Fly My Pretties will play two encore shows this year - one in Wellington, the other in Auckland. Photo / Dean Mackenzie

Fly My Pretties will play two encore shows this year - one in Wellington, the other in Auckland. Photo / Dean Mackenzie

Fly My Pretties are seeing out the year with two final encore sShows in Auckland and Wellington this December.

Led by Barnaby Weir of The Black Seeds fame, Loop-backed Fly My Pretties brings together over 17 of New Zealand's top musicians to celebrate the art of collaboration in a stunning live multimedia performance.

Since its inception in 2004, Fly My Pretties has grown to become a local legend of music that continues to reach people all over the world.

The initial idea was to assemble a talented and exciting group of Wellington-based musicians to meet, exchange ideas, and then perform and record the results in front of a live audience.

After the first season Live at Bats, Fly My Pretties literally took off, with the second incarnation The Return of Fly My Pretties touring in 2006 and exposing new talents in the forms of then largely unknown musicians Adi Dick and Hollie Smith.

Both albums went on to achieve platinum status and stand as iconic examples of kiwi music and culture.

Fly My Pretties came back with a bang in 2009, selling out 10 shows, playing to a total of 12,500 people around the country with a bigger cast and the addition of a narrative adventure story written by Barnaby Weir and his legendary story-telling father Dick Weir, the creator and presenter of Radio New Zealand's award-winning show Ears.

Fly My Pretties: A Story is a multifaceted experience, with animated illustrations, live narration and historical film footage all weaving throughout the songs and creating a true sensory thrill for the audience which was put together in just eight rehearsals before taking the show on the road.

The final encore Shows will consist of two parts, the first half will showcase Fly My Pretties A Story complete will full narration and visuals. The second half will be an extended jam session that reignites some of the groups classic songs and will also feature special guest appearances including past Fly My Pretties member Adi Dick who is making the trip home from London especially for the occasion.

Fly My Pretties is an absolute must-see, and as all ages show a perfect chance for the family to get together and enjoy some quality entertainment before the madness of Christmas. A true delight for all.

The 2009 Fly My Pretties cast includes: Barnaby Weir, Jarney Murphy, Mike Fabulous, Nigel Patterson (all The Black Seeds), Anna Coddington, Eva Prowse, L.A. Mitchell, Lisa Tomlins (Rhombus), Mara T.K (Electric Wire Hustle), Nato, Paul McLaney (Gramsci), Riki Gooch and Rio Hunuki-Hemopo (both TrinityRoots), Ryan Prebble, Tessa Rain and Tom Watson (Cassette).

And of course everyone's favourite narrator Dick Weir and returning member Adi Dick, plus more secret special guests to be announced.

Fly My Pretties – Encore Shows

Friday 4 December - The Civic, Auckland
Saturday 5 December - Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

Tickets from loop.co.nz