NILE RODGERS & CHIC ANNOUNCE NEW ZEALAND SHOW FOR OCTOBER

Nile Rodgers & CHIC have announced a New Zealand show this October. The legendary musicians will play a one-off show in Auckland at the iconic Civic Theatre. This following their already announced headline appearances at Australia’s Harvest Rock in Adelaide and at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. 

Fans can expect the legends of disco to provide a night of blockbuster singles from across the eras, with set lists that encompass Nile Rodgers & CHIC’s extensive back catalogue and the plethora of chart toppers written or produced by Nile Rodgers. 

Tickets go on sale Thursday 7 September at 11am (local time).  

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz & secretsounds.com 

My Live Nation members can secure tickets during the pre-sale which commences at 10am (local time) on Wednesday 6 September, and concludes at 10am (local time) on Thursday 7 September. 

Nile Rodgers said, “The pandemic had kept us away from our fans in Australia and New Zealand for too long but now we are coming back to kick off the summer with good times!” 

Nile Rodgers is a Rock & Rock Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger and guitarist. 

As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits and sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times”. 

His work in the CHIC Organization includes “We Are Family” with Sister Sledge and “I’m Coming Out” with Diana Ross and his productions for artists like David Bowie (“Let’s Dance”), Madonna (“Like A Virgin”) and Duran Duran (“The Reflex”) have sold over 500 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk (“Get Lucky”), Daddy Yankee (“Agua”), and Beyoncé (“Cuff It”) reflect the vanguard of contemporary hits. 

NILE RODGERS AND CHIC 
NEW ZEALAND 2023 

CIVIC THEATRE, AUCKLAND 
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18 

TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER AT 11AM (LOCAL TIME) 
Live Nation pre-sale: Wed 6 Sept 10am (local time) - Thurs 7 Sept, 10am (local time) 

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz & secretsounds.com 

NATIONWIDE LGBT FUNDRAISER ‘GIVE OUT DAY’ RETURNS SEPTEMBER 8TH!

Following the huge success of the fundraising initiatives debut in 2022 which saw nearly $60,000 of funding go to 13 Rainbow organisations, the Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust is excited to launch GiveOUT Day 2023, taking place across four days from September 8th 2024 at www.rainbownzcharitabletrust.org.nz. 
 
GiveOUT Day is four days of national fundraising for LGBTTQIA+ community groups, not-for-profit organisations, events and projects.  The online fundraising platform will go live on Friday Sept 8th at 7PM as part of the fabulous GALA Launch Event at Phoenix Cabaret which will be livestreamed nationwide.  
 
GiveOUT Day is all about kiwis heading online to see the amazing work being done by rainbow organisations all around Aotearoa New Zealand and supporting them by donating directly to them via the online portal. In addition to the funds raised by the public, donations made across the four days will be doubled by our sponsors through the Matching Funding Pool. To date the Trust has raised $42,000 in Matching Funding. 

GiveOUT Day would not be possible without the generosity and support of our amazing Sponsors: Kiwibank (Gold), ISS, MARS, PWC, Southern Cross Health Society and, Z Energy (Bronze) and supporters - Aurecon and the Newmarket Business Association. Prominent LGBT personalities and change makers Nikki Kaye, Lousia Wall, Sam Johnson and Campbell Johnstone are the initiatives ambassadors, ensuring visibility and awareness for this important fundraising drive. 

The funds raised will go direct to organisations working directly on LGBTTQIA+ issues such as PRIDE groups, physical and mental health support, community events and advocacy for rainbow people. GiveOUT Day works to increase the capacity of the LGBTTQIA+ sector, provides rainbow organisations with the opportunity to build awareness of their causes and for services they provide. A full list of the participating charities and groups is as below: 
 

• Adikaar Aotearoa

• Body Positive

• Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

• Charlotte Museum Trust

• Christchurch Heroes

• Christchurch Pride

• Ethic Rainbow Alliance

• Inside Out

• "LAGANZ Te Pūranga Takatāpui o Aotearoa - Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand"

• Nelson Pride

• Nevertheless NZ Trust

• NZ Falcons

• Outline

• Pride Whanganui

• Qtopia

• Rainbow Auckland, Inc.

• Rainbow Games

• Rainbow Wellington

• Rainbow Pride Auckland

• Same Same But Different

• Tauranga Moana Pride

• Wellington Pride Festival

For more information about GiveOUT Day and Tickets for the GiveOUT Day Launch Gala please visit  www.rainbownzcharitabletrust.org.nz.

WORLD NO 7 COCO GAUFF TO DEFEND ASB CLASSIC TITLE IN AUCKLAND

World No 7 ranked tennis star, Coco Gauff has today confirmed that she will defend her title at the ASB Classic in January 2024. 

The 19-year-old American made her announcement after claiming victory in the WTA 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington this week, beating world No 8 Maria Sakkari (GRE) in straight sets in the final. 

It is her first victory of 2023 since the victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland, on top of two doubles titles. 

Gauff said that Auckland and the event are among her favourite times on the circuit. 

“Auckland was one of the first tournaments that we pencilled in,” said Gauff.  

“That is not just because it is important to defend the title that I was honoured to win last year, but it is a great way to start my year as the lead-in to the Australian Open.  

“My family all came with me and we love New Zealand and Auckland and everything it has to offer.” 

Gauff said she looks forward to returning with her family to defend her title. 

ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said the organisation is thrilled to have Gauff return. 

“We forget that Coco is still such a young player but remains in the top echelon of the women’s game,” said Lamperin. 

“On the court she is one of the most exciting players on the circuit and she remains the only teenager in the top 50 on the WTA rankings, which means that our tennis fans are privileged to watch one of the world’s great players in action. 

“Coco is not only an exciting player, she is a wonderful young person who is extremely grounded in her desire to give back to young players, especially those from areas where opportunities in tennis are more difficult establish.” 

