Band Together

After the earthquake shook Canterbury, a free live concert was organized for the public. Over 30 NZ bands played, alternating on two huge stages from 11am-8pm in Hagley Park. It amassed a record-breaking crowd of over 175,000 people. To give you a sense of this size, Christchurch’s population is 375,000 people. If there was a famous NZ artist or celebrity or politician, they were there. The Prime Minister of New Zealand stopped to say hello, and the Mayor of Christchurch played bass with his all-time favorite band. It was a great happy-feely time as everyone literally “Banded Together” for Canterbury’s shaken troubles. It gave me a greater sense of how much trouble the earthquake caused to so many across the region. Subtle details can still be seen or heard. One example is that reported domestic violence increased by 40% since the earthquake hit.
There was every type of artist, for every age group. It led to little kids cramming around me to get near the front and older people rocking out to songs the younger generation had no idea about. The Swarm Dance Troupe team put on an AMAZING performance, having great vocals, original dance talent and great song mixes. It was interesting to hear NZ folk and country music, along with “Mainstream” NZ rappers who the US never heard of. Rock artists where girls scream bloody murder as if the Beatles just landed, probably would have a hard time landing a Bar gig in Middletown NY. Strange to see this little bubble of a music culture of four million which takes bits and pieces from music culture from around the world and adds their own twist. I was happy to wait till the very end where I saw the Exponents perform “Why Does Love Do This To Me” in which probably every person in the crowd new all of the lyrics to. After, all of the various music artist came on stage along with politicians, concert organizers, random people to sing on stage in a very “campfire sing along” style song. These kiwis sure do know how to put things to the side to just enjoy life at times.