The musical playlist for October's Hawke's Bay Arts Festival is packed and diverse with modern, contemporary, classical and quirky tunes.
Here's a taste of what's on offer.
Frazey Ford, October 14, 7.30pm. Opening the festival, and celebrating the return of international acts, is this deeply purifying opening night performance. Part of an international tour, soul/Americana singer-songwriter Frazey Ford is a captivating presence, supported by the intoxicating lilt of her band. Her latest album U kin B the Sun invites both self-reflection and wildly joyful movement and ultimately sparks a quiet transcendence.
Letters from Iraq, October 19, 7.30pm. Chamber Music New Zealand presents Letters from Iraq. Experience love and loss, home and hope with Grammy Award-winning Iraqi-American composer and oud player Rahim AlHaj, alongside the New Zealand String Quartet.
Jackie Goes Prima Diva, from October 19 to 23. This series of gigs in rural Hawke's Bay is in association with Jamie Macphail's Small Hall sessions. Homegrown chanteuse Jackie Clarke turns her powerhouse vocals, wicked humour and maverick entertainment style to the songs of the 20th and 21st centuries' most legendary divas.