Cello-based folk-rock trio Milkthistle and solo performer Colossal Colossus will be performing live at Breaker Bay Hall in Seatoun on Saturday, 28 February in an intimate evening of fresh New Zealand music.

Both regulars in the Wellington music scene, songwriters Hamish Graham (from The Shot Band and Hobnail Boots) and Dan Adams (of Verona and We Like Trees) are looking forward to airing their sounds in this cozy, vintage venue. Cello-based folk-rock trio Milkthistle and solo performer Colossal Colossus will be performing live at Breaker Bay Hall in Seatoun on Saturday, 28 February in an intimate evening of fresh New Zealand music.

Both regulars in the Wellington music scene, songwriters Hamish Graham (from The Shot Band and Hobnail Boots) and Dan Adams (of Verona and We Like Trees) are looking forward to airing their sounds in this cozy, vintage venue. "We don't perform live all that often," says Hamish, "so rather than a traditional bar gig in town, we wanted this to have more of a party feel - like an indoor picnic, with friends and family."

Milkthistle was formed in 1993, when Hamish Graham was seeking a band to deliver his growing number of original songs. He liked the idea of a group that utilised the cello - with its rich sonority, melodic possibilities and power in the lower register - to complement drums and guitar.

In 1999 they supported Bic Runga and Stereobus, but wound down soon after when Hamish popped over to Central America for 3 years.

Emily Watt (cello and vocals) and Delia Shanly (drums, percussion and vocals) were past members that were ready and willing when Hamish's recent call to reform the band came through.

Delia is thrilled to be playing with Emily and Hamish again "after all these years it still gels - Hamish's songs are fresh and characterful, the groove is still there, and most importantly we have great fun performing together!"

Before Milkthistle take the stage the audience will be treated to the launch of Colossal Colossus, aka Dan Adams, performing songs with multiple looping layers of vocals, guitars, flutes, drums and samples of mellotron, Rhodes and stage piano.

Dan says "I was first inspired to pursue looping by Amy X Neuburg, a singer/drummer from California. I have opted for looping and mixing myself with my feet so I can also play guitar. The main challenge is developing the muscle memory to take care of the movements without pulling my attention away from the creative and expressive heart of the song. Launching Colossal Colossus feels epic!"

Event details
Milkthistle and Colossal Colossus, Live at Breaker Bay Hall
Saturday 28 Feb 2009, doors open 7:30pm.
150 Breaker Bay Rd, Seatoun - BYO food & drink $12 / $10 | 0274 962 507
http://www.milkthistle.co.nz / http://www.myspace.com/danadamsnz

20/02/09