It’s rumoured that classical music can help grapes grow but this weekend Hilltop Wines ripening grapes are in for a full dose of the best of New Zealand’s Blues, Soul, Roots and Jazz music. After a couple of well received concerts at the vineyard in the last 2 years they are holding their 3rd Hilltop Sunset Concert this Saturday from 3 until 9.30. (With Sunday also available as a rain day back up).
Owner of Hilltop Wines Phil Abel Said “we’ve pulled out all the stops this year . Bigger stage, more lighting and sound and believe we have a fantastic line up that will have the crowd fully enthralled all day.”
First up is Ashley Knox and his band. Raglan local, Ashley’s trio blend Jazzy Soul, Mellow Funk and hint of Warm Electronica. All mashed up into a style that can only be labeled as Deep and Soulful .
Then one of our big draw cards Paul Ubana Jones with his truly unique soulful voice and incredible mastery of the 12 string guitar will leave an impression for sure.
On next will be Swamp Thing a power blues duo comprised of Grant Haua vocals/guitar and Michael Barker drums/percussion/vocals.
Michael Barker was a long time member of The John Butler Trio and is the touring drummer with Kiwi legends Split Enz
Then the constantly evolving Cornerstone Roots take time out from recording to road test new tunes. A few weeks back they headlined the opening Saturday night at The Hamilton Garden festival and really had the crowd jump’n.
Billy Tk Jnr band are next. Billy has been described as New Zealand’s hottest blues-rock-guitarist. Billy T.K. JR has played to packed houses all over the North Island and played alongside the likes of The Neville Brothers and George Thorogood. It’s said with his waling blues guitar he can peel wall paper off the wall and not even break a sweat.
Headliners Sola Rosa may not be a household name for some but those who’ve seen them rave about them. “With a catch-all sound encompassing the best of hip hop, reggae, jazz, latin, soul and funk and a decidedly deadly live collective, Sola Rosa has grown from a national treasure into an act of truly international repute.”A slick professional act that will make it hard to stay on your rug.
More details at www.hilltop.net.nz.
The Hilltop Wines Sunset Concert runs from 2:30pm to 9:30pm on Saturday 24th March, tickets can be purchased from eventfinder.co.nz.
WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!
The Chronicle has 3 x double passes to give away for Hilltop Wines Sunset Concert valued at $120 each. To be in to win a double pass either Email Me with your contact details or head to the Raglan Net Facebook page. Winners will be drawn Friday morning so make sure to get your entries in early!
Hilltop Wines also have an exclusive ticket deal for Raglan revelers offering 50% off the original ticket price. So even if you don’t win, just go to eventfinder.co.nz and enter the code 2850DEAL during the ticket buying process.
FOR FURTHER INFO
Hilltop Wines presents, in concert, a vintage selection of NZ’s finest exponents of jazz, blues and roots music…
Sola Rosa
Cornerstone Roots
Paul Ubana Jones
Billy TK Jnr
Swamp Thing
Ashley Knox
Hilltop Sunset Concert
Saturday 24th March — 2.30pm — 9.30pm
Hilltop Vineyard, 442 Pencarrow Road, Tamahere.
Gates open at 2.30pm — first act at 3pm with last act finished by 9.30pm.
Hilltop Wines is a boutique vineyard nestled between Hamilton and Cambridge in the luscious Waikato greenbelt of Tamahere. The north facing hilltop site for the Sunset Concert maximizes sun and provides not only a great view of our bands but also panoramic views of the sprawling Waikato landscape. The talented line up of artists creates a true festival feel event that is sure to please.
Relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy the music and vista at Hilltop while savouring a selection of our very own award winning fine wines, as well as Tuatara Beers, and a choice selection of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Please be advised that there is a NO BYO policy on alcohol.
TICKETS
Every ticket purchased now goes in a draw to win 2 flights and accommodation to Fiji Jazz and blues fest in May 2012.
To purchase tickets please visit:
http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2012/sola-rosa/hamilton
http://www.hilltop.net.nz/
General Admission: $59.00
General Admission Group Tickets (+4 people): $49.00
There will be additional discounted ticket options for those organizing large groups.
16 and Under: $10.00
Children 5 & Under: $0.00
