6 January

Upper Hutt Posse (UHP)

Formed in 1985 and releasing New Zealand's first rap song and hip hop album, UHP is a unique rap-reggae-funk fusion band that produces groove-driven music with meaningful phraseology.

13 January

Fledge

Fledge is a showcase of material from a combination of musicians.

Hera - acoustic and folk artist Hera performs with Jed Parsons and is joined by the House of Mountain band (Moses Robbins, Kurt Preston, Ben Campbell and Jed Parsons) for some upbeat numbers.

Happiness Stan (aka Kris Wilson) - uses vocals and guitar to deliver a style fitting within the traditional country and dirt genre.

20 January

Locean and One Waka

Local Christchurch band, One Waka opens the afternoon - a fresh 6-piece band new to the dub/reggae/funk scene. Followed by Locean - formed in 2006, this eclectic funk/soul band is armed with an arsenal of licks and grooves. Hailing from Christchurch, Locean indulge in the delicate and heavy, the sweet and the bitter. Playing support for seminal NZ artists, Locean are a band of formidable potency.

27 January

Unfaithful Ways

The Unfaithful Ways, a Christchurch four-piece band, fuse songs of love, loss, protection and the darker side of human emotion. Weaving their own beautifully tempered and widely-admired sound, their 2011 debut album, Free Reign, has been met with nationwide critical acclaim.

3 February

Mandy Pickering

Mandy's singing career was launched with her winning performance on Stars in Their Eyes. She is currently recording new material, including the recent single Anything For You. Accompanied by her talented band, Mandy will perform original and cover songs in her unique soulful style.

10 February

Bond Street Bridge

Bond Street Bridge is where Sam Prebble, of the Broken Heartbreakers and the Reb Fountain Band, gets to break out from the mould and play his own style of music: selections from an Antarctic song cycle inspired by the exploits of Scott and Shackleton, favourites from 2011's Spring Summer Awesome Winter, and newer material. Accompanied by glitchy beats, a fair bit of strings and a surprising amount of cinematic pomp and circumstance.

17 February

Fiona Pears

Talented violinist and composer Fiona Pears delights with her charismatic performances and eclectic mix of musical styles including Celtic, Classical, Tango, Jazz and Gypsy. Together with her talented band, expect a fiery melting pot of flavours and a thrilling, visually stunning musical experience.

24 February: Flower Power Day
2.30pm - 5.30pm

Graham Wardrop and Valdy

Canadian folk singer Valdy and local finger-style guitar legend Graham Wardrop link opposite ends of the Pacific via fine songwriting, virtuoso guitar playing and tight harmony singing. Each is a soloist performing at the top of his field - together, the combination is both musically rewarding and highly entertaining. In association with Festival of Flowers and Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

3 March

Naomi Ferguson and the Three of Hearts

Accomplished performer and songwriter Naomi Ferguson brings her love of songwriting and performing original material together with the Three of Hearts. Joined by Justine Snelgrove (flute, sax and backing vocals), Alex van den Broek (trumpet, keys and guitar), Victoria Knopp (bass and backing vocals) and Jesse Hughes (drums) this will be a melodic, uplifting and entertaining afternoon that is not to be missed.

10 March

Radius

Radius provides 'instrumental fire for your soul' with Harry Harrison drawing on his Scottish roots and immersion in Americana, as the 'Celtic Cowboy' of Aotearoa on guitar, dobro and banjo. Justine S evokes sonic sounds using voice, alto saxophone and flute, creating cross-cultural streams from around the globe. Together their infectious rhythms and soulful melodies interweave, producing a richly textured instrumental wonder.