January 2005, By Megan Johnson

Gorgeous singer-songwriter Brooke Fraser lit up the stage with her passionate performance at Parachute on Saturday night, holding 22,000 people in the palm of her hand. The New Zealand artist's show was heavily anticipated and fully met expectations, delivering an emotional set of orignal songs from her debut album, What To Do With Daylight. (2003)

The 21 year old Wellingtonian taught herself guitar at age sixteen, and learned piano from seven, and played both masterfully to her soulful songs. Opening with two songs on guitar, she later moved to the piano for Arithmetic, when she shared her divine inspiration for the lyrics. "It didn't come from me, but from God. It's been used at a thousand weddings, but the song isn't about human love but God's love for us."

"This is my sixth year playing Parachute" Fraser told the crowd. "I started when I was sixteen, in 'The Club'" (the debut artists' stage) Asking "Who remembers 'The Club'?" to a few cheers but most were too young to remember six years ago.

Artist With Vision
Brooke is the face for World Vision in New Zealand, featuring on TV commercials and print advertising for the charity. At Parachute World Vision had a goal of 750 new child sponsorships, which they exceeded. "If you sponsor a child tonight, you'll get my album for free" Brooke told the audience. "I have three children I sponsor myself."

Stylish Songstress
Brooke is always stunning, and well-photographed by media at every event she attends. At last year's music awards she made the society pages in her designer Kate Sylvester strapless white lace dress with one-shoulder orchid strap, and her stage presence is no different. Fot performing, she looked at ease and stylish in a Karen Walker brown halter neck kneelength dress worn over a white tank top with tan boots. "I wear cowboy boots" was her opening comment in her disarming manner, "With the socks slouched down cos they look geeky pulled up."

Cameo Spot
Brooke was guest singer to huge applause at the festival's head-lining band, Third Day's show the following evening. Brooke joined the USA rock band on stage for one song, relaxed and casual in denim jeans and a white tee-shirt printed with a picture of New Zealand and black belt. It was the highlight of Third Day's show. At only 21, Brooke Fraser is not only a talented and beautiful singer. She owns the stage.

For more information, check out her website at www.brookefraser.com