Elegant sounds in elegant setting

Bay News, Arts Festival October 12, 2005 The first musical offering of the Tauranga Arts Festival will from the Caitlin Smith Group. An intimate, live performance combining some of the country’s finest musicians, will launch 10 days and nights of activity in the Pacific Crystal Palace, New Zealand’s most elegant touring cabaret venue. Well established at the fore of New Zealand’s jazz scene with the jazz trio, The Fondue Set, which disbanded two years ago, Caitlin Smith’s musical talents have continued to shine. The Auckland based vocalist, songwriter and voice coach has now featured on five albums, the latest CD, Aurere, winning wide critical acclaim since its release. In the Caitlin Smith Group for the Tauranga Arts Festival will be Elia Gaitau (Fender Rhodes), Ben Turua (bass), Nigel Gavin (guitar) and Rota Barrington (drums). The glamorous and glitzy venue, erected on the old Masonic Hotel site amidst the Strand’s busy line up of restaurants and cafes, will be open every day from 10am until late for coffee lunch and dinner as well as offering lunchtime and evening performances. The Caitlin Smith Group will give one performance during Tauranga Arts Festival, at the Pacific Crystal Palace, 8.30pm Thursday, October 20.