To celebrate New Zealand Music Month, the Sir Howard Morrison Centre presents a mini-music festival packed with incredible Rotorua artists followed by an industry panel for emerging talent. Highlighting the wealth of local talent, the festival, Koiora Live Sessions is the first live music gig of its kind in Te Haumako – Black Box Theatre and will take place on Friday 26 May.

The evening will be headlined by dynamic hip-hop artist TY (Smashproof) and the bi-lingual sounds of Rei. Also featuring RnB singer/songwriter Huia (awarded best Maori Wahine artist 2022), local family group Kingzeye, emerging band Tohu and soulful duo 2 Mile Bay with a wealth of 40 years’ performing experience.

Sir Howards Morrison Centre Performing Arts Director Janelle Bish is excited welcome both performers and locals to celebrate New Zealand music.

“The Sir Howard Morrison Centre team are passionate about creating diverse live performance opportunities for our local talent and opening our doors for our community to experience live music in the venue is an exciting next step for the centre,” says Janelle Bish.

DJ’s will punctuate live sets on the Friday night over a five hour festival of epic beats, all for a $25 ticket price. Limited to 500 tickets and standing room only, these tickets are expected to sell out quick.

The free Industry Panel on Saturday 27 May is centred around providing emerging talent with an opportunity to have face-to-face conversations and network with industry heavyweights. The event aims to provide the opportunity for local emerging artists and practitioners to develop their knowledge of the music industry including tips and tricks needed to increase their profile and access opportunities for development and funding.

Speakers include Teresa Patterson (Head of Music at NZ On Air) Ben Wilcock (Music Lecturer at Toi Ohomai) TY - Tyree Tautogia (Multi award-winning Hip Hop Artist) Norm Rahiri (Content Director at The Heat FM) Hapeta Manley (Director of All Round Entertainment) Jackson Owens (Artist). More panellists to be announced soon.

“The industry panel offers face to face conversations and networking with industry heavyweights and to hear all about the stories and experiences that have shaped their careers to support understanding and navigating their own artistic journeys,” says Janelle Bish.