Kumeū Arts Live

03/06/2026

Book now for FABLES – Kumeū Arts
18 July | 7:30 PM |
With support from Milly Taback

Fables celebrate the release of their debut album 'Change is a slow moving beast' hitting #2 in the Aotearoa Album charts. Known for their lush, cinematic folk and intimate storytelling, Fables bring their signature warmth and depth to calm any storm, bear witness to this intimate full-band performance at Cupid Bar.

If you’ve ever needed a reason to slow down and just breathe, Fables has provided the perfect soundtrack. Fronted by the immense talent of Jess Bailey and backed by a revolving cast of Tāmaki Makaurau’s finest, their debut album Change Is A Slow Moving Beast is exactly what the title suggests, a patient, evolving creature that demands you sit still and listen.
Music NZ Review: https://www.muzic.nz/reviews/album-review-change-is-a-slow-moving-beast/
Tickets available Here:
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/102822/Fables---Full-Band-Live.utr

18/05/2026

Andrew, Guy, Caitlin and Derek perform “Dimming of the Day” as our second to last song of the evening on Saturday- thanks to Donny for the video.

18/05/2026

Andrew, Guy, Caitlin and Derek perform “The Times They Are A-Changin'” as our last song of the evening on Saturday- thanks to Donny for the video.

26/04/2026

TONIGHT AT KUMEŪ ARTS- “Songwriters in the Round”. A special evening of stories, songs, and the magic that happens when great writers share the stage. Join us for a night featuring Caitlin Smith, Derek Lind, Guy Wishart and AJ Bell — four distinctive voices weaving songs and the stories behind them in the much-loved “in the round” format.
Saturday 16 May 2026
Kumeū Arts
7.30pm | BYO | Paywave available
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/101998/Songwriters-In-The-Round.utr
Audiences at previous Kumeū Arts concerts have described these nights as warm, relaxed, and deeply engaging — where humour, honesty, and musical craft combine in a unique shared experience. Expect everything from heartfelt ballads to playful banter, spontaneous collaborations, and those unrepeatable moments that only happen when artists inspire each other in real time.

Caitlin Smith’s powerful vocals and lyrical depth meet Derek Lind’s finely crafted songwriting, alongside Guy Wishart’s thoughtful storytelling and Andrew Bell’s fresh, Kiwiana style. Together, they create a dynamic and varied evening that moves effortlessly between emotion, connection, and entertainment.

Whether you’re a dedicated music lover or simply looking for a memorable night out, Songwriters in the Round offers something special — up close, personal, and genuinely authentic.
Come along, settle in, and enjoy the songs behind the stories.

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

Apologies, this concert is rescheduled to the 19th September:

Miho’s Jazz Miho's Jazz Orchestra is a vibrant five-piece ensembleŪbased in Auckland, led by Japanese-born multi-instrumentalist, composer, and captivating bandleader Miho Wada.
SATURDAY 21st MARCH, BYO, Paywave, Doors 7.30pm, Kumeū Arts.

Miho’s musical journey spans the globe. After studying flute at the University of Canterbury, Trinity College of Music in London, and in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, she went on to perform across Europe, the Americas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Since forming MJO in 2011, the band has toured extensively throughout Japan, Australia, and Aotearoa, earning a devoted following and multiple appearances in the New Zealand album charts, including several Top 10 and Top 20 releases.

Playful, electrifying, and impossible to ignore, Miho’s Jazz Orchestra delivers a joyous fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, J-pop sparkle, and Pacific flavours. At the centre of it all is Miho herself — exuberant, mischievous, and utterly magnetic.

With Miho weaving between flutes and saxophones, the band’s rich soundscape comes alive through violin, bass, guitar, and drums. Her original compositions are punctuated with stories from the road — tales that have delighted, surprised, and occasionally shocked audiences around the world.

The result is a show that’s as entertaining as it is musically exhilarating — a jazz experience bursting with personality, groove, and global colour.
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/101102/Mihos-Jazz-Orchestra.utr

26/02/2026

THIS SATURDAY-CHARLOTTE YATES AND SHOW PONY
An unforgettable night of song, story and spellbinding musicianship is coming to Kumeū Arts Live.

Charlotte Yates and her trusted musical ally Show Pony bring a powerful two-set performance featuring every song from Charlotte’s critically acclaimed release Winter’s Eye — and more.

Hailing from Wellington, Charlotte Yates is one of Aotearoa’s most evocative singer-songwriters. With acoustic guitar in hand and a voice that can hush a room or lift it skyward, she crafts songs that are intimate, intelligent, and deeply moving.

Alongside her is the incomparable Show Pony — affectionately known as the “Swiss Army Knife of NZ music.” Trumpet, violin, percussion, backing vocals… you never quite know what magic will appear next (though not all at once!). Together, they create a rich, textured soundscape that feels far bigger than two musicians on stage.

⭐ “Charlotte Yates is surely one of NZ's most talented singer/songwriters. Her show … was outstanding.”
— Peter Revell, Mayor of Thames-Coromandel

Winter’s Eye, co-produced with Brooke Singer (French for Rabbits), is a luminous seven-track collection layered with synthesiser, piano, and exquisite backing vocals. The EP features a constellation of well-known Wellington musicians and has been widely praised for its depth and artistry.

Experience these songs live — where they truly come alive.

Physical copies of Winter’s Eye will be available on the night, and the EP is streaming on Bandcamp and all major platforms.
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/100297/Charlotte-Yates--Show-Pony.utr

23/02/2026

Apologies- rescheduled to 29 September.
Miho’s Jazz Orchestra (MJO) is a 5 piece ensemble based in Auckland, led by Japanese-born multi instrumentalist and composer Miho Wada. Miho studied flute at the University of Canterbury, Trinity College of Music in London and in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. She has performed in Italy, France, UK, Morocco, Greece, Spain, Malta, Switzerland, Cuba, Japan, Australia, USA and New Zealand. Since forming MJO in 2011 the band has toured extensively around Japan, Australia and New Zealand achieving success in the NZ album charts hitting the top 10 and 20 numerous times.

A mischievous, uplifting and dynamic ensemble, MJO blends afro cuban flute, J-pop and Pacific influences into a delightful jazz treat. Led by the unrestrained and vibrant Miho, the band melds her compositions together with violin, bass, guitar, drums and a selection of flutes and sax while she tells the tales that have charmed and sometimes shocked audiences around the world.
https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/101102/Miho's-Jazz-Orchestra.utr

16/01/2026

THE NUKES & TYRONE AND LESLEY-14 FEB, 7.30PM, BYO, PAYWAVE,A GREAT NIGHT OUT.
Tyrone & Lesley Walk the fine line between concert hall and cabaret, with one foot on the theatre stage and the other firmly in the world of music. Winners of the Australian Guild of Screen Composers’ Johnny Dennis Music Award, they’ve charmed audiences from the Sydney Opera House to the UK’s Grand Northern Ukulele Festival. After 25 years performing together, their act remains a masterclass in gentle eccentricity — “gentle, unpretentious… eccentric and delightful” (Brisbane Stage).
The Nukes
Innovative, inspiring, and joyfully entertaining, The Nukes have knocked the socks off audiences from Canterbury to Canberra (and most places in between). With original songs, harmony-rich performances, and a healthy dose of humour, they prove that the ukulele is nothing to be afraid of. From WOMAD and countless Folk festivals to the Bluff Oyster Festival and national tours, The Nukes’ uplifting, feel-good energy is infectious. As Amanda Wright (Erupt Festival) put it best — “The Nukes experience is uplifting, fun, and feel-good.”
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/international-ukulele-concert/auckland/kumeu