25 September 2007 - 0 Comments

'Endeavor', featuring two kiwi acts, Kora and North Shore Pony Club, alongside three UK acts (Crazy P, The Tivoli and DJ Norman Jay), packed out the 1,500 capacity Koko theatre, on their mission of pan-hemispheric friendship.

Brainchild of Rhythm & Vines festival founder Hamish Pinkham, Endeavor was a chance for Londoners to enjoy a taste of NZ music, and for Kiwi ex-pats to come together as the Rugby World Cup starts to kick into high gear.

The audience was a veritable mix of New Zealanders and Brits in the beautiful venue, which is something like a larger version of the State Opera House in Wellington. Many kiwis commented that they had been waiting for an event like this for too long.

Who would have thought that such a show would conquor London? But it did, in part because kiwis were quick to support music from home, and there was a gap in the market for events targeting New Zealanders; also due to the reputations of Kora and North Shore Pony Club, both rising stars of NZ music.

Kora gave an exceptional performance, their act tight and refreshing-welcome sounds for some who had greatly anticipated their performance. Displaying their usual stamina, kiwis didn't want to leave Koko, dancing till the wee hours to Norman Jay a well respected English DJ who is associated with the Big Chill Festival, on which RV has been
modeled. On sale at the event was Good clothing from NZ designer Lillie Toogood.

There are approx 25,000 New Zealand citizens living in London today.

Following the rugby and anticipating the trains packed with All Blacks supporters, Kora and Crazy P went on to play in Scotland on the eve of the New Zealand v. Scotland game in Edinburgh.

Pinkham plans to continue bringing NZ music into the London market in the future. “We want to foster exchanges between bands at the London and Gisborne events and help nurture some of this fantastic Kiwi talent,” says Pinkham. His next event, however, is Rhythm & Vines, which is aiming to be
bigger and better than ever before. Set in Gisborne amongst vineyards, with stunning views, 4 stages, 30+ acts, mind blowing pyrotechnics, ambient sacred lake, flushing toilets and even a 50 metre waterslide, it promises to be the only destination for New Years Eve.

Thanks to www.rhythmandvines.co.nz for this story.

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