Live@Five

This year, Live@Five becomes a highly-focussed, informal networking opportunity for the business community, built around quality entertainment.

The first is a specially-themed Christmas special, featuring some snappy jazz from the fabulous Margot Peirard and Anton Wutz who join with Sally Rutgers (piano) and Jenni Hodgson (cello) to present an eclectic, but brilliant, mix of music, all with a Christmas theme.

Admission continues to be free, making it the perfect setting for informal office Christmas parties, for social club gatherings and for generally igniting the festive spirit. It comes at the end of working week and means people can catch up with colleagues and friends.

Malcolm Calder, General Manager of Creative Hastings sees the Live@Five series is an important part of Hastings' life, and the improvements stem from feedback after last year.

"So this year Live@Five has a very clear focus. Its brilliant live entertainment is aimed squarely at the business community and there will be plenty of networking opportunities. Far from a formal sitdown concert, we see this is more of an informal social occasion. We will closely monitor how it is received, note possible improvements and aim to see it become a regular event themed differently each month.
Mr Calder says Live@Five befits the festive season. "It means people can chat over a glass of wine and a light snack, catch up with others in a festive environment and even sing along with some of the Christmas songs. And, heaven forbid, some may even indulge in dancing", says Mr Calder.

"Live@Five means the Plaza will go 'live' from 5pm with both the Opera House Foyer Bar and the Opera Kitchen open. Creative Hastings is delighted to have secured the musical brilliance of Margot, Anton, Sally and Jenni for a single, high quality 40-minute musical set. This will commence at about 5:45 and the whole thing will wrap up by about 6:30 or 7, allowing people ample time go onto dinner elsewhere, attend other functions, or go home to their families.

"People wanting only a concert are welcome, but they should be aware that Live@Five will be less of a formal concert environment and more of a social event".

Live@Five is a joint venture between Creative Hastings and Hawkes Bay Opera House, is supported by Creative NZ, and highlights the wealth of talent and ability that exists in local communities.