Lamperin said he expects to name several exciting players in the coming weeks. 

“This tournament remains popular because the players enjoy the tennis, the city and how they are looked after, while we remain well positioned as a lead-up to the Australian Open. 

“If you look at our history, and this year was no exception, the fans were treated to world-class performances from several players who have gone on this year to produce great results and rise sharply in the world rankings. 

“We will continue to focus on providing the opportunity for fans to support tomorrow’s stars today.” 

The ASB Tennis Classic dates have been confirmed with the women’s tournament to run from January 1 to 7, followed by the men’s tournament from the January 8-13, 2024. 

Tickets will be on sale soon. Keep up to date at www.asbclassic.co.nz for more information and ticketing links.  

ABLE PARTNERS WITH TVNZ TO LAUNCH EARCATCH APP FOR NZ USERS

RESEARCH SHOWS AUDIO DESCRIPTION USED BY 7% OF NZ POPULATION
 
On Monday 14 August, actor and comedian Tom Sainsbury provided the audio description for the first episode of Taskmaster NZ Season Four on TVNZ+ to celebrate the launch of Earcatch. Able, a not-for-profit organisation working towards a more inclusive Aotearoa, has partnered with TVNZ+ to launch audio description (AD) app Earcatch, enabling users of audio description to access it on demand. This has been made possible thanks to funding from the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage via their Cultural Sector Regeneration Fund.

AD provides access to New Zealanders who are blind or who have low vision. An alternate audio track, AD provides a description of what’s happening on screen for the 180,000+ New Zealanders who are blind or have low vision.

Through the international app Earcatch, Able is launching a New Zealand-based library of audio description available for AD users to access and enjoy content on TVNZ+ whenever they want. The Earcatch app provides pre-recorded audio description via smartphone or tablet, and automatically syncs the AD with the soundtrack.

Long-time member of Blind Citizens NZ Thomas Bryan says “For many years now many in the blind community (blind, deafblind, vision-impaired or have low vision and many other communities), have not been able to access AD on TVNZ+ the on-demand TVNZ platform. This has been frustrating to say the least for those of us who depend on AD to know what is happening on screen. Our only option up until now has been if we need AD content has been to watch terrestrial/linear TV or pay for a subscription to one of the many providers who do provide a range of content with AD.”

On Monday 14 August, the library of audio-described programs will be available for AD users to access via the free Earcatch App, with more content being added over the year ahead.

Able CE, Dan Buckingham says: “It's been an exciting journey to figure out how to make this happen so that the people we serve have a taste of what every other New Zealander has - the ability to watch what they want when they want.”

TVNZ Acting Director of Content, Nevak Rogers said: “We want our audiences to be able to access our content in the ways that suits them best. We’ve been working hard to make TVNZ+ more accessible so it can be enjoyed by all New Zealanders, but until now, we haven’t had the ability to replicate the audio-described service we provide in the broadcast environment in the streaming world. We’re excited to partner with Able on the Earcatch App to open up the accessibility of a huge range of our local titles on TVNZ+. Local storytelling that reflects our people, places and communities connects us and provides a sense of belonging. We know this increased access is going to be valued by our blind and low vision users.”

“While it's fantastic to be part of launching this initiative we won't be putting our feet up just yet as we’re still a long way from job done; we see this as a short-term solution while we continue to work with broadcasters as they seek to increase the accessibility of their platforms and the content on their platforms” continues Dan Buckingham.

Thanks to funding from Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, TVNZ and Able are able to provide AD users with access to content on their own terms and in their own time. It includes AD users in the move towards digital platforms as the primary place to access media.

“We are excited to be able to support this mahi to increase accessibility of free audio-described cultural content for New Zealanders,” says Manatū Taonga acting Deputy Chief Executive, Investment and Outcomes, Kristy Allen.

“Able’s mahi will unlock access to on-demand content, creating an immediate impact for the community. We are privileged to be able to support Able through the Cultural Sector Regeneration Fund and we are confident it will create sustained change for improved content accessibility,” says Kristy.

Research indicates that access services are increasingly important to people when consuming media. The proportion of New Zealanders who use audio description has continued to grow, doubling since 2016, and is now up to 7% (Where Are The Audiences 2021). Notably, the numbers of people using captions and audio description are larger than the numbers of people identified as deaf (18.9%) or blind (3.5%) in Aotearoa. Audio description also benefits people with a variety of access needs, including autism and neurodiversity.

Thomas continues “Most people today will watch a mixture of live TV and on-demand TV, so the introduction of Earcatch is a great initiative by Able to provide an option for us so we too can access programmes with AD on the TVNZ+ platform. We will now be able to watch shows with AD when we want to, just like everyone else.”.

Whilst research around use of captions and audio description on streaming services in Aotearoa is limited due to the limited accessibility of New Zealand platforms, international research indicates that access services are well utilised on streaming services. “Netflix said [...] that people had been watching thousands of hours worth of shows such as Ozark, Lucifer, and Seinfeld with audio description turned on.” (FE Tech Bytes, The Financial Express.)

“I have already downloaded the app and can’t wait for it to go live and be able to watch my first TVNZ+ show with AD. This will make a huge difference in how I watch TV. I will be able to watch shows when it suits me, and not be tied to being home at a specific time to watch my favourite show with AD. While we know this option won’t work for everyone as one has to have a smartphone and or tablet, it’s a great move forward while TVNZ builds and introduces an accessible platform that will support AD,” says Thomas.

Earcatch is the next step towards a more inclusive Aotearoa where news, entertainment and culture are more accessible to New Zealanders.

Full instructions of how to use the New Zealand library on Earcatch: link.

