Events Calendar

Brave Caitlin Smith’s Imaginary Band is Caitlin Smith (piano and vocals), Mark Laurent (guitar) and Steve Cournane (percussion and cymbals) a dream team performing jazz and folk music.

Caitlin Smith’s latest album ‘You Have Reached Your Destination’ creates a multisensory universe unto itself – Braille and a tactile labyrinth within the cover art, poetry and footsteps recorded between 14 originals.  A mesmerizing, prolific and passionate performer, originals are sandwiched between the tastiest overs, especially the repertoire of her spiritual parents Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. The Caitlin Smith Trio (and earlier incarnation The Fondue Set) have held down well-loved residencies in Auckland for over two decades.  2021 marks the release of a collaboration/CD with the Auckland Jazz Orchestra ‘East of the Sun’.  Caitlin Smith’s tour in 2020 with ARO was Covid interrupted so Caitlin Smith is delighted to be able to return.

The Band

Caitlin Smith is a mesmerising performer, song-poet and story singer. Legally blind since birth, she is a tireless advocate for accessibility issues and the healing and transformative power of creativity.

A vocal and song-writing coach to many of our best known artists, Caitlin Smith combines poetry and music in unforgettable performances that include her original compositions as well as covers penned by her musical heroes.

Mark Laurent has been a professional musician for over 40 years. He plays rock, blues, reggae, alt.country, folk, soul/jazz/gospel, working solo, in bands and duos. He’s recorded many albums, written 200 songs, and worked as producer/session musician on numerous projects. He’s also an author, with 4 books of poetry published, and an illustrated children’s book.

Steve Cournane is a drummer and composer who began playing with the Alpaca Brothers in Dunedin, in 1984.  Steve won a Tui for NZ Jazz album of the year in 2002 for the album Stereoscope by CLBob. This group released three albums and performed relentlessly around the country over a ten-year period.  In 2007 he moved to Lima, Peru, where he survived as a musician while studying the coastal Afro-Criolla music for another seven years. He moved to Auckland in 2017 and currently plays cajón with Isla Flamenca (with Ian Sinclair) and drum-kit with BOAT and Bill Direen. 

For further information and to book visit www.artscentral.co.nz

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Location

The Gate Cromwell, Harvest Hotel, Five Stags Bar and Restaurant, Forage Cafe and Information Centre.

4 Barry Avenue, Cromwell