Photography by Katherine Brook
Video by Denis Frylov
Words and experience by Yana Papaya
On Tuesday evening 30th April we gathered together with 50 humans to celebrate the International Jazz Day.
We decided to throw a jazz party in a special kind of way.
Extraordinary Ordinary Kind of Way.
Besides we had another reason to celebrate. On Sunday 28 April we celebrated our 1st anniversary of the Silent Disco Citywalk initiative. Therefore we decided to combine two beautiful occasions into ONE festive immersive event around the Waterfront thanks to the Panuku Development funding.
It was our 20th walk and the First Evening Walk. We “dressed up” with the Silent Disco headphones provided by our partner, Audio Vault Events, that looked like neon ear clips while being inspired by Auckland that transformed into the Queen of the Night with its illuminative outfit.
For those who haven’t heard about the Silent Disco Citywalk before, here is a bit of the info to let you know about the concept. We believe that we’d manage to create one of the most immersive outdoor experiences that gives you a new perspective on the city. We wanted to inspire you to explore, connect to Auckland like you have never done before. Though a lens of music, dance, entertainment we want you to fall in love with this city.
The special “butterfly in the tummy” effect is easy to achieve thanks to the personalised music & storytelling programme that we design and record, so everyone in a group hears it through the Silent Disco headphones. Moreover we create a personalised route, develop the connection and positive vibe within a group thanks to our wholehearted attitude, beautiful team, open hearts of our audience, interaction with the real world and public spaces around us.
We start our city adventure with the inspiring speech from Yana Papaya followed by the health and safety briefing. Then we hit the play “button” on the secret devices and listen to the story. This time around the theme of our programme was related to Birthdays and Jazz Music. The programme features the narrators – Yana Papaya and Steve Lyons, NZ Comedian. The opening track is the song “Let’s Get it Started” by Black Eyes Peas that puts the right party atmosphere straight away.
We walked across the bridge, played “guess a song game”, sang Happy Birthday Song and pretended to be a jazz player while playing on keys.
We had fun at the Kids Playground on Daldy Street: connected to our inner child by going down the seven meter high slide and learnt about Maramataka (the Maori Lunar Calendar) by listening to the audio instructions through the headphones.
The world is the oyster. We popped by the Auckland Fish Market to surprise the diners.
We danced to the Afro-Cuban jazz while looking out at the Sky Tower.
We crossed the bright Wynyard Quarter bridge to find ourselves at the Te Wero Library, where the special guest was awaiting the audience.
I would firstly like to thank Yana for creating, Papaya Stories and the crew for making these events happen and gaining the sponsorship required. I have been to five events over the past year and had a blast every time. I have an 18 month old baby (whom has been brought along on two events) and my five year old four events, I have been given the opportunity to gain confidence and freedom through theses disco walks that has fed my soul. Love ya work all. – Jo Gill
The pop up live act was awaiting. The 12-min performance was brought to us by Voxnova Jazz Four-Piece Band.
Surprise. Delight. Warm welcome. Wild cheers.
The surreal moment came upon us as we enjoyed listening to their cover of the famous jazz song “All My Favourite Things.”
We danced, smiled and connected with one another.
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All good things come to its end (including the live jazz performance). That’s why we had to cruise along to our next stop. We walked pass the NZ Maritime Museum, danced near the Ferry Building and headed along The Lighthouse by Michael Parekowhai, Queens Wharf that looks especially pretty during the night time.
The Lighthouse marked the finish line of our Citywalk adventure. It was the time to say goodbye. The audience heard the famous song by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman that was the cue for our team to prepare for the last 5-minute performance piece: Tatsiana as a conductor / dancer; Yana as Andrea Bocelli; Victoria and Alina as background dancers who added more magic to our city stage.
We love transforming Auckland into something special and meaningful, a place for connection, inspiration, love, freedom and creativity. Thanks to all who joined our walk, celebration of Jazz Music and Silent Disco Citywalk experience!
We hope to see you soon and create more awesome, unique and meaningful events, experiences for you and diverse communities!
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Click here to view all photos from the event.
