THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...

Hello lovely People,

Just a quick note to thank you all for your support at the Tree Tops Studio events over

this past year. It's been quite a ride and it was all finished off in style last Saturday with supurb set from Karen Hunter as well as a great performance from SL Macombee & the Absolute Truth.

Our individual thanx go out to B, Claire, Kofi, Thomas, Tiara ,Jenifer and everyone else who has made Tree Tops a special thingumybob.

Sarah says... Put your hands in the air. Sarah says...All stand up.

Sarah Says... Turn your hands into shovels Everyone get on stage! Ha, Ha didn't say Sarah Says!

Thanx to Gus, for photos check out www.printablereality.com

Thanx to Oren, for filming the event stay tuned for video footage coming to a computer near you soon.

No But seriously thanx to everyone it's been a ball. (Hey thats not a bad idea!)

Love to one and all, See you at a new venue sometime soon!

THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...

Contemporary Folk/Rock Infused with Dirty Jazz Grooves...Anyone?

Ok, so the cat is well and truly out of the bag! In Our last post we let you know that we intended to go out on a high at Tree Tops Studio, well the bar just got raised to new Olympic Record kinda height.

At our last show on the 10th October we will not only be featuring SL Macombee & the Absolute Truth (a full 10 piece band) it will now also include the one and only Karen Hunter on the bill. 'Hunter's work can be described as contemporary folk/rock infused with dirty jazz grooves' states a quote from Karen's web-site with which I would concur all though we feel her sound is not that simply pigeon-holed.

Songwriting this good can not be faked. Ripitup

Included below is part of Karen's Biography for your indulgence. Please

check out her website at

www.karenhunter.com to discover what a privilege it is for us to add her name to

the bill.

Káren Hunter first appeared on the Auckland music scene in the early 90’s with an original style of blues-based acoustic funk and a voice described in the NZ Herald as ‘one of the most sensuous in the country’.

With over twenty years performing experience Hunter's fifth

album “Rubble” was released through Monkey Records in March 2007 and she supported this release with an extensive 48 date national tour. Hunter also played several festivals throughout the summer of 2008 including the Christchurch Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Park (Auckland City), Festival of Light, Parihaka, (Taranaki) & Prana (Coromandel)

Hunter's work can be described as contemporary folk/rock infused with dirty jazz grooves. Hunters primary instruments are vocals and acoustic guitar, however thanks to her ‘loop’ pedal, live shows also include 'found' percussion, backing vocals, bass and vocal harmoniser. Hunter creates rhythmic backing tracks 'on the fly' and encourages audiences to participate with heckling and occasional finger clicks.

Hunter toured Australia's East Coast from Tasmania to Brisbane in 2003 as part of a reciprocal tour deal with local folk artist and Australian festival favourite Penelope Swales. Hunter has performed alongside Australian festival favourites Tiddas, Blue and Fruit and also played at Melbourne's Frankston Guitar Festival in 2004.

Karen appeals to an audience of jazz enthusiasts and fans of storytelling folk music alike. She has an informal yet professional on-stage manner which works very well in cabaret noir, festival stage or concert atmospheres. Renown as a dynamic and engaging live act has earned Karen Hunter several international supports including Ani Difranco, Roger McGuinn and Suzanne Vega,

email us for venue details contact www.treetopspresents@gmail.com

PS. we will be finishing off the evening with some sweet tunes from funky DJ's.

OH YES... IT'S THE GRAND FINALE

Hello my lovelies,

Ok so it has been decided that Our gorgeous Tree Tops Studio venue is to close its doors this coming October, but to celebrate were gonna leave in style so were having a final fling...

By popular demand on Saturday October the 10th we will be playing out with a full live set from SL Macombee & the Absolute Truth. Going on the reaction to the recent Amnesty International gig where the crowd went crazy during their set this is going to be a show not to be missed. As usual there are promises of very special guests joining the line up and we think this will probably be the last chance to see Sarah and Co in such intimate surroundings, so make sure you put the date in your diary NOW and if there's anything else in there, don't be stupid and cross it out!

Available on the night will be all the usual Tree Tops extras for your delectation and sensory pleasure appreciation.

Stay tuned for further details of this amazing event. Please remember to park safely and leave the driveway clear for vehicular access.

Koha on the door will be $10.00

email us for details of venue

treetopspresents@gmail.com

SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...

Funkin' for FREEDOM

Hello Everyone,

Please find the current details for the Amnesty International gig on the 15th August. Please help us promote this event by printing off the details and putting it in the rear window of your car, boat, house, push-bike or anywhere else you can find! Also pass this info' on to your mailing lists please.

A night of pure pleasure V's activist support,

featuring so far...

