An earth centred, river focused concert is to be held on Valentines Day in Palmerston North.

The river connects us all together. We have it for a moment as it passes by but it comes from afar and it flows to afar & by its waters we are all connected. We all effect and are affected by the quality of its waters. Downstream, upstream, we are all affected, we are all connected.

The concert’s under the clock-tower at the courtyard, Te Marae o Hine, Palmerston North Square. The venue in case of bad weather is the Upstairs Gallery at Te Manawa Art.

Listen out for the poetry of Karlo Mila, Helen Lehndorf, Richard Mays, Johanna Aitchison; the harmonies of the Brazen Hussies; Rob Thorne playing nga taonga puoro and guitar; beautiful acoustic music from solo musicians, Tony McGlynn and Suzy Hawes; dancers, Karen Newton and Maria Merrick... and more!

Brief educational speakers on kaitiakitanga of te awa; challenges te awa faces (Dr Mike Joy); sustainable practices for te awa (Janice Feyen); and ways to make our voices heard for te awa (Malcolm Mulholland and Brent Barrett)

Watch out for Junk & Disorderly, giant puppet and structure makers, lending a hand with creative Valentines for the Earth and for Te Awa. Children’s creative valentines and THE LARGE BOOK will go on display at The Children’s Zone of the City Library for a period afterwards. The craft makings from February’s concert will be part of a 13th March Procession for the river at Standing Ground Toitu Te Whenua:

Valentines for the Earth and for Te Awa o Manawatu will be made from natural and recycled materials.