A return to Paekakariki and the St Peter’s Hall was on the cards last Saturday. We had tickets to see the NZ band An Emerald City play.
We arrived early to find an empty hall and a few people setting up so gave our tickets, got stars drawn on our hands to prove we were allowed back and then walked down to the beach to see if there would be a sunset. It was very overcast but the sun managed to shine through gaps in the clouds. We walked down to the beach and along to a concrete structure surrounding a pipe that emptied into the sea, taking a few more shots as the waves came in. There was also a retaining wall made out of old tires, black with orange highlighting from the fading light.
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Back to the Hall it was still mostly empty but we decided to stay anyway. The bar had just opened, comedy ensuing as we had to stoop down to see through the opening to the bar area off the side of the main hall. The venue slowly filled up and then we had a performance from the opening act (named as Shipwreck on some websites). It was one man and his guitar. Hailing from France we were treated to what sounded like traditional French folk songs sung in fine voice and accompanied by lovely playing. It was a pity that some decided to talk through the songs, but I enjoyed the short set.
Next up was An Emerald City. Lined up on stage behind an array of instruments the band launched into their first song, the music slowly building up in layers of sound. All the songs were instrumental with only the occasional chanting or guttural vocalisation added to the mix. Coming across as a mix of world music & progressive rock the sounds slowly got people engaged and eventually there was a group of people dancing in front of the stage. We were seated at a table near the front and slowly found ourselves moving further back to give room to those dancing. By the end of the set most were on their feet and the encore, made up at the time, was enthusiastically applauded.
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
Photo by Brendon & Keryn
An enjoyable night ended with a quick walk back to the car. The good music, the warmth of the crowd and St Peter’s Hall a happy memory as we drove home
