Overview
Ahead of the full program release for next year's Auckland Arts Festival (Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Makaurau), six music acts have been announced.
The eleventh edition of the festival is set to take place from 7-24 March, 2019. In addition to already announced acts including Yo-Yo Ma's virtuoso collective Silkroad Ensemble and Messiaen's Turangalîla Symphony performed live in concert by the APO, visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to see everything from emo rock to dream pop and progressive electronica in some of the city's favourite venues.
Irish-French vocalist Camille O'Sullivan will take over The Civic with an exclusive AAF concert. Cave is a new show devoted entirely to the music of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. She was inspired to create the show after receiving acclaim for her rendition of Cave's 'The Ship Song'.
Washington band Death Cab for Cutie will also play a one-off show at the grandiose theatre. Since their breakthrough LP Transatlanticism in 2003, the band has been adored for their evocative alt-rock style which defined the indie emo genre.
American singer-songwriter Neko Case will touch down for a performance in Aotea Square's pop-up speigeltent. Producing smouldering ballads and southern pop rock anthems, she is widely-regarded as the artist who defined the "country noir" genre. Also setting up in the intimate space will be RHYE, the much-hyped R&B project of Canadian songwriter Mike Milosh.
DJ/producer Four Tet (real name Kieran Hebden) will bring his New Energy tour to Auckland Town Hall. The shows in support of his latest album, have seen venues totally surrounded by tiny, multi-coloured lights.
Baltimore duo Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally — best known as Beach House — complete the lineup. The pair produce hypnotic, synonymous with the dream pop genre.
Auckland Arts Festival (Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Makaurau) will take place across the city from 7-24 March, 2019. For more information and tickets, visit aucklandfestival.co.nz.
Image: Shawn Brackbill.