The Arts Out East arts and culture initiative is launching a series of free public music concerts at the Ormiston Town Centre.
The Summer Groove Series will see the shopping precinct come alive with the vibrant sounds of east Auckland’s talented musicians.
Over five consecutive Saturdays, the series brings live performances to the heart of the centre, creating the perfect soundtrack to sunny summer days.
The line-up features an exciting mix of performers including Amylia, Jenni Smith, and Jack Robertson, each bringing their own unique sound and style to the stage.
Whether people are browsing the shops, enjoying a meal, or simply soaking up the sunshine, the Summer Groove Series offers the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and support incredible homegrown talent.
Arts Out East broker Ashley Grogan says Robertson, who was born and raised in east Auckland, has emerged from his roots in English rock and folk to create his own brand of bittersweet pop.
“His sound blends heartfelt storytelling with a raw, melodic edge that defies genre boundaries.
“With an album’s worth of original songs and regular performances across Auckland, Jack has built a loyal fanbase from the ground up.
“His honesty and vulnerability on stage, whether backed by a band, string quartet, or just his guitar, continue to captivate audiences locally and abroad.
“After two singles topped the NZ Apple iTunes charts in 2024, Jack is set for a breakthrough year, with his debut EP arriving this October.”
Amylia is a singer-songwriter and live looper from Howick who’s based in Mount Eden.
“A versatile artist with influences spanning multiple genres, her performances blend heartfelt lyrics with layered, atmospheric soundscapes,” Grogan says.
“Over the past decade, Amylia has performed at numerous venues and events across Auckland, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and creative looping.
“Now focusing on writing and releasing original material, she continues to evolve her sound while collaborating with other artists and performers.”
Grogan says Jenni Smith has carved a name for herself as one of New Zealand’s rising pop-country singer-songwriters.
“Embracing the ‘girl-next-door’ charm, her romantic and personal songwriting style captures honest emotion with a refreshing mix of sweetness and strength.
“Music has been at the heart of Jenni’s life since she joined New Zealand’s country music scene at just 12 years old.
“Since then, she’s earned notable recognition, winning Songwriter of the Year at the 2018 NZCMA Entertainer of the Year Awards and seeing her 2024 single T-Shirt climb to number three, followed by Stuck On You reaching number seven on the Official NZ Singles Chart.
“Her upcoming single, Shopping, highlights Jenni’s playful storytelling and her ability to balance humour, heart, and honesty in her music.”
The free concerts are in The Square at Ormiston Town Centre from 1pm-2pm on November 15, 22 and 29 and December 6 and 13.
Arts Out East is a community arts service, promoting diverse creative arts in east Auckland.
Its brokers work within the existing creative community, offering guidance in a range of arts activities and activations for local audiences.
These include art installations, public events, theatre, dance and cultural performances, and creative workshops. Arts Out East is a Te Tuhi programme funded by Howick Local Board.