Download the Earcatch app for Android

Download the Earcatch app for Apple

360 ALLSTARS BRING THEIR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR TO AOTEAROA THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

360 ALLSTARS BRING THEIR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR TO AOTEAROA THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
 
 Featuring BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, the international smash hit returns to Kiwi shores this September.

A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus and will perform four special shows at The Civic during the September school holidays presented by Auckland Live, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record-holding artists and athletes, this show is guaranteed to engage and exhilarate the whole family, suitable for children ages 8+.
 
For the first time since 2016, 360 ALLSTARS will bring the magic to Aotearoa shores, transforming The Civic’s main stage into a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. Adding to this, a stunning live soundtrack delivered by award-winning musicians, coupled with spectacular video projections, 360 ALLSTARS is as aurally exciting as it is visually astounding.
 
Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, 360 ALLSTARS are hot off a sell-out world tour, wowing audiences in Edinburgh and Australia and seen by over 1 million people worldwide.
A magnificent, colourful & astonishing expression of a generation that has reinvented the circus, this full hour of urban circus and street dance is a revolutionary production that will leave you dizzy with excitement!

This instalment of 360 ALLSTARS offers a variety of world-class workshops. From breakdancing to live looping to circus skills, these workshops are on offer as an add-on upon purchasing tickets. Attendees will have the opportunity to be face-to-face with the talented cast of 360 ALLSTARS, and get a taste of their skills, fresh off the stage!
 
Don’t miss this chance to catch 360 ALLSTARS live in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

HILARIOUS JAW-DROPPING BOYLESQUE TROUPE BRIEFS RETURN TO AOTEAROA FOR THE FESTIVE PARTY SEASON!

After 10 years of selling out festivals worldwide, the Briefs boys are returning to Aotearoa ready to air their Dirty Laundry in this brand-new, can't-miss, party-cabaret for the festive season. 

From Thursday 16 November – Saturday 9 December at Q Theatre, the infectious energy from this internationally acclaimed “boy-lesque” troupe will be the best entertainment for a gaggle of friends, the office party, or simply a fun night out for anyone who needs one. 

Created by Briefs Factory International and fresh from sell-out tours across Australia and Canada, Dirty Laundry is led by Fez Faanana aka Shivanana, featuring a line-up of classic Briefs boys as well as some shiny new boys AND toys. 

With more glitter stains and ballsy attitude than ever before, the Briefs misfits give you a night of intoxifying physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship. 

Fez Faanana says, “I was born in Aotearoa so it’s an extra special place for me and for Briefs Factory. We’ve been lucky enough to hit it off with Auckland audiences and after a little global interruption we are finally back at Q theatre with our biggest production with more boys, more feathers and more ridiculousness.” 

See Dirty Laundry in action here 

Q Theatre also has a private underground bar space, The Laundromat, available for groups of 30- 50 people with special Dirty Laundry packages available. The Laundromat is situated directly under Q’s Lounge - a neon underground laundromat perfect for groups wanting to get together ahead of a night of frivolity with the Briefs crew. 

Email groups@qtheatre.co.nz for more details.  

Special ‘Friends of Q’ tickets are available from Wednesday 9 August 2023, 12pm. Sign up to Q’s newsletter or follow Q Theatre to get the code for the best tickets at the cheapest price! Limited time only. 

Tickets for Dirty Laundry go on sale Friday 11 August 2023, 12pm. 

★★★★★  
“Briefs is the drag party you always wish you’d be invited to!” Glam Adelaide 

★★★★★ 
“The perfect blend of flesh, acrobats, dance, boylesque and brilliance.” FRINGEWORLD 2019 

Q Theatre presents 
BRIEFS - DIRTY LAUNDRY 

Thu 16, Fri 17, Sat 18 November 7:30pm 
Wed 22*, Thu 23, Fri 24, Sat 25 7:30pm & Sun 26* November 6pm  
Wed 29*, Thu 30 November & Fri 1, Sat 2 7:30pm & Sun 3* December 6pm  
Tue 5, Wed 6, Thu 7, Fri 8 & Sat 9 December 7:30pm 

Tickets, packages and Christmas function offers are available at https://www.qtheatre.co.nz/  

RUGBY LEGENDS ISRAEL DAGG AND STEPHEN DONALD ARE BACK ON BRAVO TO TAKE ON FRANCE!

With the upcoming Rugby World Cup to be held in France next month, rugby greats Israel (Izzy) Dagg and Stephen (Beaver) Donald reunite on Bravo New Zealand for a jam-packed trip of a lifetime to experience all the country has to offer!

Izzy and Beaver take Kiwi audiences on a journey to a land where many of New Zealand’s rugby greats gravitate. From Toulouse and Nice to locations in between, together they hit the road to visit some of the country’s sights.
 
With a shared love of adventure, fun and meeting new people, they embark on a journey of wine tasting, cheese making and a bit of mischief. From 1000-year-old churches and castles to 2000-year-old Roman arenas and temples in Nimes; to idyllic vineyards, olive groves in Gordes and spectacular national parks in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie; and quaint countryside villages to the beaches and glamour of the casinos of the French Riviera, they fall in love with everything France has to offer.
 
Chance encounters with fellow rugby greats, other sporting peers, musicians, and actors, as well as the locals they meet along the way, give them a true taste of what it’s like to live like the French.

In episode one, Izzy and Beaver arrive in Paris where they begin their epic French journey. Starting with an overnight train to the famed southern city of Toulouse, the boys find themselves riding a giant mechanical bull, discovering 1000-year-old churches, eating their body weight in cheese and breaking a billion-dollar robot.

Izzy and Beaver’s French Connection is created and produced by Stripe Studios, New Zealand’s leading independent television production company and producer of Bravo’s Snow Crew and The Circus.

