This New Multi-City Music Festival Will Celebrate Female Artists

To celebrate International Women's Day this March, more than 20 female artists will assemble across three cities for a series of shows.

The one-night Milk and Honey Festival is the brainchild of Lani Purkis and Teresa Patterson. The two music industry professionals dreamed up the concept while working on other projects over the past 12 months, as a way to "celebrate the talented women who work in all facets of the New Zealand music industry."

Held in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch on Friday, 8 March, the event aims to make female artists and crew visible to younger women, while encouraging them to see many different possible roles they could find for themselves in the music industry, and to provide a safe, inclusive, respectful festival and gig environment. Women will be clearly visible in all parts of the event.

Four gigs will simultaneously play out across the country. Auckland's Powerstation will see Tami Neilson, Nadia Reid, Julia Deans, Ria Hall and Sandy Mills take the stage, while across the valley at K' Road's Wine Cellar and Whammy Bar artists including Carb on Carb, Sami Sisters and Wax Chattels. Wellington's 121 Club will host performances from Alexa Casino, Half Queen, Peach Milk and Amy Jean, and Christchurch's Blue Smoke will welcome 
Bic Runga and French Concession.

MILK & HONEY LINEUP

Powerstation: Tami Neilson, Nadia Reid, Julia Deans, Ria Hall and Sandy Mill (DJ).

Whammy/Wine Cellar: Carb on Carb, Chaii, Cheshire Grimm, Dead Little Penny, Hex, Lexxa, Randa, Sami Sisters, Tooms, Wax Chattels, Valkyrie.

121 Club: Alexa Casino (DJ), Half Queen, Peach Milk, Amy Jean.

Blue Smoke: Bic Runga, French Concession.

Milk and Honey Festival will take place on Friday, 8 March. For more information and tickets, visit milkandhoneyfestival.co.nz. Note that each gig is stand-alone and are individually ticketed.