Carla Donson, manager of the Women's Network and creator and co-ordinator of La Fiesta. Photo / Supplied
By Carla Donson
Email: womnet.whanganui@gmail.com
Whanganui is a-buzz with activity this summer. There are established events that continue to deliver as well as an array of new attractions to indulge in. The Women's Network is all set to roll out its 12th incarnation of La Fiesta: NZ's best women's fest this
Saturday. Jam-packed with more than 100 events, seven of these are musical offerings, covering an array of genres from classical to folk rock, acoustic, indie-pop, compositions for poetry, and some grunty old rhythm and blues. Rounding off the magnificent seven is a very special DJ compilation of tunes that will sound off as our festival wrap party. Check out the lineup and get in early with your ticket pre-sales as it really helps with our event management, especially in light of the ever-unfolding situation with Covid-19. Download the full festival guide at: https://lafiestanz.com/
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
4pm: Woven – A Concert for Piano + Flute, Main Hall, Whanganui Collegiate School. $25 Adult, $20 Senior + Supporter, $5 Student. Tickets via the Royal Wanganui Opera House. This special concert will combine works by women composers for flute and piano, solo flute and two flutes, weaving together the talents of Ingrid Culliford and Lisa Boessenkool.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
7pm: Building A Mystery: A Tribute to Female Folk Rockers, Space Studio + Gallery, 18 St Hill St. $10. Tickets, email: sarah@spacestudiogallery.co.nz. Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Cox returns to La Fiesta from Tauranga to perform her new show featuring the music of Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, The Cranberries, Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos and more. Tauranga-based Melissa wields over a dozen instruments, live looping technology, and her haunting voice to recreate the defining songs of a generation.
TUESDAY, MARCH 2
7pm: Laura-Mae from Golden Bay, The Barracks, 170 St Hill St. $10 pre-sale, $15 door sale. Tickets, txt Carla 027 477 6454 or womnet.whanganui@gmail.com. Hailing from the beach haven of Golden Bay, indie-pop singer/songwriter/loopist Laura-Mae stays true to her relaxed and upbeat vibe. She has performed original songs on Maori TV, sung at Wellington's annual festival Gardens Magic, and is now on tour playing La Fiesta to promote her recent singles "Betsy" and "Rug of Numbers".
