NEWS: Mara & The Bushkas Announce Wellington Shows

Wednesday , 09 Feb 2011

UK / Kenyan songwriter Mara Simpson went to four other continents before appearing, on a whim, in Wellington. The last thing on her mind was to stay for long. However, a little over a year later, she has a band of Wellington allstars playing her songs, a single & music video under her belt, gigs, tours and an upcoming three date showcase at Bats Theatre lined up. Continuing to travel the world might not be the top of Mara Simpson's list right now. The band is Mara & the Bushkas.

“It guess they must dig my songs” is Simpson's laughing response to why Wellington legends Jean Pompey (Olmecha Supreme), Ed Zuccollo (Harbour City Electric), Daniel Yeabsley (Twinset) have found time in their schedules to join Mara's band: Mara & The Bushkas. And find time they must as Mara runs a tight ship. Practices are not optional in the Bushkas.

But this practice shows when you see folk/rock/soul outfit Mara & the Bushkas live. They are electrifying. Mara is a captivating performer, the songs are her own and you can see her embody them on stage through her strong voice and guitar work. The rest of the band get it, they read the emotion of the songs expertly, rising and falling orchestrally in chorus and verse; providing the perfect backdrop for the performer. This is a band to watch.

Mara & the Bushkas - Under the Baobab - Live At Bats

UK/Kenyan songwriter Mara Simpson presents a series of three intimate evenings at Bats Theatre in Wellington with her band, featuring members of Harbour City Electric, Twinset and Olmecha Supreme, and friends.

2011 has already seen Mara & the Bushkas release their first music video “Soul Honey” and a tour of the South Island; including a show at the coveted Mussel Inn. Building on successful live shows in 2010, these three nights at Bats are a chance for current Bushka fans and future Bushka fans to get an up close and personal look at one of the most exciting new bands in town.

Mara & the Bushkas are a folk/rock/soul 6 piece from Wellington. Fronted by UK / Kenyan songwriter, singer and guitarist Mara Simpson and backed by 5 of NZ's best young musicians. One of these concerts will be recorded and produced as a live album.