Songbirds promise magic to launch tour

Don't miss your chance to see three of New Zealand's strongest female vocalists live in Napier tonight.

Anika Moa, Boh Runga and Hollie Smith will be performing together during the Classic Hits Church Tour premier concert at St John's Cathedral.

The trio recently released their first single - Be Mine - and have been working on new material for an album set to hit shelves early next year.

"We have all been really committed to writing and making this project a strong priority," Smith said.

"I've had the best time writing with Hollie and Anika. They are so freaking talented and getting to be part of their creative process is what being a musician is all about," Runga added.

"Vibe-ing off of each other, laughing, learning our strengths and dynamics in our relationship [has been] brilliant fun."

The women, who are all close friends, enjoyed working together and couldn't wait to take their sound on the road.

This year's tour will be different from previous outings by artists such as Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn, and the joint Boh Runga and Greg Johnson shows of 2009, as all three women will be on stage together all night, singing songs from their personal catalogues alongside new material.

Now in its fifth year, the Classic Hits Acoustic Church Tour has grown to include 13 shows in 11 cities.

Civic Events co-promoter Brent Eccles said having three performers for the price of one, made for a very special event.

"The line-up for this year's Classic Hits Church Tour has all the elements I think you need for a landmark tour - talent, personality, camaraderie, all bound by great songs".

The 2012 Classic Hits Acoustic Church Tour starts at St John's Cathedral in Napier from 7pm tonight.

Seating is first-in, first-served, so be sure to get in early.

Tickets are $67.50 for general admission and available from www.acousticchurchtour.co.nz or Ticketek: www.ticketek.co.nz