Top Maori performers from around the country will bring a little motown magic to Napier this Friday. Singer Frankie Stevens and TV personality Brannigan Kaa will join local talent for a fun family concert titled "Maori Motown" to be held at the Otatara pa amphitheatre. The alcohol and drug-free event will setthe mood for Saturday night's motown concert at Mission Estate Winery featuring stars including Mary Wilson from The Supremes. Waiohiki Community Trust chairman Denis O'Reilly said the pa, located on Springfield Rd, was an "extraordinary venue" with the amphitheatre providing high quality acoustics. "In terms of the musical line-up it's just fantastic," he said. "These are some of the best Maori voices in the country." Stevens, accompanied by his daughters, will perform a motown medley with a tribute to the late Sir Howard Morrison. The soulful sound of James Brown will be captured by Kaa while Rewa Ututaonga will perform hits by Aretha Franklin. Other artists include Stars in their Eyes performer Thomas Stowers with former The Shadracks member Piri Prentice and Toi Hautu. "We also have a fantastic band, backing singers and dancers," said Mr O'Reilly. Opera singer Wiremu Winitana will MC the evening, which will be held at the EIT if it rains. The concert is a fundraiser for the Waiohiki Marae to help pay for the construction of a new meeting house. The pa was last used for a concert when Eagles lead guitarist Joe Walsh played in 2004 and Mr O'Reilly is excited about it being utilised again. A team of workers have been busy constructing an alternative pedestrian access way into the amphitheatre, which will be used for the first time on Friday. The eight men, aged 16-24, are part of the Government's Community Max programme aimed at upskilling young people and preparing them for fulltime work. Participants work on community-based projects for 30 hours a week and are paid a six-month wage subsidy. Mr O'Reilly encouraged families to pack a picnic and seat and come along for a cheap, fun night out. "It's a chance to enjoy the Motown genre in a non-alcoholic environment." * Maori Motown, Otatara Pa, Friday, February 12, 5pm start. Tickets $10 adults, students and children free. Tickets available from Ticketdirect, Waiohiki Community Trust or on the night at the gate.
