Preparations are well under way for this weekend's Legacy 2012 theatrical evening of poetry to honour poet laureate Ian Wedde.
Painstaking attention to detail, interwoven around the words of the poets, the innovative, multi-dimensional event will feature poets who sing, as well as those who read.
While Wedde's own workwas renowned for responding to the world with imagination and delight, he has invited popular former laureate, musician, actor and artist Cilla McQueen to travel from Bluff, to join him on stage.
She will be joined by John Newton from Wellington, whose poetry explores fractured contemporary landscapes and Hawke's Bay poet and ex-trackworker Marty Smith, whose work vividly recalls the racing world as well as that of her father and his wars.
Robert Sullivan, who uses his own pasifika perceptions to mix magic with history and mythology, enhances Wedde's guest list.
A surprise invitation has been extended to young emerging poet and Taradale songstress Amy Barnard, joined for some of the evening by her all-girl group JAM.
To complete the bill, internationally-respected poet, songwriter and musician Hinemoana Baker, described by the Air New Zealand's In-flight magazine as "a must-have piece of New Zealand", returns from New York especially for this engagement - along with her guitar.
Event Producer Malcolm Calder said the aim of Legacy 2012 was to honour the poet laureate and bring poetry to a new audience. The event is this Saturday, March 10, 7.30pm at Hastings City Art Gallery. Bookings from www.ticketek.co.nz.