BlackSandDiva

Super soul jazz folk groove thing going on, the jazz chameleons known to change feel and coat as the mood takes - Black Sand Diva soars from slinky Jazz grooves to rocked up roots, soul, and folk to create a unique sound organic to the Wild West Coast.

http://www.myspace.com/blacksanddiva

SL Macombee & The Absolute Truth

"For f**k sake if you get chance, don't miss this outfit live, weather its Sarah performing solo or with any other amount of local and international talent. It's the kind of awe inspiring performance that

will renew your faith in live music."

http://www.myspace.com/slmacombee

The Magnets

The Magnets are Ben Collier (GoldenHorse, The Nukes), brother Tom Collier multi-instrumentalists alongside Marcus Lawson (Lucid3, Dave Dobbyn). These guys are everything you can imagine and more, don't miss them!

Hosted by: Sarah Mcleod (Actress/Shortland Street) and Sam Healey-Cunningham (Amnesty International)

Tickets $20.00 / $10.00 (under 18's) available from

www.treetopspresents.blogspot.com

http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2009/aug/auckland-west/funkin-for-freedom-amnesty-international-awareness-show

Or $25.00 on the door. Show starts at 7.30pm

There will be a licenced bar, Organic food courtesy of Bountiful Earth and the Coffee & Chai Guru.

Please listen out for radio Ads, interviews and live to air along with articles online and in various publications. I have listed a few below to get you started...

George FM: Wed 12th Aug between 12-2pm Interview with Sam (Amnesty International) and possible live to air!

Kiwi Fm: Wed 12th Aug between 5-6pm Interview with Sam (Amnesty International) and Cat ( Black Sand Diva) who will also be playing live from the studio.

95bFM: W/C 10th Aug between 8-10am (TBC)Interview with Sam (Amnesty International) and Sarah (SL Macombee) who will also be playing live from the studio.

Keep posted and remember to buy tickets in advance and save yourselves $5 each!

SEE YOU THERE..SEE YOU THERE..SEE YOU THERE..SEE YOU THERE..SEE YOU THERE..

Change of Venue

Hi Guys,

Sorry to have to spring this on you at the last minute. Due to unforeseen circumstances we will be bring the Desert Island Decks back home to Tree Tops.

All the usual provisions and more! will be available on the night along with the Desert Island Party flavour. So email us with your new DJ names and your favourite 3 booty shakers as this promises to be a party like no other.

Both liquid & edible refreshment available on the night. Please remember to park safely and keep the drive way clear.

EMAIL FOR VENUE DETAILS. www.treetopspresents@gmail.com EMAIL FOR VENUE DETAILS

Tunes so far...

First Dj's announced...

Just thought we'd share with you a couple of our early entries to get you in the mood and help explain what YOU now need to do.

DJ Name: Dj Job Vacant

Tunes: Rick James - Super Freak, Dolly Parton - Joleen, SWV ft. Michael Jackson - Right Here (human nature remix)

DJ Name: Dj Waitak

Tunes: Cameo - Word up, Kraftwerk - Tour De France, Dream Warriors - Wash your face my sink

Dj Name: DJ Fast Forward

Tunes: Madonna - Like a prayer, Blur - Song 2, Happy Mondays - Kinky Afro

So don't be shy email us with your fantastic new DJ name and those three tunes that are gonna rock the floor. Remember you can DJ yourselves or in small groups.

This message will self destruct 5 seconds.

SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE.SEE YOU THERE.SEE YOU THERE.SEE YOU THERE.

If you had 15 mins to fill the Dancefloor what would you play?

DESERT ISLAND DECKS
(25-07-09)

Hello Everybody Peeps,

It's been a while coming but there's some new ideas starting to formulate (with the emphasis on the late) As our glorious stand here at Tree Tops draws to an inevitable end, we have started to pursue alternative arrangements to see that the Tree Tops name continues to be put to good use. To this end we will be focusing on promoting shows, club nights and parties at alternative venues in the area and eventually further afield.

To get tha ball rollin' we would like to invite you to experiment with a new club night called "Desert Island Decks" the idea for this night is that everyone brings to the venue with them there 3/4 favourite Floor Fillas ever in the whole world (well if your anything like me It'll be your fav' tunes in the last 5 mins) when you get to the venue (before 8.00pm) you put your newly created DJ name(s) on the list and you get allocated a 15 min time slot. You can Dj by yourself or in small groups. The emphasis here is not on your DJing skills, in fact we actively discourage them! Anyone caught being too fancy and mixing or scratching may be asked to leave! It is about playing your favourite tunes and having a good time. We will figure out the winners on the night by means of the most democratic means known to mankind....Yes it's the clap-o-meter.

