Lilypad – The Veils, Bic Runga, Nadia Reid: May 8, 2022

1

Lilypad opened in Auckland on Mothers’ Day with a lineup that included The Veils, Bic Runga, Nadia Reid and Arahi.

This being Mother’s Day, the Lilypad was teaming with sprogs rather than frogs as the promoters had turned the venue in a family-friendly environment.

And it was friendly. Even the parking was a breeze. I drove right in and parked with no waiting and no fees. There was plenty of free space.

LilypadThe venue itself is basically part of the Mt Smart Stadium parking lot. Renamed “Lilyworld”, there are plenty of food and drink vendors on hand and waiting in line was never an issue even as the crowd gathered.

Adjacent to the main food and drink area was a grassy bit that was quickly filled by early birds, leaving the main area, directly in front of the stage to consist of mostly black asphalt (the actual parking lot). This was a little less desirable and I heard some comments comparing standing (or sitting) on the asphalt to unpleasant experiences at a certain Laneway Festival.

The music, the crowd and the sound were all excellent. Things got underway just after 3pm with newcomer, Arahi, from  Hawke’s Bay.  Their lilting music was the perfect welcome as fans made their way from the parking area to the stage.

Nadia was next.

It’s been a while since she’s performed, and, appropriate of the day, in the interim she has become a mother herself. So back from maternity leave, she and her band are in fine form. For many, the highlight of the set was Nadia’s cover on Mazzy Star’s Fade Into You. Be sure to catch Nadia’s upcoming tour with the NZTrio.

LilypadWith the sun setting, the energy level rose as Bic Runga began her set with Get Some Sleep. Backing her up are drummer Karen Hu and fellow Sweetie Cass Basil on bass.

Cass is MVP tonight, also playing with The Veils.

Bic’s set is a delightful mix of old favourites…Bursting Through, Sway, Drive and deep cuts such as Election Night and Winning Arrow. Her set (at just under an hour) seems to be over before it starts.

The Veils Not the sun has set, the lights are up and The Veils hit the stage. Finn Andrews and his crew are regular favourites around NZ these days and the current band features Dave Khan and the aforementioned Cass Basil.  When we last saw them, it was at The Powerstation about a year ago. They were great then, and they still are now.

Check out the set list, find your favourites and imagine seeing them in this gorgeous outdoor venue, the stars twinkling above.

A wonderful day/evening all around. It will be interesting to see if the Lilypad becomes a regular thing.

Marty Duda

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Brenna Jo Gotje
The Veils:
Bic Runga:
Nadia Reid:
Arahi:

 

Bic Runga Setlist:

  1. Get Some Sleep
  2. Close Your Eyes
  3. Election Night
  4. Dream A Dream
  5. Winning Arrow
  6. Bursting Through
  7. Say After Me
  8. Beautiful Collision
  9. Precious Things
  10. Listening For The Weather
  11. Something Good
  12. Sway
  13. Drive
Marty Duda
Latest posts by Marty Duda (see all)