An event aiming to give South Canterbury musicians the opportunity to showcase their original work is back again and cranking things up to 11.
After a popular inaugural event to celebrate New Zealand Music Month in May, the South Canterbury Songwriters Live Showcase is returning and this time will be held across two nights.
The free event will be held at the Landing Service Conference Centre tomorrow and Saturday, both shows beginning at 7.30pm.
The two nights will feature 19 solo acts, duos and bands, all performing their own original music.
Scheduled to perform on Friday, as part of the newly added Youth Songwriters Night, are Nakeisha Austin, Maevi Fleming, ET Coster, Ronin Grey, duo Jacob and Lexi, and bands Splash, Inside Joke and Bassist to the Bassist.
Then taking to the stage on Saturday night for the Songwriters Night are Black Doris Plums, Angie Foster, Susan Be, Lois May, Amelia James, Matt Fish, Selina Hetherington, duos Work in Progress and The Honey Robots as well as bands Low Hanging Fruit and Song Pilots.
Organiser Alice Sollis said the excitement from local songwriters over this larger event had been huge.
‘‘Our first showcase was well supported with a full house and many people asking when the next one was. The challenge has been getting the message out there to let people know it is happening again and it’s free.
‘‘It’s been a dream of mine to promote and encourage songwriters from all over our district and with the help of Vibrant NZ, Landing Services Function Centre — and now the Songsmiths, we are very keen to hold more of these in 2026.
‘‘Fellow songwriters know how hard and joyous the songwriting craft can be, so for the general public, who love music, this is a must-see event. Where else are you going to hear over 40 original songs in one night?’’
She said it was great to able to include a youth night this time around.
‘‘I love the fact we have had such a great buy-in from the young songwriters. Many have been involved with Rockquest, and this is another opportunity to network, share their music and hone their skills.’’
Luke Campbell, a member of the Roncalli College band Inside Joke, said the showcase was a really good opportunity for the young band.
‘‘It gives us a chance to actually perform in front of other people. We’ve only really done Rockquest and then performed at school, other than that we don’t get much of a chance.
‘‘The more we get to play the better. So it’s good that there’s stuff like this going on, as we just need to get out, play more and become more known.’’
The band — comprising brothers Luke and Zac Campbell, Athan Liew and Jack Bennet — described their music style as ‘‘interesting’’.
‘‘Thanks to Jack’s bass, we have a lot of more funky stuff, it’s a bit unique,’’ said Zac.
‘‘We don’t really have a set style, Jack said.
‘‘I feel like we’re going to need to get through writing a few more songs to establish our sound. We’re not too far into writing stuff just yet, we’ve got four songs.’’
To sweeten the deal for the performers, Timaru-based duo Sarah and Kayla Goldsmith from Songsmith Studios have got behind the event and will be offering an acoustic recording package to one songwriter from each night.
The $550 package includes recording, mixing, mastering and a one-hour songwriting mentorship.
