Crowded House announce second Napier show in return to live gigs

Crowded House from left, Liam Finn, Elroy Finn, Neil Finn, Mitchell Froom and Nick Seymour. Photo / Supplied

Overwhelming demand for tickets has seen Crowded House lock in a second show at Church Road Winery in Napier on Sunday, March 7.

Their first performance at the venue on Saturday, March 6 has sold out, with the hiatus-ending To the Island tour proving popular in Hawke's Bay and throughout New Zealand.

Hawke's Bay Tourism chief executive Hamish Saxton said he was delighted to see the second date added to Crowded House's tour schedule.

"While we don't know the exact numbers of visitors that each concert or event brings to the region we're confident that the allure of Hawke's Bay, with all it has to offer, will be a drawcard to many domestic visitors," he said.

"Our reputation for hosting great events continues to boost visitation, bolster our visitor economy and helps to position Hawke's Bay as New Zealand's premium summer destination."

Saxton said that reputation goes hand in hand with the events and concerts mecca that Hawke's Bay has become.

He added that New Zealand's efforts to manage Covid-19 have allowed events to be undertaken, and given promoters the confidence to add even more concerts to the summer season.

Crowded House have also announced multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Reb Fountain as special guest on the tour, although not for the new date in Napier on Sunday, March 7.

Singer-songwriter Reb Fountain is joining the tour as a special guest. Photo / Supplied

Meanwhile, huge demand for another Napier concert, An Evening with Marlon Williams on Thursday, March 18, saw it shifted from the MTG Century Theatre to the Napier Municipal Theatre.

Ticket-holders for the original venue do not have to do anything because of the change, and will be issued new tickets from Ticketek or offered a refund if they no longer want to go.

The gigs are just some of many stellar acts for the Hawke's Bay summer music calendar. Others include:
• Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival, Takapau, Friday, December 4 - Sunday, December 6.
• Drax Project, Black Barn, Saturday, December 12.
• Hollie Smith at Christmas at the Park, Mitre 10 Sports Park, Saturday, December 12.
• Dave Dobbyn and The Beths, Black Barn, Saturday, December 19.
• Six60, Tomoana Showgrounds, Saturday, January 23.
• Outfield Festival (Phoenix Foundation, Nadia Reid and Thomas Oliver) Te Awanga - Downs, Saturday, February 13.
• Crowded House Church Road concerts, Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7.