Grab your chilly bin and get your picnic blanket ready as there’s an unmissable line-up of free outdoor music and movies coming to a park near you this summer.
Auckland Council’s popular Music in Parks series kicks off in January, bringing your favourite blockbusters and top kiwi music talent to Auckland’s beautiful parks and reserves. In 2018 the series will be bigger and better than ever before and include two exciting new events – Kids Music in the Park and Open Air Orchestra.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with the 2018 Music in Parks line-up of 24 free outdoor concerts featuring artists from diverse musical genres – everything from rock and pop to RnB and jazz will take the stage. This is also your chance to check out some of the Kiwi music talent behind Auckland’s recent recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
Returning in 2018 are two summer outdoor gig favourites; don’t miss the electrifying Demon Energy Rock the Park local rock legends bringing the noise, The Datsuns, Head Like A Hole, Villainy and Dead Favours, to Grey Lynn Park. For a summer festival vibe take the whānau to Demon Energy Summer Jam at Manukau Sports Bowl; headlined by summer tour favourites Stan Walker featuring Jessica Mauboy, Smashproof, Tomorrow People, Swiss and recent VNZMA winners SWIDT. Enjoy tasty food trucks and fun activities as you listen to the summer sounds.
At Kids Music in the Park, Suzy Cato, Jay Laga’aia (Jay’s Jungle) and Chris Lam Sam (Funky Monkeys) will have the whole family on their feet dancing and singing along at Coyle Park. With yummy food, face painting and lots more fun activities on offer, this is a family-friendly event that the kids will love.
Ending the series on a high note is the Open Air Orchestra at Bell Park, featuring the captivating sounds of The Blackbird Ensemble’s 20 piece orchestra. Fusing classical and electronic instruments with contemporary vocals by Julia Deans, Bailey Wiley, Alae and more, this all new event is not-to-be missed and sure to be a summer highlight. Special headline act still to be announced.
If you prefer to stay local, look out for Music in Parks events in your area throughout summer. From Mel Parsons’ enchanting folk/country vocals at Hobsonville Point Park, Jordan Luck Band rocking Helensville River Reserve or the talented line-up in store for Sunday sessions at the Auckland Domain Band Rotunda, this summer Auckland’s in for an all-you-can eat musical feast.
Music In Parks Major Events:
Demon Energy Rock the Park
Date: Saturday 10 March 2018; 2pm-6pm
Location: Grey Lynn Park, Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn
Line-up: The Datsuns, Head Like a Hole, Villainy and Dead Favours.
Demon Energy Summer Jam
Date: Saturday 10 February 2018; 1pm-5.30pm;
Location: Manukau Sports Bowl, Boundary Road, Manukau
Line-up: Stan Walker featuring Jessica Mauboy, Smashproof, Tomorrow People, Swiss, Swidt and the Mai FM Talent Search winner (to be announced).
Kids Music in the Park
Date: Saturday 20 January 2018; 12noon-4pm
Location: Coyle Park, Point Chevalier Road, Point Chevalier
Line-up: Suzy Cato, Jay Laga’aia, Chris Lam Sam, Mr Roberelli, Petite Music Box, Rainbow Rosalind and kindyRock by Judi Cranston.
Open Air Orchestra
Date: Saturday 24 March 2018; 6pm-9pm
Location: Bell Park (Lloyd Elsmore Park), Bells Road, Pakuranga
Line-up: Julia Deans, Bailey Wiley, Alae, Jessie Cassin and 20 piece band/orchestra from The Blackbird Ensemble, see Open Air Orchestra for further line-up announcements, with a special headline act still to be announced. Event supported by the Howick Local Board.
For details on the other events plus more lineup and announcements you can go check the Music In Parks website or follow them on Facebook.