BIOS
Israel ‘Izzy’ Dagg – Israel is one of New Zealand’s most loved All Blacks, having held the Rugby World Cup aloft at Eden Park in 2011.  A knee injury saw him retire from rugby early and since then he has gone on to become an in-demand broadcaster with Sky Sports and has his own breakfast radio show. He recently starred in Bravo’s Clubhouse Rescue, lending a hand in bringing grassroots sports clubs back to life. In Izzy and Beaver’s French Connection, his love of food, wine and culture is top of mind throughout the series, mixed in with a bit of mischief.
 
Stephen ‘Beaver’ Donald – Stephen is the Kiwi dream personified. His famous last-minute call up to the All Blacks in the middle of the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup saw him step up and transform the match with a winning kick that turned him into an overnight super star. A feature film documenting that incredible event followed, as well as a stint on The Masked Singer and Bravo’s Clubhouse Rescue, alongside Israel. In Izzy and Beaver’s French Connection, Stephen indulges his love of history and takes the lead on planning every detail of the trip.   

 
Izzy and Beaver’s French Connection premieres on Bravo (channel 4 or SKY channel 12) on Friday, 8th September at 7:30 pm NZST, continuing weekly on Fridays.

DILJIT DOSANJH ANNOUNCES NZ BORN TO SHINE TOUR

Fresh off the back of a ground-breaking Coachella performance, triple threat singer, actor and global entertainer Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has been making an epic splash on the world stage with his highly publicised Born To Shine tour, and New Zealand is up next. Presented by Ripple Effect Studio, Saregama Live and TEG Live, Dosanjh is set to delight his legions of fans in New Zealand, today announcing a one night only arena show for later this year at Spark Arena, Auckland on October 15.

Tickets to the Born To Shine tour will go on sale to the general public at 10am (local time) on Monday 7 August from Ticketek. There will be a TEG Live presale that will commence at 1pm (local time) on Thursday 3 August followed by a My Ticketek presale at 12 pm on Friday 4 August.

The first Indian artist ever to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Diljit Dosanjh says, “The Born to Shine World tour has been an incredible experience for me. It has been 10 long years since I performed in New Zealand and it’s the perfect time to meet and entertain my fans there. It takes a lot to pull off shows like these and I really look forward perform for my fans down under.”

Sonali Singh, owner of Event company Ripple Effect Studio who also manages Diljit Dosanjh says, “We are immensely proud of the fact that Diljit has a great fanbase not only In India but also Internationally. The kind of response we received in US, Canada & UK has been beyond expectations. We have been getting a lot of messages from fans in New Zealand requesting Diljit to perform here. It’s time for us to listen to them and we are here, roaring to perform and enthrall our fans.”

Siddharth Anand Kumar, Sr. Vice President, Films & Events at Saregama India Ltd. Says, “We have had a great time working with Diljit Dosanjh on the Born To Shine World Tour. At Saregama, our motive is to organize events that give the audience a wholesome experience, something that they take with them back home and cherish for a long time. Diljit has a great fan base across the world and we are looking forward to an amazing response in New Zealand.”

TEG CEO Geoff Jones said “TEG is delighted to be bringing Punjabi sensation – Diljit Dosanjh to New Zealand after a long time. From entertaining fans all over India for many years now, through to selling out shows in the UK, to becoming the first ever Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella Festival in 2023, there’s no doubt that his Kiwi fans are in for a very special evening!”

Australian multi-platinum artist Illy and Goodna-based hip hop force Lisi have teamed up with Dosanjh for an official remix of his viral smash Chauffeur (Stream the remix HERE). With over 52million views on the original music video, Chauffeur broke into the top 5 on the New Zealand YouTube charts and has clocked almost 30million Spotify streams globally. 

Dosanjh is the only Indian artist to ever sell out Birmingham’s 15,000 capacity Utilita Arena, the first turbaned artist to be featured on the cover of Vogue India and the first turbaned artist to have his own wax figure at Madame Tussauds India.

Having performed in India, USA, Canada & UK, New Zealand is next up on the Born To Shine tour.

ON A GOOD DAY: THREE-DAY CONCERT SERIES COMES TO WELLINGTON THIS DECEMBER

You can’t beat Wellington On A Good Day – especially this December!

Live Nation is excited to launch a new concert series, On A Good Day, in Wellington this year presenting internationally acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy and GRAMMY-award winning indie-rock group The War On Drugs to the stage at Anderson Park. The final lineup will be revealed soon.

In partnership with WellingtonNZ, Live Nation will once again bring live music to the unbeatable setting of Anderson Park in Wellington’s Botanic Gardens this summer.

Warrick Dent, GM Events & Experience WellingtonNZ, “On a Good Day is a great addition to Wellington’s events calendar. The Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot for the series and will continue to ensure the capital retains its reputation as a destination for great events.”

Mark Kneebone, Managing Director of Live Nation New Zealand, “Continuing to invest in Wellington’s entertainment landscape and bring world-class acts to Pōneke is an ongoing priority for us and we look forward to On a Good Day becoming a calendar event showcasing top international and domestic talent in the capital.”

Dermot’s The Sonder Tour will grace the stage at Anderson Park, Wellington in 2023 for On A Good Day. From busking on the streets of Dublin to selling out stadiums around the world, Dermot has won over fan after fan with his passionate and burning lyrics that speak truth and honesty, delivering compelling music from the heart that connects with people across the globe. He exudes authenticity, both onstage and in his songs.

The War On Drugs head to New Zealand for the first time since 2018. With special guests Spoon, plus Indigo Sparke, the band head to Anderson Park in December 2023 in support of I Don’t Live Here Anymore, praised by GQ as “the band’s clearest, most vibrant, and upbeat.”

The final act to complete the series lineup will be announced soon.

