Ahi Kaa - Home Fires

Contemporary and traditional Indigenous performing artists from Alaska, Denmark and the Waikato feature in the Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concert being staged at Clarence Street Theatre on Friday 22 March in support of the 2024 Waikato River Festival programme.

The exciting concert line-up includes Pamyua, a six-piece Alaskan band that recently headlined the Los Angeles Global Music Festival. Pamyua is a Yup’ik Inuit word that means “encore” and their music, described as “Inuit Soul Music” and “Tribal Funk,” draws on traditional Inuit melodies reinterpreted with contemporary vocalization and instrumentation.

Te Pou o Mangataawhiri, a senior kapa haka group with deep historical roots in the Waikato Tainui region will kick off the Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concert programme. This highly esteemed group, established by Princess Te Puea Herangi in 1921 is based at Tuurangawaewae Marae situated on the banks of the Waikato River. Te Pou o Mangataawhiri has a rich legacy and plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories and history of Waikato Tainui through their dynamic kapa haka performances. They are without doubt one of the top senior kapa haka groups in the country and are the reigning champions for the Tainui Waka region.

Complementing the line-up is Rootz Konekt, a nine-piece band from Kirkiriroa who aim to bring the Ahi Kaa – Home Fires audience to their feet with their unique take on their homegrown roots reggae that incorporates jazz and funk influences. Well known MC and spoken word artist Maria Huata will be weaving the evening programme together along with Phatmode Entertainment turntablists who will be rounding off the Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concert programme with dance music, including bass-heavy remixes of funky house and old school RnB Hip Hop favourites.

As with previous Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concerts, the talent on stage will be supported by excellent sound, lighting, and projection production values by the ACLX team. Space will also be provided in the venue for those wanting to kanikani (dance). Tickets are a Great deal thanks to the strong community focus of the Waikato River Festival and our generous supporters. To secure your seats Book Now through Ticketek.

More info: www.facebook.com/waikatoriverfestival