Concert Review: The Big Korero About Love & Mental Health
On a cloudy Saturday, 15 bands along with a variety of speakers and volunteers packed into Zeal in Hamilton to engage and perform over 10 hours and raise both funds and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Real Slam Poetry MC'd the event, which kicked off with local up-and-comers STATIC in the main foyer around 1:30pm and didn't conclude until after 11pm, with Fire For Glory wrapping up the event.
Josh Pinho - Fire For Glory
Lily Mou - REI
The brainchild of Fire For Glory frontman Josh Pinho, in conjunction with Lily Mou (Downfall Productions, REI), the all-ages festival ran smoothly throughout the day, with a variety of acts volunteering their time and services to the event - some travelling from as far as Christchurch to take part. The festival successfully raised more than $1,000 for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand with all bands performing for free.
Many brave speakers got up and shared their stories, their struggles, and their hearts with the all-ages crowd. Topics of the discussions ranged from anxiety and depression to the importance of remembering to nurture your inner child and embracing that which makes us unique.
There were tears, there were heavy and emotional moments, but more importantly, there was such a feeling of love and support for one another.
As Bad Sport put it on their Facebook page,
Bad Sport
We felt so much love in a room full of strangers who are now family. Look after each other, love each other.
Above all, one thing was stressed - that help is always available, and it's important to korero.
The Band Lineup:
Static (Hamilton)
Swizl Jager
Rich James
Shepherds Reign
Animalhead
Rei
Take Hold
One Of Everything
She Loves You
Cold x War
Bad Sport
Chasing South
Seas of Conflict
Amanaki
Fire For Glory
Radio 13 thanks and credits Ngamihi Pawa for all the images featured on this article.
What people are saying
Ethan Murdoch - 21 months ago
I'm Ethan the bassist from Static. Have to say a huge thanks to the event organisers and their preperation. The atmosphere was so good, as soon as I walked in, good vibes shrouded the venue. Have to also say a big pake pake to all other bands and speakers for taking the time, making the effort and getting up their and entertaining the people. What a good time it was. The only sad thing was I don't think it was well premoted, would of loved to have seen the place filled with people! Get out there New Zealand and explore. Would love to see more of these types of events more often!
Tom - 21 months ago
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