Amplifier

22.01.09

Six-piece band SJD kicks off Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic on Saturday 7 February in a showcase of kiwi talent in support of international conservation.

The enigmatic SJD band will play the original songs of award-winning Sean James Donnelly from the critically acclaimed October 2008 release Dayglo Spectres, utilising a combination of wood and steel (bass, drums, guitars, keys) with a sprinkling of technology via laptop. 

With a swag of awards, chart topping tunes and television credits, SJD promises to get you dancing at the Zoo's band rotunda.  They will be supported by alternative pop group Steve Abel and the Chrysalids and gothic / country signer Caoimhe MacFehin.

While SJD continues to wow the crowds, the report isn't so glowing for many of the world's endangered animals.  All concerts in the series will be raising funds for key conservation projects. SJD's gig will help support the Asian Turtle Program in Vietnam, a multifaceted conservation initiative to support the 90 species of turtles in the Asian region, of which more than 50 per cent are listed as critically endangered or endangered. 

"The money we can raise for the Asian Turtle Program will assist with education programmes for schools and communities and visitor education.  Estimates put as many as 15 million turtles annually traded for the pet industry, food and traditional medicine. The best chance for their survival is public education", says Peter Fraser, conservation officer.

The opening act (6pm to 6.30pm) will be Caoimhe MacFehin, a county / gothic signer songwriter with a unique voice.  Following her will be Steve Abel and The Chrysalids (6.30pm to 7.20pm), performing alternative pop from their 2008 album Flax Happy.  SJD will take the stage at 7.30pm.

Your ZooMusic ticket is also your entry to the zoo - so come early to explore the zoo and check out your favourite animals. Please be aware the band rotunda area will closed off in the afternoon to enable safe equipment set-up.

Tickets are available from Auckland Zoo and Ticketmaster.

Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic Concerts for Conservation series 2009, in association with MTV, The Radio Network, Monkey Bay wines, iSite Media, and Vidcom.