Youth carry strong faith into music

By ANGELA GREGORY

'JC' still ranks with Pacific youth who will send off the Pasifika festival with a gospel-influenced concert on Sunday.

Festival project manager Mere Lomaloma-Elliott said Jesus Christ and the Christian faith played a big part with young Pacific Islanders whose families had traditionally been strong church-goers in New Zealand.

Mrs Lomaloma-Elliott said the first "Voices of the Future" concert at the Western Springs lakeside stage from 2pm to 4pm would celebrate spirituality and music.

Prominent Pacific Island artists would speak and sing about their faith, careers and personal journeys.

The choreographed show aimed to be aspirational and confidence building, she said.

It would mix drama, humour, music and dance to communicate the need to listen to youth as the voices of the future.

Top award-winning national dance acts such as Auckland's all boy dancers Dziah and the teenage Apostolic Church's dance crew Synergy would perform.

Also included will be what was described as the smooth gospel ballads of Uale Acapella as well as powerful choral sounds of the Auckland City gospel and the Malaga Choir directed by Igelese Ete and featuring Samoan Sarah-Jane Auva'a.

The festival

Where: Western Springs Stadium and lakeside.

When: Friday 7.30-9.30pm: Opening Night Concert.

Saturday 9am-6pm: Festival Day.

Sunday 2-4pm: Voices of the Future Concert.

What: Celebration of Pacific culture.

Who: Up to 200,000 people expected to attend.

* It can be crowded, so:

* Info tents are at the three main entrances.

* It can get hot, so bring a drink bottle, sunhat and sunscreen.

* Keep left on all the footbridges.

* Backpacks for children are better than buggies because the footpaths can get congested.

* Festival volunteers are in red T-shirts.

* Be in early.

Pasifika Festival 2004
Saturday March 13, 9.00am - 6.00pm
Western Springs Lakeside and Stadium
Great North Rd, Auckland


Herald Feature: Pasifika Festival

Auckland City Pasifika Festival webpage