9 Nov 2023

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The Summer Sundays concert series returns to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens this summer, with a stellar line-up of music acts across four weeks.

Every Sunday afternoon from 28 January until 18 February, there’ll be live music to enjoy at the Archery Lawn says Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore.

“Summer Sundays are an idyllic way to spend a sunny afternoon – surrounded by nature, immersed in music, and snacking on a tasty picnic or an ice cream from our onsite vendor.”

The concerts run from 2pm to 4pm and are free to attend.

“Each week features a different theme or music genre, and we like to switch them up every year, besides jazz, which has become a popular staple,” Ms Blackmore says. “The range of talented artists set to perform are well-known, local Ōtautahi favourites and fresh, upcoming talent.”

‘Around the World’ is the theme for the first concert of the series on 28 January. Be transported across the globe by the cross-continental music fusion of Mundi, and discover award-winning, Icelandic-Kiwi singer/songwriter, Hera, who topped album charts in Iceland.

Next up, on 4 February, is ‘Got the Blues’ for all the blues-loving folks. The trio from the Penny Blues Band are joined by two guest musicians to perform a specially curated set of blues tunes for Summer Sundays. The talented guys from Mudfish are also set to play, showcasing their unique, acoustic, ‘swamp’ blues style they’ve created after years of performing in various well-known Christchurch bands.

‘Emerging Indie’ on 11 February features three diverse bands that major on emotion and passion. Four-piece, indie-rock group Spirit Boy are talented newcomers whose list of musical influences covers almost every decade since the 60s, while Con Carne are classic rockers, with shades of other genres like country and blues enriching their sound. Rising star Mim Jensen is also set to play, alongside her full band. Expect relatable songwriting and captivating music that hits all the trending-now notes.  

Wrapping up the series on 18 February is the dynamic and upbeat ‘Jazz on the Lawn’. The Curio Club are masters of ‘jazzing-up’ classics from the glory days of rock and pop, and up-and-coming, five-piece band Chicks from Corea infuse jazz with contemporary influences like hip hop and neo soul, creating a unique and exciting hybrid style.

Summer Sundays runs every Sunday from 28 January until 18 February, 2–4 pm, at Christchurch Botanic Gardens’ Archery Lawn. Entry is free.

Find out more about the Summer Sundays concert series.