gina Howey - Gina will be in her final year at Mountainview high School in 2012. She has enjoyed music from a young age singing in school shows/prize givings etc and with the chorus in several SC Drama league productions. Since she was eight she has had guitar and/or singing lessons at Starbound studio and has performed in their end of year concert each year they have been held. Gina has been writing her own songs for the past few years for her own enjoyment and as part of the school music curriculum. She is very much looking forward to hers and Meagans performance at the SC Wine and Foods festival and feels very privileged to be given this opportunity.
Maegan Kennedy - Maegan Kennedy is in year 10 at Timaru Girls' High School. Music and singing have been part of her life forever and she started formal singing lessons with Sheryl Higgs (Starbound Studio) two years ago.
 Hi! My name is Jaz Paterson and I'm a local singer-songwriter. Late last year, one of my songs was shortlisted in an Olympic Songwriting Competition and professionally recorded in Auckland. To get to the top 5 of this competition, I need Facebook votes and am relying on public support!
I wrote the song to encourage the New Zealand team to give all they’ve got at the 2012 Olympic Games. I wrote "Run" from the perspective of a coach or parent, describing the pre-race nerves and stress the athletes will feel. The message of the song to the Olympians is basically to show the world what they’ve got, to show the world what they’re made of and to show everyone how hard they have worked. It’s about channelling an immense amount of preparation and effort into one race.
Please log on to Facebook.com and search for Jaz Paterson. Click on the artist/musician page of Jaz with her guitar which will take you to her Facebook page. Click on the NZ Olympic Team NZ2012 Contests link and click again on the Songwriting section. A list of the top ten songs in the competition then appears. To hear Jaz’s song click on download under her song. The last bit is to click on the voting button next to Jaz’s song Run. It is possible to vote every day if you wish until the voting closes on 9th February. Thank you so much for your votes and support, I greatly appreciate it! I looking forward to entertaining you at the 2012 Wine and Food Festival on Saturday 28th January. |