ON A GOOD DAY – WELLINGTON 2023

DERMOT KENNEDY – THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30

THE WAR ON DRUGS – FRIDAY DECEMBER 1

ACT TO BE ANNOUNCED – SATURDAY DECEMBER 2

TRAILER UNVEILED FOR TOM SAINSBURY'S DEBUT FEATURE ‘LOOP TRACK’

Announced today, the trailer for new psychological thriller film Loop Track has today been unveiled ahead of its nationwide general release coming later in 2023. The film premiered at the Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival on 21 July at Auckland’s The Civic and will be showing across the festival.

Produced by Chillbox Creative, Loop Track is a self-funded feature film written, and directed by comedian Tom Sainsbury. The film also stars Sainsbury in the lead role, in his writing and directorial debut, along with Hayden J. Weal (Hang Time, Dead), Kate Simmonds (The Adventures of Suzy Boon, Inside) and Tawanda Manyimo (Ghost In The Shell, The Meg).

Loop Track follows a highly anxious man Ian (Tom Sainsbury) on the verge of a breakdown, as he sets off on a multi-day hike through the New Zealand wilderness to clear his head. His solitude is quickly interrupted by other hikers on the trail and Ian becomes convinced they are all in danger. What started as a simple walk in the park abruptly turns into a bloody fight for survival.

“For me, this film originated with a single image - someone on an isolated bush walk thinking they can see a being in the far distance,” says Tom. “They can’t make out exactly what they’re looking at, but the being’s presence feels malevolent...”

Conceived after Chillbox Creative and Tom Sainsbury's award winning 48Hours short film Time Travel Centre, Loop Track is independently and self-funded through short film prize funds and a crowdfunding campaign through a time of COVID-related disruptions and postponements.

“We at Chillbox have been collaborating with Tom on film projects since 2015,” says one of the producers, Jonathan Potton. “We were able to complete 25 days of principal photography on the film in late 2020, followed by two lots of pick-up shooting. The film is a passion-project - the product of the hard-work and creativity of a small but talented crew.”

This independent horror/thriller film was shot in the Tāmaki Makaurau wilderness and will be released in Aotearoa to New Zealand audiences later in 2023 before its international release.

“I am a huge movie buff, but the ones that really resonate with me, the ones that really get me pumped, are well-executed, high-concept thrillers,” says Tom. “In saying all of that, though, I definitely feel there are some laughs in here as well. But ultimately, I want it to be beloved by the ardent horror fans the world over.”

Loop Track is a Chillbox and Tom Sainsbury production produced by Tom Sainsbury, Gabriel Lunte, Milon Tesiram and Jonathan Potton. The film is independently distributed in New Zealand & Australia by Vendetta Films.

@looptrackmovie #looptrackmovie

OLIVER TREE PRESENTS 'ALONE IN A CROWD' WORLD TOUR 2023 KICKING OFF IN AOTEAROA

OLIVER TREE ANNOUNCES MASSIVE INTERNATIONAL RUN KICKING OFF IN AUCKLAND ON OCTOBER 10TH

OLIVER TREE PRESENTS ALONE IN A CROWD
GETS UNDERWAY OCTOBER 10 AT AUCKLAND, NZ'S SHED 10

LIVE NATION-PRODUCED TOUR TRAVELS THROUGH NOVEMBER
WITH STOPS IN NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, LUXEMBOURG,THE UK, BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND ITALY
 
ALONE IN A CROWD ARRIVES VIA ATLANTIC RECORDS ON
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Internationally acclaimed, multi-Platinum, chart-topping artist Oliver Tree has announced a major world tour – his biggest headline run thus far. Produced by Live Nation and Secret Sounds, OLIVER TREE PRESENTS ALONE IN A CROWD gets underway October 10 at Auckland, NZ’s Shed 10 and then travels through November with stops in Australia, France, Luxembourg, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Support includes Sueco (AUS/NZ) and Tommy Cash (EU/UK).
 
International presales begin Tuesday, July 18 at 10:00 am NZT. Album pre-order presales begin Wednesday, July 19 at 10:00 am NZ. Live Nation and local pre-order presales begin Thursday, July 20 at 10:00 am. All presales conclude Friday, July 21 at 9:00 am. General on-sales begin Friday, July 21 at 10:00 am. For complete details, please visit www.livenation.co.nz
 
OLIVER TREE PRESENTS ALONE IN A CROWD heralds the eagerly awaited arrival of Oliver Tree’s upcoming third solo album, ALONE IN A CROWD, arriving via Atlantic Records on Friday, September 29. Pre-orders are available now HERE.
 
ALONE IN A CROWD includes recent hits like “Bounce", joined by an official music video – written, produced, and directed by Oliver – streaming now on YouTube HERE. The album will also include last year’s high-energy RIAA Certified collaboration with GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer Robin Schulz, “Miss You,” which swiftly amassed over 600M global streams following top 10 debuts on both Billboard’s “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs” chart and the UK’s Official Singles Chart. Recently certified 2x Platinum in Australia as well as Platinum in both the UK and Canada, the track is accompanied by a typically quirky, Oliver Tree-directed official music video, currently boasting more than 200M views via YouTube HERE.
 
A one-of-a-kind artist who continues to top the charts and sell out amphitheatres worldwide, Oliver Tree explores and dissects the absurdity of modern culture, fame, and social media with Dadaist meta-humour unlike any other. ALONE IN A CROWD – which introduces a new character to Tree’s surrealistic universe, fashion designer Cornelius Cummings – serves to reflect both the light and the darkness of human nature within popular culture, holding up a mirror while simultaneously embracing the absurdity of it all through rich themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the ridiculousness of our shared human experience.
 
Now boasting more than 5B global streams, over 2B YouTube views, over 15M TikTok followers, and a cumulative social reach of over 30M, Oliver Tree has already had a very productive 2023 with such electric releases as his first-ever collaboration with fellow superstar David Guetta, “Here We Go Again,” streaming now HERE. An official lyric video, written and directed by Oliver, has earned over 14M views via YouTube HERE.  “Here We Go Again” in turn followed KSI’s “Voices (Feat. Oliver Tree),” joined by an official music video now boasting close to 7M views HERE.
 
