Event Flight of the Conchords • Rhys Darby • Bic Runga
City Los Angeles
State California
Venue Largo
Date August 02, 2008
[i]“What, this? It’s just a mini Flying V.”
-Bret McKenzie, Flight of the Conchords[/i]
Who knew Los Angeles had such a devoted Kiwi following? When it was announced that Largo would be home to the 1st National International New Zealand Day at a Bic Runga show in July, the buzz quickly built to a fever pitch and the show was sold out weeks in advance before a real line up had even been announced.
Because it was the first (and hopefully not last) annual show, the audience can be forgiven for not knowing what exactly to expect. Was it going to be a variety program? A serious, straightforward evening of music? Before the show began, select New Zealand pop songs (including OMC’s “How Bizarre,” remember that one?) established a theme while confounding most in the crowd. But when the lights dimmed and Flight of the Conchords took the stage, the audience ostensibly dictated the tone and direction of the show as everyone in the packed-to-capacity theater shouted and screamed as if The Beatles had just descended. It was The Conchords’ night from the start and they stopped at nothing to give the fans in the audience precisely what they wanted.
The show began with what appeared to be a false start by the folk-comedy duo as a familiar voice called for the boys from the back. “Emergency band meeting!” Rhys Darby made a surprise vocal appearance as the band’s manager from the hit HBO television series. The banter that ensued was classic and completely keeping in line with the characters established in the series. So much so that even Bret and Jemaine had trouble discerning whether or not the show was real.
Boh Runga was the first to follow The Conchords. Her music has an edge that sister’s Bic lacks but fit her voice and was a nice balance to the lighter Conchord material. Most surprising to hear was a distorted punk ballad wryly dedicated to club owner Mark Flanagan, “Bastard,” close her set. The Conchords returned and kept the funny flowing with more from the songbook and even introduced some prop comedy by bringing out a mini flying v guitar and tambourine to compliment the tunes.
Bic Runga was introduced by the boys as the next performer and her set did not disappoint. Although The Conchords supplied the fun and sister Boh brought the metal, (for one song atleast) Bic was the heart of the evening. Her songs beautifully encapsulate a kind of honest, sincere tenderness and heartbreak rarely seen in commercial pop/folk. Her time on stage was fleeting but unforgettable.
Following his cameo earlier on, Rhys Darby’s brilliant stand up was a great showcase for those in the audience unfamiliar with his formidable talents as a stage performer. His routine included some brilliant sound effects work that would make Michael Winslow proud. Darby returned with the boys to close the show with a rendition of “Leggy Blonde” that was a pitch perfect end to a stellar night.
The 1st National International New Zealand Day was a rousing success of comedic and musical imagination. It was as quirky and idiosyncratic as one might expect from people who lived in a country as unique as New Zealand, brought to the States unfiltered and fresh. Here’s looking forward to next year’s show.
Tags: bic runga, flight of the conchords, largo
Music
Film & TV
