Vera Ellen Announces 'It's Your Birthday' Tour

Back in Aotearoa following the launch of her Flying Nun solo debut album It's Your Birthday, Vera Ellen (Girl Friday) has taken the bull by the horns and announced a long-awaited two date mini-tour to toast her record's release. The Taite Music Prize 2022 finalist will be playing headline dates at her Pōneke hometown's San Fran and Tāmaki Makaurau's Whammy Bar in July, joined by full live band featuring Ben Lemi (Dawn Diver), Samuel Austin, Audrey May, Bella Guarrera, Callum Lee and Albert River. Also special guest for Cate Le Bon's forthcoming NZ shows, raise a glass to It's Your Birthday with Vera Ellen and friends at the dates below...

Vera Ellen - It's Your Birthday Tour

Friday 8th July - San Fran, Wellington
Friday 15th July - Whammy, Auckland

Tickets on sale via Banished Music

Watch the animated vid for the title track to Vera Ellen's It's Your Birthday...

Press release:

Vera Ellen has returned after covid delays and cancellations and re-announced a New Zealand mini-tour in support of her knockout of a Flying Nun debut It's Your Birthday.

The Pōneke / Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter takes to the road in July with a full band, namely Ben Lemi (Trinity Roots, French for Rabbits, Bret McKenzie, Glass Vaults – bass), Samuel Austin (A.U.R.A – drums), Audrey May (Sports Royal – guitar), Bella Guarrera (BVs), Callum Lee (Rewind Fields – keys / sax / violin), Albert River (A.U.R.A - keys) and of course led by Vera on guitar and lead vocals.

Vera and band will perform material – including NZ alt-charting single 'YOU!' – from It's Your Birthday live for her home crowd. In combination, Vera's clear, concise songwriting, and confident yet relaxed vocal presence make the album a classic on entry – earning her a spot in RNZ's Top 20 albums of 2021. An enigmatic performer, Vera is also a member of LA pop punk act Girl Friday, and was previously a member of NZ grunge 4-piece Maple Syrup. NZ fans may have seen her onstage in 2020, opening as Vera Ellen for the likes of Don McGlashan and Reb Fountain, as well as at three sold out shows with indie darlings, The Beths.