With over 20M monthly listeners on Spotify, Oliver wrapped up his very busy 2022 with the long-awaited release of COWBOY TEARS DROWN THE WORLD IN A SWIMMING POOL OF SORROW, an expanded deluxe edition of his acclaimed sophomore LP, COWBOY TEARS, available now HERE. Highlights include such favourites as “I Hate You,” “Placeholder,” and “Suitcase Full Of Cash,” the latter accompanied by an official visual featuring guest appearances from viral stars Alissa Violet, Tana Mongeau, Viking Barbie, and  Melissa Ong, streaming now at Oliver’s YouTube channel HERE.
 
Oliver – who lit up last month’s Governor's Ball in New York City with a top-billed, typically show-stealing performance – celebrated the impending arrival of ALONE IN A CROWD with his biggest headline show to date, “OLIVER TREE – THE WORLD’S TINIEST TAP DANCER – LIVE AT RED ROCKS,” a once-in-a-lifetime concert event at Morrison, CO’s world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

OLIVER TREE PRESENTS ALONE IN A CROWD
WORLD TOUR 2023
PRODUCED BY LIVE NATION & SECRET SOUNDS

SHED 10, AUCKLAND                       TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 21 JULY 10AM

My Live Nation presale begins Thursday 20th July from 10am.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit www.livenation.co.nz / secretsounds.com

LIL TJAY ANNOUNCES NEW ZEALAND DATES AS PART OF GLOBAL TOUR

NYC rapper LIL TJAY today announces that New Zealand will be the first stop of his Beat the Odds global tour this October. Kicking off at Spark Arena on October 13, Lil Tjay will then cross the ditch to perform at Yours and Owls festival in Wollongong before heading to Melbourne’s Festival Hall and concluding at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane.    

Tickets go on sale at 12pm, Friday 21 July.  

My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the My Live Nation presale beginning Thursday 20th July from 12pm. For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz.

Before emerging as an internet heartthrob with streams in the multi-millions, Lil Tjay was just a kid with humble beginnings in the Bronx. Delving deeper into his story reveals the compelling biography of a young individual who endured the burdens of adult sins and their consequences, all before he was old enough to drive. Growing up in an NYC neighbourhood entrenched in gang culture, Lil Tjay found himself facing a year of incarceration. However, upon regaining his freedom, he devoted himself to pursuing his musical aspirations and the recording studio became his saving grace and destiny. 

Since then, Lil Tjay has captivated the rap scene at a young age with his signature swag and blaring bars that have garnered him an audience of millions. His debut album True 2 Myself features platinum-certified hits “F.N.,” “Brothers”, “Leaked”, “Hold On”, “Ruthless”, “One Take” and “GOAT.” His collab release “Calling My Phone” featuring 6LACK debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Lil Tjay’s highest chart debut and career chart peak. Across all releases, Lil Tjay has accumulated over 9.3 billion global streams and was featured as one of XXL’s Freshman Class 2020 and Billboard’s 21 Under 21. 

Most recently, Lil Tjay unveiled the vulnerable, tell-all single “June 22nd”. With a blend of melodic prowess, a New York sound and captivating storytelling, the rapper foreshadows his experience and trauma on the days leading up to him being shot on “June 22nd”. The track is lifted from Lil Tjay’s recently released album 222. This project showcases Lil Tjay’s growth and evolution as an artist and is the first body of work since his 2021 platinum-certified release of Destined 2 Win.  

Don’t miss Lil Tjay’s first time performing in New Zealand this October.  

LIL TJAY 

SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND         FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 21ST JULY 12PM 

My Live Nation presale from Wednesday 19th July from 12pm.  
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz

REX ORANGE COUNTY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT: GRENTPEREZ

Secret Sounds is thrilled to announce that burgeoning global superstar grentperez will be joining Rex Orange County on his anticipated New Zealand tour this September. The Sydney-born Filipino singer, songwriter, producer and visual artist will join Rex on all Aotearoa dates, gracing stages in Wellington and Auckland.

Carving out a unique space for himself, grentperez’ music is exuberant and soulful. Its wide-ranging mixture of bedroom R&B and dream-soft indie not only soothes but re-energises those that may be feeling a little weary with the state of the world. His sound is as breezy as late summer afternoons with your best friends, speckled with sunlight and dusky with nostalgia.

grentperez began uploading cover songs to YouTube in his late teens and his audience grew rapidly to 600,000 subscribers and over 100 million views. As he became comfortable with writing, he started playing around with GarageBand, recording and self-releasing songs on Spotify. This led to the ‘Confusing Girl’, a delightfully hazy indie track that was the genesis of his colourful sonic universe. More songs followed, including his official debut single ‘Cherry Wine’, which hit #1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart in Australia, Canada and Singapore.

grentperez released two EPs in 2022, Conversations with the Moon and Trail Mix Tape, helping him to accrue over 250 million lifetime streams, music videos (some hand-drawn by the artist himself) and a hugely dedicated fanbase that helped his recent single ‘Old With You’ reach 1.5 million streams within just three weeks of its release.

grentperez released his latest EP When Were Younger in June 2023, the project is focused on growing older and lost youth. He recently completed his first headline tour of Australia and has dates planned at festivals, throughout Europe and an upcoming sold-out North American headline tour. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the DIY darling when he supports Rex Orange County later this year!

