Matariki is a time to celebrate with friends, and Manukau is bringing together a fusion of music and Maori talent to mark the advent of the Maori New Year with Matariki ki Manukau.

Matariki is a time to celebrate with friends, and Manukau is bringing together a fusion of music and Maori talent to mark the advent of the Maori New Year with Matariki ki Manukau.

Hot on the heels of three sell-out shows at Auckland Festival 2009, Tama Waipara presents Sir+Plus and The Requirements, in a fresh and exciting approach to the theatre and music of old school cabaret.

Fusing musical icons such as Prince Tui Teka, Kid Creole and Burt Bacharach with a touch of funk and groove, Sir+Plus will be performing at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre on 15 and 16 July. The evening opens with complimentary Maori hors d'oeuvres.

Home-grown talent, Mr Waipara is known for his musical collaborations with national and international artists and has taken on a new direction with the creation of Sir+Plus.

Sir+Plus will be the premier event happening in Manukau during the time of Matariki, says Leisa Siteine, arts manager for Manukau City Council.

"I'm really pleased to see Sir+Plus performing in Manukau after they had such great success at the Auckland Festival earlier this year."

Also featuring in Matariki ki Manukau is Jazz diva Whirimako Black who makes her first Manukau appearance on Monday 13 July in a one-off free performance at Otara Music Arts Centre.

New Zealand's soul diva, Whirimako Black has built up a loyal jazz, blues and Maori fan base with her sublime reo Maori and English songs. She is, undoubtedly, one of this country's finest musicians.

Whirimako Black
Otara Music Arts Centre, Cnr Bairds Road and Newbury Street, Otara
13 July, 7pm
Entry: FREE
Bookings are essential. Please contact Sanjida Pathan on 274 6400 or email sanjida.pathan@manukau.govt.nz

Sir+Plus and The Requirements
Genesis Energy Theatre, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
15 and 16 July, 7pm
Tickets: $25 / $15 (Includes complimentary Maori hors d'oeuvres)

For bookings, contact TicketDirect 0800 224 224 www.ticketdirect.co.nz