Gardens Magic 2020

Overview

Dream pop, string quartets, drag acts and Māori hip hop are among the performances set to hit the stage at openair concert series Gardens Magic this January.

The free multi-evening series will return to Wellington's Botanic Garden Soundshell from January 7–26. Each concert will run from 8pm to 9.30pm, which will overlap with a kaledioscopic light display by MJF Lighting from 9pm to 10.30pm.

First up on the program is dream pop act French for Rabbits on Tuesday, January 7. The band, which can range from a duo to a five piece, has recently returned to Wellington after touring the States. Other acts on the lineup include Steely Dan covers band Steely DNA (January 8), gypsy, jazz, ska punk band Ska Pai (January 12), the New Zealand String Quartet, and Māori hip-hop, reggae and dub act H4LF CĀST.

The WITCH Modern Music Theatre group will perform classics from Broadway as well as crowd favourites, while a collection of rising stars from the capital will take part in two Summer Showcases. The first, featuring Sheba Williams, Hybrid Rose, Nat&Jono, Chris Jones, and Sofia Machray, will be held on Friday, January 10, while the second will run on Saturday, January 18. This will feature Zoe Moon, Laura-mae, Neil MacLeod, and Jellyroll Blues & The Pussycat Dues.

The concert collection will conclude with Wigstock — a DRAGztravaganza — on Sunday, January 26. Get there early to grab a good picnic spot and enjoy the outdoor art of Jonathan Campbell, Campbell Maud and more.

Image: Pete Monk.