So here's a quick recap, with bullet points;

1. Think of your 3 or 4 favourite tunes, bring them on C.D.'s and /or an I-pod. (not all on the same disk). Or email us your choices in advance at treetopspresents@gmail.com
2. Get to the venue and register before 8pm, put your newly invented DJ name(s) on the list.
3. Have a drink and something to eat and DANCE while everyone else entertains you.
4. Have your 15 minutes of fame.
5. Bask in the glory of your superstar DJ status and field questions as to why you picked the beast tunes that had everyone shaking their thang!

So there you have it your new 5 step programme to health and happiness.

What you should do (NOW) to get a head start on the rest of the field please is email us with your DJ name(s) and 15min of tunes so we can set you up with a time slot and guarantee you get to play your first choice selection. Should you chose the same tunes as someone who has already been confirmed you will be asked for a second choice.

Please note in this new venue, The Old Wine Cellar, Corban Estate Arts Centre, 426, Great North Road, Henderson we will be providing a bar and food for sale, there is ample parking on site and the Door charge will be $10.00 each. Open at 7.30pm.

We apologise for the short notice and hope to see you all there. Please tell as many people as you can and if you have a mailing list, My Space, Facebook, Twitter, etc, please don't hesitate to post these details.

SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...SEE YOU THERE...

Funkin' for FREEDOM

The Venue is set and the line up is taking shape, oh yes its going to be a Real Ripsnorter for sure. This is the deal so far...

Tree Tops Presents...

In association with

Amnesty International (NZ)

FUNKIN' FOR FREEDOM WEEK

A night of pure pleasure V's activist support,

featuring...

Black Sand Diva

Super soul jazz folk groove thing going on, the jazz chameleons known to change feel and coat as the mood takes - Black Sand Diva soars from slinky Jazz grooves to rocked up roots, soul, and folk to create a unique sound organic to the Wild West Coast.

http://www.myspace.com/blacksanddiva

Sl Macombee & The Partial Truth

"For f**k sake if you get chance, don't miss this outfit live, weather its Sarah performing solo or with any other amount of local and international talent. It's the kind of awe inspiring performance that will renew your faith in live music."

http://www.myspace.com/slmacombee

The Magnets

The Magnets are Ben Collier (GoldenHorse, The Nukes), brother Tom Collier both multi-instrumentalists alongside another great musician Marcus Lawson (Lucid3, Dave Dobbyn). These guys are everything you can imagine and more, don't miss them!

Saturday August 15th

NEW LYNN COMMUNITY CENTRE

45, Totara Ave, (Opp Train/Bus Station)

Tickets $20 . 00 / $10.00 (under 18's) + booking fee available on line from

www.treetopspresents.blogspot.com

or $25.00 on the door. Show starts at 7.30pm

TO BUY TICKETS (click on link below)

http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/search?q=funkin

FREEDOM WEEK - Celebrate Yours...

Tree Tops Presents... is to organise a charity fundraiser for and in conjunction with Amnesty Internationals fundraising team.

The show at an as yet undisclosed West Auckland venue is a chance to put together some of the finest talent that West Auckland has to offer. We will also be providing a bar and food for your delectation.

We are hoping to offer e-tickets for sale via this very blog site and or via the Amnesty International NZ site.

The show is likely to be on Saturday the 15th August although this is yet to be confirmed.

Below we have included the 'low-down' on why we need to get out and show our support for this event from Amnesty's Fundraising manager Sam Healey-Cunningham.

Freedom Week – Act for their Freedom. Celebrate yours!

Freedom Week is the public appeal week of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. This year’s theme is about celebrating our Freedom of Expression. Amnesty relies 100% on donations of time, expertise or money from the public because we accept no funding from governments. This means Amnesty will never be pressured into silence.

Amnesty International is a global movement defending human rights and human dignity worldwide. We campaign against the most serious human rights violations and abuses. See www.amnesty.org.nz

Current priorities:

People imprisoned and tortured for their beliefs: Amnesty supporters around the world have been responsible for both freeing and saving the lives of many of thousands of people imprisoned for their beliefs or because they were courageous enough to speak out against injustice.

Stop Violence against Women: Amnesty has long worked on this basic human right that everyone has the ‘right to a life free of violence”. Unfortunately this is an issue of great concern in both NZ and our region, the Pacific. We will continue to work in this area promoting good legislation and initiatives which protect women who are vulnerable to violence.

Sri Lanka and Gaza: We have been researching and reporting these human rights crises and reporting back to the UN and Governments on the human rights violations which occurred. Solid evidence gathered on location and from eye witnesses is vital if those responsible are to face justice.

Fiji: We have been putting pressure on the Fijian interim government to restore the constitution and the human rights which it has violated by limiting people’s basic freedoms including freedom of expression.

Zimbabwe – is another country of interest for NZ. Over the years we have continued to monitor and report on the human rights violations which occur in this country where people are still being imprisoned and tortured for speaking out about state sponsored human rights violations.

We hope this has given you some food for thought and that you will consider coming out to support this show which will mark the end of two weeks of fundraising events.