Hawke's Bay jazz singer helps snakebitten Bethune

After an intense period helping Pete Bethune after he was bitten by a snake, 'Lady Larisa' Kellett is looking ahead to her show at the Opera House. Photo / Warren Buckland

Hawke's Bay jazz singer Lady Larisa had a busy holiday season after her former colleague, conservationist Pete Bethune, was bitten by a deadly snake in Costa Rica.

Larisa Kellett used to work for Earthrace Conservation as Bethune's operations manager, doing missions all around the world before she decided to come home to Hawke's Bay and spend more time on her music.

But a photo and video from Bethune's phone two weeks ago stopped her in her tracks, and pushed her back into that world.

"Hi, I'm one of Pete's crew, this snake has bitten Captain, he is on his way to the hospital," the accompanying message read.

"I lived in Costa Rica for many years, so I could see instantly it was a fer-de-lance," Kellett said, recognising the life-threatening danger Bethune was in immediately.

Conservationist Pete Bethune's left leg doubled in size after he was bitten by a fe-de-lance in Costa Rica. Photo / Supplied

She said she has spent the time since as a hub for the conservationist to talk to, then disseminate that information to everyone around the world.

"A lot of people offered help," Kellett said, including the World Health Organisation's snakebite expert.

"They put me in touch with the snakebite institute in Costa Rica who actually make the anti-venom."

Bethune eventually recovered enough to leave hospital and get back on his ship the Modoc.

"There was a day or two where we thought we might lose him," Kellett said, adding she was initially concerned about him getting back on the ship so quickly while still suffering complications.

"Now I see that it did have a value because he's come alive in different ways. I think mentally it had a big positive impact," she said.

After a spell of "double duty" Kellett now has her full focus back on her other calling.

Lady Larisa was thrust back into her previous life in conservation after Pete Bethune was bitten by a fer-de-lance. Photo / Warren Buckland

She is releasing her debut EP Honeychild to coincide with her show at the Opera House at Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre on February 18.

"This is my dream, it's my other passion," Kellett said.

"It's been an intense time but I'm energised, and I have all that emotion and feeling in me to put on a really good show.

"I'm very excited that the emergency is over and I get to perform some beautiful music for the audience at our stunning Opera House."

Tickets for the Honeychild show are $21 and available through Art Deco or Ticketek.

Lady Larisa is launching her debut EP Honeychild. Photo / Supplied