ReCooper8

I gave a hint on last month’s show that I was a bit giddy about the forthcoming Kokomai Festival.  I recall treating listeners to my favourite pickings from the programme, which can only be described as brimming with dance, comedy, music, film, theatre and visual arts.  Well, this month, I’ve raised the bar!  Dust off your fiddle, put on your dancing clogs and tune in to 92.7FM at 8pm on 17th October and hear my interview with the brains behind The Southgate Band – Andrew Laking.  The Southgate Band is a collaboration of top American and Irish musicians who combine to create a beautiful mix of traditional music styles making for one special gig. They are led by Emma Beaton of the high flying Boston string band, Joy Kills Sorrow. As well as Andrew, the group also features Sean Regan (Sharon Shannon band), Colm O’Caoimh, and the amazing Nic Gariess, one of the world’s top step dancers.  They play at Featherston’s Anzac Hall on Friday 25th October, and King Street Live on the 26th October, and tickets can be purchased via the Kokomai website and Dash Ticketing.  I can’t wait to see them!  For a taste of what you can expect, listen to ReCooper8 on the 17th and then check out this YouTube video of the band and Nic Gareiss kicking up a storm!

What else… well, I’m a little overwhelmed at the literary talent going on in this little corner of the world, so I bring you a very quick overview of what some of our top local writers are up to – Christine Hunt Daniell (an interview with whom you can catch on Southern Exposure, 92.7FM, midday 24th October), Johanna Knox and Joy Cowley… and of course, we pay tribute to the enormous success of one of New Zealand’s top writers, Eleanor Catton, for winning the prestigious Man Booker Prize this year.  A fantastic win for an inspiring and gifted author.

ReCooper8 airs on 92.7FM or live online at Arrow FM

Thursday 8pm 17th October

Sunday 10pm 20th October

Thursday 8pm 24th October