Free concert for quake-hit Cantabrians

Opshop. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

A who's who of New Zealand music are banding together for a free concert next month to show solidarity for quake-hit Canterburians.

The concert, called Band Together, will be held on October 23 at Hagley Park, Christchurch from 12-8pm.

Dave Dobbyn, The Feelers, Bic Runga, Opshop and The Exponents are among the line-up.

At Canterbury University today, promoter Paul Ellis and Opshop frontman Jason Kerrison announced details of the relief concert.

Kerrison said the groups, many who were Christchurch based or raised, were "going to band together" to help their hometown.

"[We thought] what can we do, these people are inspiring us, how can we be of assistance?" he said.

They had been calling music-industry friends and now the groups had decided to get together to show a "sense of solidarity and let the people of Christchurch know we are there for them", he said.

Mr Ellis said there had been a "1000 per cent" strike rate with bands approached so far.

It began as Christchurch-centric but now other groups had come on board with 12 well-known bands and more local acts signed on, he said.

"It's a huge effort, but really it's a no-brainer. We wanted to do it for Canterbury."

He said he would be happy if 5000 people attended but expected a much bigger crowd.

Sponsorship for the event was being organised, but it was important the concert be free.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it was not just for the people of Christchurch but for everyone in the Canterbury region affected by the earthquake.

"The brilliant name of the concert says it all, band together."

- NZPA