Black Barn lures UB40 for NZ tour opener

Black Barn have announced today that UB40 will perform on Friday, January 8, 2016. Photo / Supplied

Hawke's Bay audiences will hear Red, Red Wine played among the vines this summer.

Black Barn Vineyards has announced plans to host UB40, featuring original members Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, for a one-off concert on Friday, January 8.

The international reggae act will headline a series of performances at wineries throughout the country.

It is the first event on Black Barn's calendar confirmed for next year and marks the start of an exciting summer.

"The promoter and I have been talking for a long time about what opportunities may suit us going forward - this has been on the table for a little while, I think it's a really great fit for the Bay in summer," Black Barn cellar door and events manager Francis de Jager says.

"We are ecstatic, it's one of the first and biggest international acts we have been able to bring here."

He hoped all elements would align for the perfect experience - sunshine, views, a great vibe and beautiful venue.

Timing was good too, as plans for The Mission Concert remained up in the air and the performance fell early enough to miss the February rush.

"It's bringing that international artist concept to Hawke's Bay - no one knows what's happening with The Mission, Church Road hosted some in the past, but we had to jump at it."

Black Barn's focus on premium Bordeaux-style red varieties such as merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, made the winery an ideal fit for a Red, Red Wine tour.

Rolling out radio hits from 1979 to 2008, UB40 boast No.1 albums, Grammy nominations and more than $70 million worth of sales.

Original members reunited in recent years to deliver uplifting performances of fan favourites such as Cherry Oh Baby, Kingston Town, (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You, I Got You Babe, One in Ten and Homely Girl.

While in Hawke's Bay, Mr de Jager will show the band a good time - they're offering an exclusive Black Barn luxury lodge, and hope to put on a dinner to show UB40 what Hawke's Bay is all about.

"We are all about word of mouth here so we are hopeful they will go home and tell their mates all about it."

The Havelock North concert is one of just a handful of opportunities to catch the trio perform in New Zealand next year.

"Black Barn was an absolute must-do on our tour," promoter Jackie Sanders of Jacman Entertainment says.

The amphitheatre is totally equipped for a fantastic show with emphasis placed on quality sound and lighting, Mr de Jager says.

"It's very much about the artists' experience in Hawke's Bay as it is the visitors that come to see them."

-Tickets are available from blackbarn.com; eventfinda.co.nz or phone 0800 289 849. Earlybird adult $79 plus booking fee, adult $99 plus booking fee or VIP $199 plus booking fee, children 12 and under free (one per paying adult). For tour details or to register for earlybird tickets, visit jacman.co.nz