Renee is a celebrated Poetry Live alumni; an effervescently diverse writer and stunning performer. Valere’s music is soulful and smart; it will move you and leave you thinking. Open Mic as always.

Ethereal, serene and heartfelt, Valere’s sound brings an eclectic mix of soul and synth known to move audiences. Valere is Auckland based songwriter and producer Shana Llorando, whose palate of warm new wave sounds, R&B melodies and intricate rhythms mesh into arrangements that are both ‘kinetic, yet warmly intimate’ (Adam Burns, NZ Musician Magazine).

Valere means ‘to be worth’. This is the heart of her music and message; finding one’s worth in the right place and the journey of the search.

Renee’s first love is poetry and she found her voice at Poetry Live, later taking on a role as an MC for four years. Lately she has been an illustration of the phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ exploring genres such as short and long fiction, poetry, theatre, opera, musical theatre, non fiction, blogging and arts journalism. She has also collaborated on visual arts works, film and music, produced and directed theatre works, worked as a dramaturge, taught creative writing and organized community-based arts initiatives.

She believes in the strength of communities and of collaboration.

Open mic – all performers welcome