'Energetic and upbeat': Kaylee Bell promises to deliver for home town fans

Friday, 29 December 2023

The most streamed female country artist in Australasia, Kaylee Bell took top billing at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park in Auckland.

Fresh off the back of a performance at Rhythm and Alps, Kaylee Bell is looking forward to rounding out the festive season with a performance in front of a home crowd at Caroline Bay this week.

Bell enjoyed spending time at home with family in Waimate over Christmas, recharging after a massive year, before heading south to perform on the main stage at the festival in the Cardrona Valley, near Wanaka, on December 30.

Her final gig of the summer will see her perform with her band at the Caroline Bay Carnival on January 4.

“I am looking forward to playing in Timaru, as I have never played a band show there before, and I feel like the Soundshell is an iconic spot to play.

Bell said she was also looking forward to playing outdoors in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Bell said she plans to take a break after the gig at Caroline Bay, ahead of her nationwide tour in March.

She said fans could expect an energetic and upbeat performance at Caroline Bay.

“I have a very slick band and I love playing with them and getting to play my songs live.

“I can't wait to play Timaru, and get the chance to put on our show in a venue I grew up spending so much time playing at. Let’s hope we get a sunny night.”

The performance would be Bell’s last ahead of her nationwide tour in March.

“I just plan to have a proper break this summer off the grid as we have a busy year ahead.”

And that follows a massive year for Bell, whose achievements in 2023 included a number of firsts.

Bell says touring with Ed Sheeran was the highlight of 2023.

“Touring with Ed Sheeran was the absolute highlight of the year, but also winning a CMA Award in Nashville and being based there was a very full circle moment.

“One of the best things we got to do this year, was tour NZ on my first ever headline run and meet so many people throughout the country. It was so cool to start and finish the tour in Waimate on the same stage I first sang on when I was 4-years-old.”

Bell said there was already plenty more lined up for 2024, including a lot of touring of New Zealand, Australia and the United States, lots of new material and some “fun” collaborations.

“I am lucky to be living my dream.”

At the time of announcing Bell in the line up, Venture Timaru chief executive Nigel Davenport said they were thrilled to work with the Caroline Bay Association to sign Bell and her four-piece band for the event which they anticipated to be a “major drawcard for the carnival”.

“Kaylee’s had an amazing year, and when we approached her to come back to her home region for this show during our peak holiday season, she was stoked to take up the offer.

“We expect that having an artist of Kaylee’s calibre at the carnival will be a significant event in attracting visitors to Timaru, not only for the concert but also to stay a few days which will have a great flow-on effect into our local businesses,” Davenport said.

The 113th carnival started on Boxing Day and runs until January 7.