The always popular Music in Parks series of free public concerts starts at Maraetai this Saturday.
Auckland Council’s Music in Parks programme has free-entry outdoor concerts across the region featuring three acts on most weekends until April 6.
The line-up for Music in Parks on January 11 at Maraetai Beach, 1-4pm, has Saylene Ulberg, KIKO, and Jordyn With a Why, performing respectively.
The council’s Music in Parks team says Saylene Ulberg “has made her mark at festivals and covers gigs around the country.
“KIKO is an Aotearoa super-group combining genres to break down stereotypes of Māori music and present it in a new light.
“They explore a style of music that Aotearoa has never heard before.
“South Auckland’s Jordyn With a Why crowns the afternoon with her sweet blend of R&B and soul.
“The rising star of New Zealand’s R&B scene will deliver soulful, ethereal sounds that explore identity, culture, and te reo Māori.”
Other Music in Parks concerts in or close to east Auckland are:
- Opera in the Park, at Glover Park, Glover Avenue, St Heliers, on Saturday, January 25, 6-8pm.
- Opera in the Park, at Auckland Botanic Gardens, Hill Road, Manurewa, on Saturday, February 1, 6-8pm.
- Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, at Barry Curtis Park, 163 Chapel Road, Flat Bush, on Thursday, February 6, at 10am-4pm.
- Music in Parks Pakuranga, at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Bells Road, Pakuranga, on Sunday, March 9, 1-4pm, featuring Rikki Morris, Automatic 80s, newcomer Oni Kidman (Rikki’s daughter), and Brother Sister.
The Jazz at the Rotunda concert at Pukekawa Auckland Domain also stars Howick’s own Taylor Griffin, a highly versatile drummer-percussionist whose debut album last year, In Green, made the top 10 in the New Zealand album charts.
On the line-up also for Jazz at the Rotunda on Sunday, February 23, 1-4pm, are Love Square, and Lady Larisa, an international jazz and soul singer.
The council says: “Aucklanders are invited to pack their picnic baskets, gather their friends and whānau, and head to the parks for a fun-filled season of free outdoor entertainment.”
The Music in Parks crew says its programme “has a diverse range of New Zealand’s top musical talent, with something for every musical taste”.
“From the electrifying beats of hip-hop to the contemporary sounds of indie-folk, the series will bring audiences the very best of local music under the sun.
“Aucklanders can look forward to hearing headlining performances from some of the country’s most esteemed artists, including Rei, one of New Zealand’s prominent hip-hop artists, known for his smooth flow and impactful lyrics that blend Māori heritage with contemporary rap.
“Tali, a multi-award-winning drum and bass DJ and vocalist, will bring her high-energy performances to the stage.
“Check out Anna Coddington, a beloved figure in the indie-folk scene, known for her unique blend of pop, rock, and singer-songwriter influences.
“Georgia Lines, who won Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards, will also be performing, bringing her emotionally rich indie-pop hits to the parks.
“As well as returning to St Helier’s Glover Park, the annual crowd-favourite Opera in the Park is also heading to a brand-new location this summer – the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
“Set against the beautiful backdrop of flowers and foliage, this iconic opera event promises to be an unforgettable experience,” says the Music and Parks team.
“Whether you’re an opera enthusiast or a first-time attendee, the combination of world-class performances and the serenity of the gardens will create a captivating evening for all.”
The council’s chair of its policy and planning committee, councillor Richard Hills, says: “With a wider and more diverse range of events than ever before, including performances from top local artists, these events reach far and wide across Tāmaki Makaurau and offer something for everyone to enjoy,” he says.
“This much-loved series of free events is a fantastic way to make the most of the long summer days and nights with your loved ones and enjoy our beautiful city affordably.”
- More information on Music in Parks is at www.musicinparks.co.nz
