For the Motown stars, last night at the Mission Estate Winery Concert was as magical as tonight will be for their thousands of fans.
The stars, a little weary from plenty of travelling and a couple of delayed flights, were spellbound and in awe as they were welcomed to Hawke's Bay with a powhiri organised by Ngati Kahungunu representative Rebecca Kamau.
"It is our welcome to them - we are saying we accept you," she said.
And the stars of the stage accepted their hosts warmly - standing quietly and watching intently as concert director of operations Garry Craft of SEL accepted the challenge just after 7.15pm.
And the stars loved every second - many of them pulling out cameras and photo-capable cellphones to capture the moment.
"That was really something - really something," one of the stars was heard to say.
To showcase the culture and uniqueness to the region, Ngati Kahungunu presented their guests with taongas (gifts) from local artists and people in the region.
"A token of our appreciation of 50 years of Motown," Ms Kamau said, adding she had hoped the powhiri would provide hospitality the guests to the Bay would long remember. It was clear that had been achieved.
And the Motowners caught on fast ... "kia ora" they said as they greeted everyone they came across.
At the same time, Maori performers gathered at the Otatara Pa ampitheatre to stage "Maori Motown" - a mood setter for tonight's big Motown 50th Anniversary Concert.
Motown welcome!
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.