By Beckie Wilson
A 2017 version of Summer Hummer will come to Masterton early next year with an international act headlining the event.
Masterton’s very own Ladyhawke, aka Pip Brown, will return home to play at the new summer concert on February 3 at Memorial Park. The event organisers were lucky to get her before she begins her European tour next year.
The former Chanel College student played in several Wairarapa and Wellington bands before heading overseas to pursue an international music career. Since 2008 she has won various music awards including six New Zealand Music Awards and released three solo albums. She is expected to play music from all three albums at the February concert.
Opening acts for the 2017 Summer Concert includes Wairarapa band L.A Women, featuring band members Jake Schdroski, his cousin Zac Emerson and Jesse Brown. As well as Masterton Intermediate School band Groundshaker, who came second in the Wellington Battle of the Bands last month.
Summer Hummer was first launched in 1997 by former Masterton Mayor Bob Francis. The concert drew in crowds of 10,000 and was an event for all members of the community and attracted bands including Australian band Hunters and Collectors, The Feelers, and the Muttonbirds.
Mr Francis is thrilled that a summer music concert is returning to Masterton which will be an event for the wider community and region.
“It is so exciting to see the return of a wonderful music event in Masterton and even more special to have Ladyhawke headline it,” says Mr Francis.
“She’s told us how much she remembers attending similar concerts and now, having her perform in front of her fans and potentially a new generation of local musicians is incredible.”
She is like a daughter of the region and it’s a home coming for her, he said.
Mr Francis said they have raised $30,000 already which had given them the confidence to go on with the event. He is confident her home coming will result in big numbers with tickets going on sale tomorrow.
The event organiser, Matthew Sherry, said the concert is based on the Summer Hummer and should be a superb event. It opens another chapter for the turf at the Wairarapa Bush Rugby grounds, and to have a concert there will be spectacular. There have been nothing but positive comments to bring a concert to Masterton, he said.
A matting for the field, like Westpac Stadium uses for similar events, will be bought in for the day.
“It’s phenomenal we can get her as she’s in such high demand,” he said.
While the event hasn’t secured a liquor licence yet, Mr Sherry said the concert will be alcohol free with the likelihood of a corporate area.
The concert is sponsored by Masterton District Council, Trust House and Wairarapa Multisports Stadium Trust.
The Ladyhawke Summer Concert will be held at Memorial Park, Masterton on Friday, February 3 with a $20 general admission charge. Opening acts to start at 5.30pm with Ladyhawke to follow at 7pm.
Tickets went on sale on eventfinda.co.nz at 10am today.
Echoing the words of uncle Bob – great to have Summer Hummer back and Ladyhawke headlining! Can’t wait!