Things to do  |  16 Dec 2021

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One of Christchurch’s favourite music events has been refreshed – Summer Sundays in the Botanic Gardens will replace Lazy Sundays.

The Summer Sundays series, running from 30 January to 6 March 2022, has been themed so music lovers of all sorts will find something to suit their personal tastes.

Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore says the fresh approach means audiences will know what to expect from the music on offer and can choose a Sunday afternoon that suits – or come to all six and maybe discover a new artists or genre that they like.

“Each of the live music concerts will have a different theme. For this summer we've gone with All that Jazz, Masters of the Blues, The New Alternative, Classic Rock Sessions, Opera on the Lawn, and Country Vibes.

“We’re hoping there will be something on offer for the broad range of musical tastes out there.”

The free, live sessions take place in the leafy surrounds of the Botanic Gardens and will feature some of Ōtautahi’s finest musical talent. Attendees aged 12 years and three month or older will need to show their vaccine pass for entry to the fenced site, as part of the Covid Protection Framework regulations.

First up on Sunday 30 January will be modern jazz quartet Blossom bringing a smart but playful approach to jazz standards. They’re followed by Tiger Moth with modern tunes reframed in a toe-tapping, old-timey jazz style.

Next Latin, blues and jazz guitar collective Diablos Caravan showcase the beauty of the acoustic guitar before local maestros Shuffle the Pack take the stage. This is a show that fans of blues music will not want to miss.

On 13 February Will McGillivray’s solo project Goodwill presents an expansive alt sound with a nod to artists like The National and Bon Iver. That’s followed by up-and-coming indie pop stars There’s a Tuesday.

Put the following Sunday session on the calendar if you’re a Rolling Stones fan as slick rock’n’roll musicians Tattoo Voodoo perform songs from arguably the world’s greatest classic rock band. They’re joined   by the phenominal Sign of the Firebird, playing some of the greatest rock hits of the 70’s from bands like Creedance Clearwater Revival and The Eagles.

Then on 27 February soak up an afternoon of song from some of the region’s brightest young opera singers, with a programme curated and directed by Andrew Crooks featuring operatic favourites that are known and loved.

The finale of the Summer Sunday’s series will feature some of Lyttelton’s finest musicians playing foot stomping folk and country music. Al Park & Adam Hattaway will open the show followed by Ōtautahi favourites The Eastern.

Summer Sundays concerts are free and run from 2-4pm on the Archery Lawn of the Botanic Gardens. Picnic food, drinks and chairs are welcome – but no glass.