Matariki ki Waikato Festival bringing two stage shows to Hamilton

Creative Waikato is still looking for young performers for the 9 Stars Stage Competition at Matariki youth event Whiti. Photo / Supplied

Two special stage shows are coming up in Hamilton as part of Matariki ki Waikato Festival, one of them is still looking for performers.

Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Lou'ana and her seven-piece band will be at The Meteor Theatre on Friday, June 25 at 8.30pm to "serve up some soul funk grooves with a dose of Magick".

Known for her "Mystic Soul Music" that combines funk, jazz and soul with a hint of her Pacific roots, Lou'ana is a must-see for fans of Etta James, Stevie Nicks and Kiwi music alike.

The band released their debut album Moonlight Madness in November 2020 at Auckland's Q theatre and since then have transformed the album into an epic, energetic live experience.

Earlier in the year, Lou'ana sold out her show Live at The Museum May Music Month sets at SPLORE, Nest Fest, Earth Beat and NZ Spirit Festival.

Lou'ana and her seven-piece band are coming to Hamilton on Friday, June 25. Photo / Supplied

Tickets are available at $30 general admission. More event info and tickets can be found at themeteor.co.nz

Meanwhile, Creative Waikato is still looking for nine young Waikato performers to take the stage during the 9 Stars Stage Competition at Matariki youth event Whiti at The Meteor on Friday, July 2.

The first 9 Stars Stage Competition will provide a platform for nine young performers or groups to show what Matariki means to them, with the overall winner scooping a prize valued at $350.

Event organiser Michael Moore says: "At Whiti there'll be live music, taonga pūoro, DJs, local artists, storytelling. For the 9 Stars Stage Competition we're looking for storytellers, musicians, dancers, poets, instrumentalists. If it's creative and it connects to Matariki, we want to know about it."

Young performers keen to apply for the 9 Stars Stage Competition must be 13-19 years old and live in the Waikato. Applications can be made here. Submissions close 5pm Friday 25 June.