‘Fire-breathing R&B belter’ to play at cyclone gig

Tami Neilson will play at Tū Whitia at Gisborne’s Soundshell next month before heading to Willie Nelson’s ranch in Texas USA at the Luck Reunion festival. Picture supplied

Country and soul sensation Tami Neilson will take to the stage at the upcoming Tū Whitia Stand and Shine at the Gisborne Soundshell on March 2.

She will be joined by other top artists Scribe, the Vocal Thieves, Oceanspace, Rob & Alley Matete and DJ Murdurah at the free community event celebrating the resilience of the region a year on from Cyclone Gabrielle.

Canadian-born Neilson has won multiple music awards and is wellknown for her duet with Willie Nelson, Beyond the Stars. With five albums to her credit, her latest, Kingmaker, in 2022 was lauded as one of the best albums of the year.

Her latest release, Sister’s Coming Home is one of her favourites from Willie Nelson’s extensive songbook. She will play the song at the iconic Luck Reunion festival on Nelson’s ranch on March 14.

After the surprise 2022 live performance at Luck Reunion of their Beyond the Stars pairing, Tami and Willie went on to win New Zealand’s  Best Country Song 2023 at the annual country music awards.

“Tami Neilson is a fire-breathing R&B belter on her own terms,” said Rolling Stone magazine.

She is also known for questioning gender roles and expectations in society and is seen to shine a light on misogyny and sexual misconduct in the music industry.

Neilson said she was happy to be invited to perform at the Gisborne event and be able to give back to the community here.            .

Tū Whitia kicks off at 3.30pm on Saturday March 2 with plenty on offer for the kids including face painting, train rides and bouncy castles — and a free sausage sizzle.

Saying ‘thanks Tairāwhiti!’

The people of Tairāwhiti are being invited to Tū Whitia – Stand & Shine, a free event to celebrate the community’s collective resilience shown in the face of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Headline acts include country and soul sensation Tami Neilson and rapper Scribe.

The Gisborne District Council event is supported by Trust Tairāwhiti and created by Merle Walker of Toi Biz.

It will be at the Gisborne Soundshell on Saturday March 2 from 3pm to 8.30pm.

Gisborne band Oceanspace are also in the line-up.

The afternoon will also have fun, family-friendly activities including face painting, train rides, bouncy castles and a free sausage sizzle.

Prizes are up for grabs in a Top Town-style challenge organised by Primal Fitness for teams of five people aged over 12 years. Registrations open on the day.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says Tū Whitia was created to acknowledge the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.

“It’s our way of saying thanks to everyone for being there for each other.

“We know it’s been a tough 12 months and we wanted to have an event that acknowledged this while bringing our community together to celebrate ourselves, our achievements, and our beautiful region.”

Merle Walker of Toi Biz says Tū Whitia derives from Tūwhitia te hopo – eliminate the negative; mairangitia te angitū – accentuate the positive.

“It’s been really fulfilling to work on a project that brings people together again,” she said.

“Cyclone Gabrielle caused devastation, but we heal together by coming together.

“Join us at Tū Whitia, celebrate and acknowledge the resilience of Te Tairāwhiti”.

Visit the event Facebook page for more details.