Review: Sol3 Mio, Christmas in the Vines

Sol3 Mio, Amitai Pati, Moses Mackay, Pene Pati were a real crowd pleaser at Black Barn Christmas in the Vines concert in Havelock North.

There we were, seated comfortably among the vines, as the sun started setting and the audience filled the venue. It was a magical scene and it felt like Christmas had already arrived, with the terraces and stage festooned with lights. We knew we were in for a special treat.

While we waited, we were entertained by the acoustic opening act, Whenua Patuwai - an easy listening and toe-tapping performance.

Then, as hang gliders soared overhead, on came the three lads, looking impeccable in black with white shirts and dazzling smiles.

Sol3 Mio finally came home on Wednesday for a well-earned break after a busy year away (including performing for the Queen) and they wanted to deliver some special Christmas cheer to their Hawke's Bay fans.

The three Samoans - tenor brothers Pene and Amitai Pati and their baritone cousin Moses Mackay - love having a laugh on stage and I enjoyed the show as much for the humour as I did the songs - "I'm drinking water because I've swallowed a bug".

We were treated to amazing renditions of Mamma - "in Italian, it means ... Mum", Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables), The Rose, Amore - "that's Amore, not a Maori", Nella Fantasia - "it's about living your dream", and more.

After the interval, the trio took the stage for the final hour.

The swirling lights were lovely but the bright white ones aimed at us were blinding, albeit briefly. I guess the trio just wanted to see our happy faces.

Looking around the audience at one point, I noticed everyone looked enchanted, happy and relaxed. Some danced in the "sandpit" and we were encouraged to sing along.

Beauty and the Beast - "I'm Beauty, he's the Beast" - was hauntingly lovely.

These are powerful voices, in perfect harmony. They all play instruments as well (guitar, ukulele, piano, double bass and bongo drum), which was wonderful to see and hear.

Special mention must go to Sol3 Mio's accompanist for this concert, Claire Caldwell, who has been with them since the beginning and played beautifully on the night. Combined with backing tracks, the sound was perfectly engineered.

After a couple of standing ovations, the lads returned for an encore - "there is a bug on my arm".

We were treated to Yellow Bird (by popular request) and Hallelujah.

Making our way downhill after the performance, all I could hear were people praising Sol3Mio for their performance and their characters. I hope they return soon.-I can recommend you buy the DVD Sol3 Mio - Ladies and Gentlemen, Live in Concert. It's fabulous.