Album auctioned for Vanautu relief

GOING ONCE: Masterton band Circa have entered a signed copy of their album Touche in Art4Vanuatu, a mass Trade Me auction to raise funds for the storm-ravaged islands

Masterton band Circa has joined the Hurricanes, Black Caps and Trinity Roots in selling their "art" for cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu.

The four-piece soul rock band is taking part in Art4Vanuatu, a mass Trade Me auction to raise funds for the Red Cross Tropical Cyclone Pam Appeal, putting a signed copy of their debut album Touche under the hammer.

The fundraiser, organised by Wellingtonians Renee Gerlich and Vanessa Rushton, features 160 live auctions of art works, books, musical albums, jewellery, private concerts and sports gear.

Notable donations include a signed cap from the Black Caps and rugby jersey from the Hurricanes, copy of The Luminaries from Eleanor Catton, albums from The Phoenix Foundation and The Black Seeds, and a painting by Dick Frizzel.

Also representing Wairarapa in the auction is Featherston's Warren Maxwell, whose band Trinity Roots has sold a one hour unplugged concert in the highest bidder's living room.

Circa keyboardist and vocalist Holly McGeorge said she jumped at the chance to be included.

"We're not a super huge famous band like some of the others, but we can still do our part," she said.

"It's so neat to see artists getting together to uplift others - being good people helping other good people."

McGeorge was inspired to join the auction after watching Port Vila reggae group YoungLife Band play at King Street Live the night Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu.

She said she was floored by the band's courage and positive attitude - continuing to play live despite the news of the tragedy back home.

"They were so enthusiastic - they brought so much passion and love up there on stage.

"They were smiling, even though they knew they would have no homes to go back to.

"I felt quite emotional watching them play - in that moment, their music was all they had."

McGeorge and her Circa bandmates met the YoungLife Band members while they were in Masterton, and have kept in touch as they continue their New Zealand tour.

"They seem to be doing okay."

She said the auction had been well received with some items, such as the Trinity Roots gig, going for nearly $1000.

"In the grand scheme of things, our offering is just a speck of sand - but it feels great to be helping out."

Later in the year McGeorge will travel with Volunteer Vanuatu to work with the islands' struggling communities.

-The auction for Circa's album will close at 1pm today. Go to www.trademe.co.nz, and put Art4Vanuatu in the searchfield.