REX ORANGE COUNTY TOUR DATES

WITH SPECIAL GUEST GRENTPEREZ

Friday 15 Sep 2023 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

Saturday 16 Sep 2023 – Spark Arena, Auckland

TICKETS

Secret Sounds presale available from 9am local Thursday 15 June

Tickets on sale to general public at 9am local Friday 16 June

P1HARMONY ANNOUNCE 2023 LIVE TOUR [P1USTAGE H : P1ONEER] IN NEW ZEALAND AUCKLAND DATE CONFIRMED FOR SEPTEMBER

Star K-Pop boy band P1Harmony have announced their first visit to New Zealand this September, on their 2023 LIVE TOUR [P1USTAGE H : P1ONEER] IN NEW ZEALAND.
 
They will perform live at Auckland’s Spark Arena on September 24.
 
The Live Nation pre-sale commences at 10am NZST on Wednesday, July 5, running for 24 hours.
 
General public tickets go on sale on Thursday, July 6, from 11am local time.
 
For complete tour, ticket and VIP Experience information, go to www.livenation.co.nz.  

The six-member boy group P1Harmony, composed of KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL, and JONGSEOB (ranging from ages 18 to 22), entered the mainstream music market with their breakout EP “DISHARMONY : STAND OUT" and its title track ‘SIREN’ on October, 2020, with all five tracks written or co-written by the band. P1Harmony made their debut in historic fashion with the release of the box-office production film ‘P1H: A New World Begins’, co-starring some of the biggest names in Korean Entertainment. The sci-fi film hit Korean cinemas and smashed the box office even with COVID-19 restrictions.

P1Harmony completed their first ever concert tour from March ~ May, 2022 in the US, with all 11 tour dates selling out in less than 30 minutes, and collaborated with R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Pink Sweat$ with the song “Gotta Get Back”, released on May 26, 2022.

More recently, P1Harmony released their 6th Mini Album “HARMONY : ALL IN” and completed their second US tour from January to February, 2023 with 12 stops, including Nashville where they were the first K-POP band to perform at the historic Grand Ole Opry. During their album promotion and second US tour, P1Harmony appeared on popular US TV programs such as “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “The Great Day Houston” and “GMA3, and completed a TikTok Live on NBC ‘Today Show’.

P1Harmony won “Emerging Artist Award” from 2022 HANTEO MUSIC AWARDS and their latest single ‘Back Down’ was listed in MTV’s ‘Bop Shop’ and Sweety High’s ‘The Best 6 K-Pop Tracks,’ proving P1Harmony’s worldwide influence.

With ever growing stardom and success in 2023, P1Harmony continue their momentum, reaching new career heights with global recognition. They have already established themselves as one of the most dynamic and exciting K-POP groups with high quality music and scene-stealing performances and will continue to build on that momentum with their 2023 LIVE TOUR [P1USTAGE H : P1ONEER] IN NEW ZEALAND.
 

P1HARMONY 2023 LIVE TOUR
[P1USTAGE H : P1ONEER] IN NEW ZEALAND

SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND                     SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Live Nation pre-sale commences at 10am NZST on Wednesday, July 5 running for 24 hours. 
General Public tickets go on sale on Thursday, July 6, from 11am (LOCAL TIME)
For complete tour, ticket and VIP Experience information, go to www.livenation.co.nz. 

CYCLORAMA RETURNS TO ARROWTOWN THIS LABOUR WEEKEND

After a stellar debut in 2022, NZ’s first e-bike festival, Cyclorama returns to Arrowtown October 21st and 22nd 2023 featuring eight exciting rides for e-bikers of all interests and abilities.
 
The Festival's debut saw 300 riders enjoy six different curated rides around the majestic region. With overwhelming positive feedback from attendees, the event returns this year with three new rides alongside first year favourites such as Tour de Gourmet, Hop Trail, Pedaling Pinot and Ride to the Sky.
 
“We were thrilled by the response to our debut festival,” says festival director, Dave Gibson. “We are excited to increase our programme in 2023 with three new rides as well as bring back the return of our most popular rides. With a great range of rides across different interests and for a range of abilities, we look forward to welcoming riders to Arrowtown this October”
 
Alongside the rides, the popular festival village located on Butler's Green in Arrowtown will also return. The Festival Village will host a wide range of retailers showcasing the latest in e-bike technology, gear and accessories. Food and coffee trucks will be serving across the day, and from early afternoon through to evening there will be live music and drinks.
 
Bookings for all rides are open now via the website www.cyclorama.co.nz and for those traveling from out of town, links to local e-bike rentals can also be found on the website.
 
2023 PROGRAMME
 
RIDE TO THE SKY

Tickle the turbo button for stunning views
 
Last year local e-MTB guide, Shay Muddle, took riders up Mt Rosa.  This year he’s taking the ride to new and different heights – Arrowtown’s Crown Peak.

You’ll ride from the Festival Village in Arrowtown up Tobin’s Track before you reach Glencoe Station and begin the main part of the breathtaking ride up the hill to Crown Peak.  At the top you’ll be rewarded with amazing views back to Queenstown and across to Wanaka and beyond. 

This ride requires reasonable MTB experience – it will give you a chance to challenge yourself and take your riding to the next level. Ride to the Sky is considered grade 3+ with decent climbs (1426 metres) and epic descents.
 
CORONET CAPER
 
Hosted on hard core trails by hard core e-MTB fiends for hard core riders
Let local e-MTB riders show you what a lot of locals already know – there is a lot of adventure to be had if you know where to look.  

So if the names ‘Rude Rock’, ‘Zoot & Groot’, ‘Upper Hotrod’, ‘Dan O’Connells’, ‘Pack Track n Sack’, ‘Skippers’ and the ‘Water Race’ conjure up a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adrenaline junkie, then this is the ride for you.

In small groups to maximize your ride time, get to grips with the jewels of Queenstown’s mountain bike trails, with ‘Ride Guide’ Finn O’Conner and ‘T-man’ Tony Moore. Taking into account weather and trail conditions, Finn and T-man will craft three hours of full-on, tech flow trails from Coronet’s arsenal.  To start, you’ll be shuttled to the base of Coronet Peak keeping your battery fresh for your imminent adventure; your ride back through Bush Creek to the Festival Village in Arrowtown will top off an epic time in the hills.

