Emeralds & Greenstone, a blend of Maori-Celtic music

Emeralds & Greenstone, a Christchurch folk fusion group, will delight Auckland’s audience with captivating compositions of Maori and Celtic music.

"Ethereal...a spellbinding re-working of traditional songs along with their own contemporary offerings...they ooze character, cross-cultural credentials, multi-lingualism and instrumentalism... colourful songs and tunes which transport, enthral and inspire" - The Garden Sessions (UK).

Emerging from Christchurch’s heart, the indigi-folk band ‘Emeralds & Greenstone’ blends the essence of Maori and Celtic music styles. Their songs are full of powerful lyrics and inspiring stories written in English, Maori, and Scots Gaelic. Traditional music fusions with contemporary songwriting voices coloured with jazz, blues and pop. ‘Emeralds & Greenstone’ allures the senses by creating a unique evocative experience that evolves from their exploration of Maori and Celtic musical instruments.

‘Emeralds & Greenstone’s’ line-up includes: Ariana Tikao (vocals, taonga puoro/Maori instruments, dulcimer); Laura Tomlin (vocals, keyboard, tinwhistle, flute); Argène Montgomery-Hönger (bodhràn, tinwhistle, ukulele, vocals); Jon Hooker (guitars, ukulele); James Wilkinson* (guitar, bass, vocals). They have played a wide range of festivals in New Zealand including the Auckland Folk Festival (2011 & 2010), Christchurch Waitangi Day Celebrations at the Christchurch Art Gallery (2011), the Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival, Garden City Summer Times, Waipara Wine & Food Festival, Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival, Festival of Flowers, the James Hay Theatre and the Aurora Centre for Performing Arts, and sellout shows at the Great Hall, Christchurch Arts Centre, the Harbour Light Theatre and The Loons.

As part of their 2012 tour around New Zealand, ‘Emeralds & Greenstone’ will delight Auckland’s audience in a fascinating concert at the Old St. Michael’s Church at Corban Estate Arts Centre. The concert will take place on 18 February from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. (Ticket $15 per person). Prior to the concert, the band will be facilitating a Maori-Celtic singing workshop for adults, where participants will learn the art of combining the sounds of two strong cultures to create original music. (Fee $ 20 per person).

There is limited seating so reservations are advised. Phone Corban Estate Arts Centre 838 4455 or email info@ceac.org.nz to reserve seats. Unreserved tickets will be on sale at the door before the event.

*Due to unforeseen circumstance, James Wilkinson will not be performing in this concert.

Emeralds & Greenstone Music:

http://www.emeraldsandgreenstone.com/music.cfm

Emeralds& Greenstone Live Performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDFhVwFKTRE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y9z8za1Nu4