The Bay of Islands Music Festival is serving up an amazing mix of international and New Zealand roots, soul, funk and blues this Easter. The event takes place on Sat 31 March 2018 at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, a stunning waterfront location adjacent to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The first announcement features roots superstar Jimmy Cliff (JAMAICA), the Island-style soul of Bobby Alu (Australia) and the absolute cream of Aotearoa roots, soul and funk including Katchafire, Teeks, Louis Baker and Rob Ruha. More artists will be announced in the coming month.

As well as the music, concert-goers will be able to enjoy gourmet food, local wines and craft beers, arts and cultural activities.

Exclusive Corporate and VIP Rooms all have a balcony or deck with a premium view. Details below.

Tickets will be available to the general public from 9am, Thursday 25 January. Tickets are very limited due to site restrictions, so be quick!

About the Artists:

Jimmy Cliff is one of the world’s most influential music icons. This Grammy Award winner and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee is credited with bringing reggae to the world with his incredible catalogue of hits including Reggae Nights, The Harder They Come, I Can See Clearly Now, Many Rivers To Cross and Wild World. Jimmy Cliff’s career now spans almost 60 years, an unbelievable achievement made all the more incredible once you have experienced his live performances that burst with energy, passion and high kicks. Don’t miss this chance to see the legend live!

Bobby Alu is an accomplished songwriter & travelling musician, born on the Gold Coast but inspired by his Polynesian heritage. He is a singer, Ukulele strummer & drummer known for his signature smooth hammock music & high vibes. Live, expect a fresh, simple sound with tastes of Polynesian ukulele, pacific beats, catchy songs, tasty harmony & powerful log drumming on a bed of slick style.

Katchafire own the mantle of best NZ roots act. Hailing from the mighty H-Town (Hamilton), the band have become a global roots reggae phenomenon, with 4 highly successful studio albums, multiple awards, platinum sales, and top selling singles. Classic roots reggae with an R’n’B and funk rub, mashing modern dancehall and slinky reggae pop.

Teeks is the name on everyone’s lips. The singer-songwriter hails from Northland and has a voice that is destined to melt hearts around the world. His EP, Grapefruit Skies and the velvety smooth lead single, If Only, saw him propelled into the public consciousness and ultimately win Best Maori Artist at the 2017 NZ Music Awards. This young soul artist is unequivocally one of Aotearoa’s next great talents.

Louis Baker is inarguably one of the most compelling soul voices to emerge in recent years from New Zealand’s fertile musical landscape. Louis has gathered a loyal following that spans the world over. Everyone from India Arie (“Louis Baker, you sing my soul,”) to the international music community have shown love for his seductive soul.

Rob Ruha is a multi-award winning singer/ songwriter. His unique style of music has been described as an eclectic mix of soul-roots-reggae with RnB licks, laced with rock-blues and bohemian-jazz-fusion accents. Rob explains his music as ‘Haka-Soul’.

More to Be Announced!

Bay of Islands Music Festival Vip Options
Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Paihia

Taking advantage of the fabulous hotel setting, one accommodation wing is transformed into a unique Festival VIP Zone. The VIP Rooms all have a balcony or deck over-looking the festival site, with a premium view of the stage and the sparkling waters of Te Tii Bay. These will be in hot demand and are limited in number, reserve your VIP Room today!

The Private Box $1500.00 up to 6 guests (Limit of 11 boxes)
- Capacity up to 6 guests
- Upstairs room with private balcony, premium view of stage and the bay
- Private bathroom
- Arrival Grazing Platter
- Reserved Parking on the hotel grounds
- Priority access lane
- VIP lanyard per person
- Access to VIP Bar
- Additional Food & Beverage available to purchase through room service or in VIP Bar
- Food & Beverage Add-On Options available – contact venue direct on boi.events@millenniumhotels.co.nz

Dance Til You Drop $2000.00 up to 10 guests (Limit of 22 boxes):
- Capacity up to 10 guests
- Downstairs room with deck access, premium view of stage and the bay
- Private bathroom
- Munchie Platter
- Reserved Parking on the hotel grounds
- Priority access lane
- VIP lanyard per person=
- Access to VIP Bar
- Additional Food & Beverage available to purchase through room service or in VIP Bar
- Add-On Options available – contact venue direct on boi.events@millenniumhotels.co.nz