'The Violet Project’ is a three-piece indie-pop band hailing from Whakatū (Nelson), New Zealand. Comprised of Emma Common (lead vocals and bass), Luke Wilkes (guitar) and Sam Edmonds (drums), originally three independent musicians in their own right, together, they produce a sound that is best described as rich and melancholic, blended with ruminative and introspective […]

Opera/Jazz Fusion – Some of Nelson’s well known jazz instrumentalists join forces with singer/pianist Jason Balla (Festival Music and Artistic Director). In this more casual setting we get to hear some operatic favourites by Puccini and Mozart given a lighter jazz treatment as well as hearing some authentic jazz opera by Gershwin and Weill. A […]

Sukalati Beats features the smooth beats and soulful vocals of Dayna Sanerivi, jazz influenced keys and synth work of Charlie Bladon and sweet hip hop driven bass lines courtesy of Fraser Campbell. This Nelson based trio blend the rich elements of Neo-Soul with contemporary R&B. Their jazz infused vibes and electro influences create a fusion […]

Tea Tree consists of Tina Mortensen - guitar, vocals and the creator of our musical stories; Tamsin Leenhouwers - viola, violin, vocals and the writer of tunes; Stephen Rance - bass player and producer of the groove; plus Dan Callahan - percussion and the beat master. Tea Tree have been playing music together for many […]

We Three are made up of the musical talents of Trudi Wilson (vocals and keys) and Luke Wilkes (guitar) and Jim Boyden (percussion). This jazzy, soulful and dynamic threesome has a special knack of taking modern songs and gracefully ageing them, plus grabbing older songs and giving them a new and fresh twist. This is […]