Garage funk, psychedelic dream pop and a choral tribute to Elton John make up the lineup for this year's Gardens Magic event series.

Wellington City Council's annual open-air concert series returns to the Soundshell for three weeks next January (12–31). Every year thousands of Wellingtonians head along to the series for an evening of free entertainment. The 2021 season will be no different with over 100 performers expected to take the stage as the Botanic Garden is transformed with stunning light and art installations and disco balls.

Garage funk band Odessa kicks off Gardens Magic on Tuesday, 12 January with their first live performance in over 11 years. Audience members will need to warm up their vocal cords for Sunday, 31 January as more than 50 members of the Supertonic choir close the season with an epic tribute to Elton John.

Also on the bill: psychedelic dream pop band Glass Vaults, Māori electronica group Wai, sizzling hot salsa band C-12, Kiwi blues legend Darren Watson, plus the Wellington Brass Band and New Zealand Opera for performances under the stars.

MJF Lighting will once again bring a kaleidoscopic spectacle to the gardens. This year the company is working with local company Tungsten Projects to refresh the lighting display, including a stunning UV bamboo grove and an artistic tribute to native birds.

Further, an outdoor gallery of temporary public art will showcase works by Wellington sculptors Jonathan Campbell and Campbell Maud, and the Wellington City Libraries team will be giving away pre-loved books and magazines each night before the concert starts.

Image: Pete Monk.