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Description

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 16th July 1986.

"Acoustic duo Circa have been pulling some sizeable crowds to their Wednesday night performances at the Raw 'n' Juicy Café recently. But entertaining the eaters isn't all Frances Anderson and Sue Pugmire are interested in. Since they got together late last year and began jamming informally they've performed several times at peace gatherings and often get asked to play women's nights for various organizations. Although they wouldn't class themselves as strictly feminist, they are very aware of being women, they say.

The name Circa comes from Circe, the enchantress from Greek mythology. "It also implies something circular or going in cycles which I think's quite appropriate," says Sue. Both had extensive musical backgrounds before they met. Sue particularly ... "I was in my first band when I was 13 with my oldest brother. All my brothers were involved in music."

Her main interest was initially in folk music and folk rock crossover material. She was president of the Palmerston North Folk Club for five years and still maintains an involvement there. Frances says she seems to have always been involved in music, although never in any real band format. "It was mostly a case of spontaneous performances, doing some singing now and then."

Her background was more centred on rock and blues styles. Together they describe their sound as a mixture. It's a relaxed style and they play what they like -- be it jazz, folk, blues, whatever ... "We both love harmonies and we have a lot of mix-and-match vocals," says Sue. "We're very keen to write more originals," Frances says, "but if we like a cover we'll do that too."

At this stage the cafe is their only regular venue but neither woman feels restricted. A few weeks ago they recorded three songs on four-track for a peace record. Increasing their line-up is another consideration, often spurred-on by friends joining them for the odd performance. One way or another we could be hearing a lot more from Circa.

[Pictured] Circa Duo, Frances Anderson (left) and Sue Pugmire -- doing the Square thing or just singing in the rain."

Identification

Object type
Image
Archive
Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection
Date
July 16, 1986
Digitisation ID
2021N_2017-20_038216_003
Format
B&W negative

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Taxonomy

Tags
circa duo,
music,
performers,
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