Gig Review: For the Culture Tour at 12Bar, 10/12/2022
The For the Culture tour took off at 12Bar on the 10th December 2022 with Tay Renee taking the stage first. Photos taken on the Sony A6000.
It has been a long time coming; however, it is finally here! A gig review on Big Sima’s For The Culture tour that has been circulating throughout the entire country for the past couple of months.
Back in December, I was lucky enough to be invited along to the For the Culture tour at 12Bar here in Christchurch, leaving the gig feeling utterly refreshed, rejuvenated and in awe of the artists that took the stage that evening.
Tay Renee:
Tay Renee was the first act to perform and there are a lot of words that could be suited to this young, bright talent, but they just don’t do her work justice. Tay hit the stage with her soulful, room-moving vocals alongside a single other band member beside her the entire time on guitar. The shine that radiated off the presence of these two was completely unmatched - I was impressed with how smooth sailing everything went.
During Tay’s set, there was not a note off key or a wrong turn, bringing these lazy, Sunday-lounging vibes after a big Saturday night on the town. This was wrapped up in a big bow and presented so gently that it was hard to not be thoroughly impressed with the performance. What a way to open the show.
Full Steam Ahead live up to their name!
Full Steam Ahead:
Full Steam Ahead were up next, the two-piece group came onto the stage with this hectically infectious energy that caught the attention of everyone in the bar that night. There was no holding back when it came to their performance, with pure hoops of honesty being sent out to all that were listening.
During their set, Full Steam Ahead even got the audience involved, allowing them to be as one with them and making sure that they were able to have a good time, just as the two themselves were.
Full Steam Ahead reminded me of quality 90s rap, an appreciation for anyone who grew up during that time period. Usually not my personal vibe, I enjoyed what they bought to 12Bar that evening, for sure.
Big Sima is one hell of a performer! Huge respect.
Big Sima and Boomtown:
Immediately as soon as Big Sima and Boomtown hit the stage, you could see, feel and hear the diversity of different ages, cultures and the genuine lustre of care that had been carefully curated to expand from the stage out into everyone who was in the crowd that evening. Every member of Boomtown had their time to shine - something that is becoming more prevalent with artists these days, a fiercely important move.
Big Sima really puts every single ounce of effort he has into his live performances, something I have noticed since first seeing him perform back in 2021. He is the definition of play hard, work harder (yes, I know, not the correct way that the phrase goes, but it’s true).
Big Sima and Boomtown’s set was sentimentally driven with humble nods to family who attended, along with other loved ones that have passed on, a beautiful touch to what has been achieved in this life for Big Sima.
What strikes me about Big Sima is that himself, alongside the Boomtown team, are very humble, down-to-earth musicians, even though they have been making huge waves in the NZ music scene. It was highly evident that everyone that was there that evening was welcome, no matter who you are.
Big Sima and Boomtown certainly put on a hugely impressive performance.
From the fast-paced tunes to the slowed down beats, the acceleration of greatness was enhanced throughout that night of the For the Culture tour, leaving big impressions on those who got to experience the show.
There is nothing else that can match the uniqueness of a show from Big Sima and the crew.
I would definitely recommend getting along to one of the shows this summer to experience everything you’re missing out on.
Find the artists below -
Tay Renee:
Full Steam Ahead:
Big Sima:
Spotify
Instagram
Facebook
Big Sima on the Podcast - WTTG
Boomtown: