Rhythm and Vines 08

Expectation is building for Rhythm and Vines as event organisers announce all earlybird tickets are sold out and remaining tickets are selling at a record rate.

Now festival fans have even more reason to head to Gisborne this December; the festival has released another taster of what looks like one of the most diverse music events ever held in new Zealand including even more international artists from Australia and as far afield as Canada, USA, France and UK.

Amongst the new highlights are Franz Ferdinand, whose discovery reignited the uk scene when they shot to worldwide fame in 2001 and spawned the new generation of uk super bands; the critically acclaimed Jamie Liddell will be joining the festival off the back of supporting Elton John on his world tour, we also welcome back to our shores one of New Zealand's most successful exports of recent years, The Datsuns.

Girl power also comes to R&V in the form of Anika Moa and Anna Coddington. On the DJ front, DJ and big beat Producer Adam Freeland joins us on NYE; From France – we’re pleased to welcome Busy P and DJ Mehdi. Pedro Winter or Busy P is the head honcho of uber cool French electro label Ed Banger, manager of Daft Punk and the man behind latest electro sensation Justice! Joined by DJ Medhi the French hip hop producer whose sets are often hailed as “Everything black party music”. From Canada we bring you A-Trak - get ready for the fiercest name in hop hop DJing. Hand picked by Kanye West to produce him and be his tour DJ, A-Trak has been making waves ever since he won the DMC World Championships at aged 15. A-Trak also has his own cutting edge label Fools Gold which is releasing some of the dopest cuts around today.

The second wave Rhythm and Vines line up:

Franz Ferdinand (UK), Jamie Liddell (UK), The Datsuns, Adam Freeland (UK), Anika Moa, A-Trak (CAN), Katchafire, Busy P & DJ Medhi (FRA), Vinyl Slingers (AUS), The Mystery Jets (UK), Fort Knox Five (USA), Sampology feat Tom Thumb (AUS), Anna Coddington, Motocade, Emerson Todd (AUS), The Coshercot Honeys, Honey Claws (USA), Daniel Farley, Tim Richards, Disco Not Disco (AUS), Cool Kids Club.

Other announced acts for R&V:

The Kooks (UK), Shihad, Digitalism (LIVE) (GER), Carl Cox (UK), Ajax (AUS), Antix (LIVE), Bang! Bang! Eche!, Clap Clap Riot, Cut off Your Hands , Die Die Die, Disasteradio, House of Shem, Jonny Love, Liam Finn, Little Bushman, Lydia Cole, Dick "Magik" Johnson, Over the Atlantic, P Money, Recloose LIVE, SJD, So So Modern, The Black Seeds, The Constituents, The Enright House, The Naked and Famous, The Phoenix Foundation, The Ruby Suns, The Secret Knives, Trei, Unity Pacific

Rhythm and Vines is a kiwi summer festival experience like no other. Picture the East Coast sun setting over grape rows as you enjoy a fine wine on a grassy slope. Picture the best of up-and-coming and established artists performing over four stages in natural amphitheaters set deep into the vineyard. Picture the glow of a magical ariel fireworks display as you and your friends become the first in the world to scream 'Happy New Year!' in unison with up to 20,000 festival-goers. Picture the festival that is Rhythm and Vines . . .

Set in Gisborne the small coastal town that is first to greet the sun each day, Rhythm and Vines has become New Zealand's number one summer destination. The region comes alive as holiday makers flock to the coast to escape city lives and responsibilities, all whilst losing themselves in a world class festival experience. The show, which now takes place over three days, continues to be held at the spectacular venue that is Waiohika Estate. This fully functional vineyard features permanent event facilities and amenities nestled within the rolling hills.

From early days of an exclusive party giving a safe secure New Years Eve celebration o a handful of guests, Rhythm and Vines continues to keep on growing. An unprecedented number of attendees are expected to welcome in 2009 as the reputation of the event spreads into international circles. As initial tickets become released this month festival organisers are encouraging guests to get in quick to secure their interest before the event sells out for the fourth year in a row.

One of the original visions of Rhythm and Vines rings true as Waiohika Estate becomes a stage to host the best up and coming and established kiwi music. Here rock, dance, roots and jazz become the soundtrack of your summer holiday. Join the masses at the Rhythm stage to witness the headlining rock and dance acts before the famous midnight celebrations. Watch the sun set overlooking the Vines stage before finding your place on the terraced hillside to dance the best DJ's and producers. Bury deep into the undergrowth at the Cellar stage to see world class hip-hop and breaks acts battle it out with MC's, beatboxers and percussionists alike. For those who like want an experience of things to come, try the burlesque boutique playground of the Futureshock stage, which hosts the brightest of up and coming styles, sounds and stars.

But the fun doesn't stop at the music. The visual productions are world class with the best VJ's and lighting technicians brings the show to life through fire, lasers and LED screens. Waiohika Estate comes alive with stilt walkers, street performers, dancers and art installations. Sample fresh local cuisine, from gourmet hampers full of fresh breads and cheeses, to hot lamb rolls with golden kumera fries. Shop until you drop in the R&V Markets where you can purchase festival merchandise, have a massage or inscribe your new year resolutions in local art. Or just simply sit and enjoy the sweeping views a top the Golden Slopes, across the Poverty Bay to the blue Pacific Ocean beyond.

Set on New Zealand's sunny East Coast, Gisborne and the surrounding areas lends itself to the ultimate holiday destination . The white sand inner city beaches team with surfers and sun seekers alike. Enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many harbourside eateries as the fishing boats roll in with their daily catch. Take a winery tour in famous Chardonnay country while basking in the summer sun.

Like a fine wine the Rhythm and Vines experience continues to get better with age. Now celebrating its 6th year the festival continues to deliver a mind-blowing, Kiwiana summer experience. All this at the the first and best place in the world to celebrate the new year! And who doesn't strive to be number one?!

See you there!

Event listed by ajpr

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