After a quiet spell last year, live entertainment is roaring back onto Aotea this summer! We caught up with organisers Ben Gill and Mel Jacka of Pizzazz Music about the incredible run of gigs they are putting on throughout December and January.
1. After a quiet summer last year, why was it important to bring the festival vibe back?
We feel it’s important to bring that energy and connection back to the island. Live music plays a huge role in bringing people together so we really wanted to make sure we had that magic on the island this Summer. Bringing the festival vibe back is about more than just a show too—it’s about community, supporting local venues and businesses, and reminding people how special Aotea is.
2.You’ve got Tiki Taane locked in, and now you’ve announced Jason Kerrison. How did that second booking come about?
Tiki is one of our headliners for Afterglow Festival, which was the first event we locked in. Once the festival was confirmed and momentum started building, more opportunities opened up to bring additional iconic Kiwi artists to Aotea. Jason Kerrison felt like the perfect fit—one of New Zealand’s top talents who brings something truly special to the island. His live sets are incredible, packed with nostalgia and the hits we all know and love, and he’s the kind of performer that gives you genuine goosebumps. We can’t wait for people to experience it.
3. I guess the vibe of Jason’s gig at The Currach will differ from the main festival day?
Yes, it’s a very different vibe. Afterglow Festival is a big, high-energy, full-day experience, whereas Jason’s show at The Currach is much more intimate and up-close. It’s about really connecting with the music in a smaller setting. Both are special in their own way, and together they give people a broader live-music experience on the island.
4. Tell us about the multiple gigs—I guess you’ve sort of managed to make January a month of music.
Yes, we have packed a lot in there for sure!
Kicking off Saturday 20th December we have Brown Sugar, the Rolling Stones Tribute coming over to Currach to deliver their high energy nights, playing all the hits from The Stones.
January 17th is Automatic 80’s at Claris Sports & Social Club. They’re joined by Shallow Dive, a young upcoming band who were regional finalists in the Smoke Free Rock Quest 2025 and local support from Shane Langford and a DJ.
January 24th is our big one, Afterglow Festival at Claris Sports & Social Club. Featuring Tiki Taane, Black Comet, DJ Axis & MC Tiki, Lost Tribe Aotearoa, Floorplay, DJ’s Adz, Neski, Row-Z and local vendors.
January 25th the Afterglow Sunday Session at the Currach, we have P Digsss popping over to the island for a DJ set, Laughon Kora doing a solo set, then DJ’s Adz, Neski, SG Margot, Jeff Benzos, William Park and Melicious adding to the line up.
And January 31st Jason Kerrison performing his live acoustic set at Currach with local support.
4. We all know the ‘Barrier Factor’—what’s been the biggest headache getting this production to the island?
Well we’re bringing over a big stage along with a pretty impressive sound and lighting rig so that’s been the biggie for us with logistics – hopefully the only one and no sea fog on the day of the artists flights!…touching wood.
5. How is the community responding? How many tickets have you sold? Any to off island?
We’ve had really positive feedback from the community about what we’re bringing to the island this summer, with locals genuinely excited—which is exactly what we hoped for. We’re also seeing strong off-island ticket sales, particularly for Afterglow Festival weekend, so we know there will be plenty of visitors coming over to enjoy both the music and everything Aotea has to offer.
6. Is the plan for this music month to become a new annual staple?
We’d absolutely love to make this an annual event. If this summer run is as successful as we believe it can be, it opens the door to bringing even bigger acts to the island in future—and eventually even exploring international artists. We have plenty of ideas!
Find ticket details and the full Summer 2025/26 Aotea lineup at pizzazz.co.nz or in the December issue of the Barrier Times.