This experience is mainly grade 4 advanced with a bit of grade 5 sprinkled in for good measure.  The distance is hard to estimate but expect up to 35km with plenty of vertical descent and it’s likely to be 90% flowing, bike specific trail, and 100% stunning scenery. 
 
MEET THE ARTISTS
 
Artists in Action
 
This leisurely e-bike ride introduces you to some of the region’s most amazing sculptors.
Embark on a cultural journey of discovery as you visit the studios and workshops of local well-known contemporary sculptors.  The ride, which explores the trails around Arrowtown, is led by Fiona Garlick, an Arrowtown based bronze sculptor.  She also loves getting on her e-bike so after a look around her studio you’ll continue on your biking adventure with her.

Time in the studios and workshops of Shane Woolridge, Lee van der Geest and Jasmine Clarke will give you an insight into their practices and materials including bronze, stone, metal, bull kelp, willow, wire, bones and driftwood.  Ask questions about materials and processes and have the opportunity to play with slate and wire. 

Meet the Artists includes a light lunch with coffee and cake in Lee van der Geest’s fabulous straw bale home, as well as studio visits to all four sculptors and brief visits to a couple of in-situ sculptures. This is a grade 2 ride.
 
NIGHT RIDER
 
A tour of the night sky
 
As day turns to dusk, jump on your bike and head along the scenic, cruisy, grade 2 Gibbston river trail to your stargazing destination.

Hosted by Brian Boyle, a former professional astrophysicist who was part of the team that discovered the acceleration of the Universe, this special e-bike ride explores the night sky in more ways than one.  
This is not your normal astronomy tour. Out in Gibbston in the middle of a vineyard, Brian has built his own ‘roll-off roof’ observatory to house his collection of telescopes and cameras, used to capture his exceptional images.  Brian connects the telescopes to screens to show the stars and planets above while enthusiastically explaining the intricacies of the night sky.  A photography buff, Brian will help you create your own artistic version of the dark sky.

Brian also brews beer from his own hop plants.  You’ll be able to try his cosmic brew alongside a selection of tapas as you listen to his musings about the night sky.

After this amazing session, switch on the night lights for a different kind of ride back to Arrowtown or we can transport you and your bike to Arrowtown.
 
TOUR DU GOURMET

A progressive degustation experience

This year, we celebrate a new route and some great food from the Queenstown Lakes region.
Cyclorama’s ‘piece de resistance’ – this hallmark ride was very popular with our riders last year.  The Tour de Gourmet is a foodie orientated ride that meanders along the trails outside Arrowtown.  Soak up the stunning scenery while enjoying some of the best food that the region serves up.

The grade 2 ride includes delicious, locally inspired menus with appropriate beverage matches at each stop. Please advise vegetarian & vegan dietary requirements at the time of booking. 
 
PEDALING PINOT

Meet the Wild Irishmen

Hosted by the godfather of Pinot Noir in Central Otago, Alan Brady, this ultra scenic ride from Arrowtown through to the world famous Gibbston, ‘Valley of the Vines’, to experience the ultimate Pinot wine tasting is not to be missed. 

Follow the grade 2 Arrow River Bridges and Kawarau River trails heading to the celebrated Gibbston wine region, taking in splendid sights en route to Kinross Cellar Door and Bistro. 

At Kinross meet Alan, who, in his 80s and not ready to retire, just can’t stop making great wine!  Having founded Gibbston Valley Winery in 1983, then Mt Edward Winery, he has now been joined by another (younger!) Irishman, Brian Shaw, in Wild Irishman.  Wild Irishman now boasts six single vineyard pinots from sites in Gibbston, Bannockburn and Alexandra, bringing to fruition their catchphrase “a journey down the rivers of Kawarau and Clutha”. 

Your journey with Alan and Brian will involve tastings from those six vineyards with a discussion of terroir, climate and the concept of ‘hands off’ winemaking.  There’ll also be time for musings and questions.  After the tasting in the fabulous new, purpose-built Brady room, Alan and Brian will join you in the Kinross Wine Garden for a delicious lunch with an accompanying glass of wine.
 
THE HOP TRAIL

Brew up an adventure

Traversing land that is not usually open to the public and culminating in a dedicated beer tasting at one of the Queenstown Lakes’ most celebrated breweries, Altitude Brewery, this grade 3+ ride is for those with a love of adventure and liquid gold!

After a good climb up an exclusive farm track with staggering views from the top, head down to Altitude Brewery for a session amongst the vats and paraphernalia that is all about brewing.  Hosted by the brewery team, you’ll be let into a few secrets of beer production as you taste some of their favourite beers including their established classics like Mischievous Kea IPA and Sled Dog Hazy, plus a selection of more recent brews like Zen Shiro Sake Pilsner.

After a fortifying pizza lunch with a beer of your choice, ride back to Arrowtown via the Twin Rivers trail or we’ll pick you up and shuttle you back to the Festival Village.
 
AWAKE WITH THE BIRDS

Be first on the tracks

A ride so lovely it’s unchanged from 2022. Enjoy a leisurely morning e-bike ride around Lake Hayes, pedaling your way to wetlands and the lake shore to check out local birdlife.

October is a great month for bird watching as spring is in full swing, and you’ll be guided  by zoologist and experienced nature guide, Petrina Duncan. Keep a look out for crested grebes, black shag, New Zealand scaup, white-faced herons, black swans, kingfishers, waterfowl and coot.  

The grade 2 ride includes coffee and pastries back in the Festival Village at a table reserved just for you.  Relax after your ride and discuss what you’ve seen.  Binoculars are supplied or bring your own. 
 
Follow Cyclorama on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.