CHILL in the VILLE organisers, Andy and Wendy Cummings
For a small town Helensville certainly has a large pool of talented musicians. 150 enthusiastic music lovers attended the CHILL in the VILLE music festival at the Kaipara Tavern on Saturday 11 January. Live music blasted the sunny garden bar from 2pm until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Awa Brown, a CHILL in the VILLE veteran who has played at all previous festivals, kicked off proceedings with his acoustic guitar performance of popular covers.
Off the Cuff, a four-piece band played 50s, 60s, 70s and rock ‘n’ roll tunes. Kiwi music legend, Jimmy Christmas and his band stormed onto the stage belting out foot stomping sounds including some of Jimmy’s D4 songs and a memorable cover of Billy Idol’s Dancing with Myself. The Hired Hand followed with their easy listening set with musical instruments including ukuleles and slide guitars. DJ Prior and band had the crowd on their feet with their high energy performance and unique cover of Kings of Leon’s Sex on Fire.
The locals barely had time to catch their breath when Old Mate and the M8s, a full six piece covers band of ex-Kaipara College students played two sets of some of the greatest classics. Avalon Hewitt, also a product of the outstanding Kaipara College music department, belted out uplifting songs. 2 Tall and the Breathers, a hip-hop band formed by local music producer Shaun Darlison had everybody up dancing with their high octane set. DJ Kris Percival spun vinyl to bring the curtain down on a hugely successful day enjoyed by locals which raised over $500 to help our cousins over the ditch and the animals affected by the Australian bush fires.
CHILL in the VILLE organisers, Andy and Wendy Cummings, would like to thank all of the talented musicians who performed, Jeanette Cummings for helping make the event run smoothly, Matt from Red Room for equipment and all of the locals who came and supported the event.
Photo Credit Stellanova Photography
