Hip indie act Lawrence Arabia will break out of touring New Zealand's usual ''Big Four'' cities and return to the Southern Lakes with the help of the Festival of Colour.
Eccentric lead singer-guitarist-pianist Arabia, also known as Christchurch-born songsmith James Milne, along with three backing musicians, wowed festival crowds in Queenstown and Wanaka when they joined forces with musicians from the Black Seeds, Trinity Roots and Fat Freddy's Drop to form the supergroup Fabulous Arabia.
Festival organisers have announced Lawrence Arabia will perform a special one-off gig in the new bar and music venue, Gin & Raspberry, in Wanaka, on November 7, as part of the 12-date ''Lawrence Arabia's New Zealand'' tour.
Cassette songwriter Tom Watson plays a set in support.
Arabia said the concert would be just as entertaining as April's gig, but a ''whole new sonic experience'' for the town.
''There are a million reasons to come and see us again. Our core sound is more Beatles-esque and less funky.
''We have the same singers, but a different drummer; shorter songs but lots more of them.
''It's a 90-minute-plus show, abundant with banter and three-part harmonies, wit, beauty and occasional loud noise.''
Arabia's latest album The Sparrow was released in July last year to critical acclaim, including the London Sunday Times' CD of the Week, iTunes NZ's New Zealand Album of the Year 2012 and a Taite Music Prize nomination.
• Tickets cost $25 and are available from the festival's website, or Gin & Raspberry, or Francesca's Italian Kitchen, Wanaka. The gig starts at 8pm.
