Overview
The official lineup for independent all-ages music festival Outfield has just been revealed, with local talent like Troy Kingi and David Dallas confirmed to take to the Hawke's Bay stage on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
There will be a huge range of music genres performing at Outfield 2024, with award-winning Kingi playing his reggae and synth pop tracks — and David Dallas showing off his version of cleverly crafted hip hop, with emotional lyrics that cover everything from his personal life to the environment surrounding him. For those who are just looking to boogie, music maestros Flamingo Pier will be cranking out a DJ set, playing everything from disco to dance-inducing indie tunes.
Outfield will reach its fifth year in 2024, and prides itself on celebrating local talent, whether it be musicians, culinary masterminds or creative artists. One of the festival's most most important principles, or kaupapa, is to embrace tuakana-teina, a te Reo phrase used to describe the relationship or mentorship that exists between a younger artist and an older, more experienced artist.
The festival embraces tuakana-teina by handpicking young talent from Smokefree Rockquest, a national music competition where school students have the chance to perform in a professional venue. The competition has been running for more than three decades, and has become a valued pathway for up-and-coming Kiwi talent.
Five-piece band Te Whānau Puoro will be taking the Outfield stage after winning Tangata Beats, a spinoff of the original competition that asks participants to weave te Reo Māori and Pasifika instruments, dance or language into their performance. Joining Te Whānau Puoro is rock band Uncle Les and Dannevirke folk guitarist Molly Pawson.
The festival will be played across three stages, with the talent taking the main stage on the area's cricket field, which creates a natural arena. Nestled among the forest is the Art Valley stage, a smaller space that aims to create a more intimate environment. Placed in between the two is the Dance Yard, where DJs will be cranking the dance-worthy tunes.
OUTFIELD 2024 LINEUP:
Troy Kingi
David Dallas
Tiny Ruins
Rum Jungle
Flamingo Pier (DJ set)
Park Rd
Trei
Wiri Donna
Amandamania
Kenzo
Beccie B
Jordan Lee
Tahini Bikini
Joe Cole and bad
Sandy Sheets
Ludus
Pang
Ruffhouse
Cleo
Takas
Lunaya
McDub
DJ Lil B
Uncle Les
Te Whānau Puoro
Molly Pawson
Kenya Boerman
Outfield will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 35 Gordon Road, Te Awanga Downs, Hawke's Bay. For tickets, head to the Outfield website.