Jack Johnson sellout huge buzz for Bay

MARIA PRIESTLEY
This summer at Church Road winery will be its biggest year yet.
Jack Johnson's concert on March 22 has sold out - and produced a record number of ticket sales for the Taradale venue.
It only took two weeks for 9000 tickets - the venue's full capacity - to sell out, meaning US-based Johnson has been the most in-demand performer since Poncho Sanchez, who played there in 2005.
The venue has also proved the most in demand for all Johnson's Australasian tour dates.
"The Hawke's Bay concert has sold out before any another concert on his Australasian tour, including his Australian concerts and the two other New Zealand dates in New Plymouth and Christchurch," Church Road's Barrie Browne said today.
The exciting news was "excellent" for the winery, and for Hawke's Bay.
Mr Browne wasn't yet sure how many of the 9000 ticket-buyers were from out of town, but from the amount of electronic bookings and inquiry calls to the winery from throughout New Zealand, "I'd say a lot of people will be coming from out of town alright - it will be fantastic for Hawke's Bay".
The Church Road Jazz concert with Nathan Haines on February 2 is also selling well, Mr Browne said.
Tickets to the Mission Estate Winery concert on March 1, featuring John Mellencamp and Elvis Costello,were still on sale and selling well.
Church Road, with its idyllic setting amongst park-like grounds, is proving to be one of New Zealand's top concert venues.
"The venue here is attractive for people. It's never overcrowded, there's always plenty of space.
"I believe that the facilities are better here than anywhere else - in terms of food, wine of course, hillside seating - everything that people need for a concert. And there's the views of the winery on one side and the Sugar Loaf on the other."
"Both of the concerts we've got this summer - Nathan Haines and Jack Johnson - are offering a different style of music for people."
The venue is also fitting for Johnson's laid-back, summery style of music. It's been three years since Johnson last performed in New Zealand - and now he returns with a new album and a back catalogue of hits spanning his multi-platinum-selling albums Brushfire Fairytales, On and On and In Between Dreams.
His new single If I Had Eyes will be released in New Zealand on Boxing Day, with the album Sleep Through the Static hitting stores on February 2.