In a one-off event for New Zealand, Sylvie Simmons will speak about her Leonard Cohen biography at the Carteron Events Centre, Tuesday, May 21 at 7.30pm.
Simmons will read from her book, play some songs and speak about delving into Cohen’s world to deliver one of the best music biographies I’ve ever read.
To celebrate the music of Leonard Cohen there will be performances from members of the Wellington Ukulele Orchestra as well as French For Rabbits, Bear Bailey, Brassed Off, Jesse Sheehan, Eb & Sparrow and John The Baptist.
I’m really excited about this event – I’ll have the honour of joining Sylvie Simmons on stage in conversation about her Cohen biography and her life in music writing. 
Simmons has been a hero of mine for as long as I can remember – last year I even had the chance to meet her. She was a welcoming host, taking me in for a cup of tea and a chat; she shared some of her music and so many stories about her Cohen book. When I met her she was just finishing the project. But it’s spawned a new life in the touring promotion rounds, Simmons taking the book, Cohen’s music and her stories across an impressive career to audiences around the world.
So we’re very lucky to have her in New Zealand – and I’m honoured to be speaking with her, to be speaking to her, to be presenting an interview live on stage as part of this event.
And then there’s all the great music too – a night for Leonard Cohen fans.