Nelson Arts Festival - The Bellbirds

Formed just last year, The Bellbirds are an all new combination of four of New Zealand’s top musicians.

Sandy Mill – vocals, percussion
Victoria Kelly – vocals, piano, organ
Don McGlashan – vocals, guitar, various instruments
Sean Donnelly – vocals, guitar, bass

Described as a baroque ‘60s pop sensibility with bittersweet lyrics, the group presents songs and vocals in a stripped back setting as a way of making sure lyrics and melodies don’t get lost behind noisy instrumentation.
The jewel in the crown here is the soulful, emotional voice of Sandy Mill. The diamond-studded sceptre is Victoria Kelly’s spellbinding voice and keyboards.

The throne itself: Don McGlashan’s powerful vocal and instrumental presence. And finally, the very royal cushion of Sean Donnelly’s guitar and bass work stops the whole thing from becoming too slick and professional. Their live show is being described by audience members as ‘a religious experience’.
They have been snapped up for festivals such as Parihaka, WOMAD and Late at the Auckland Museum.

Event listed by Jacq Bell

View their other events or contact promoter