Music Commission News

Keen to put on your first gig but don’t know where to start? Want to learn from two of Aotearoa’s most exciting musicians?

Aspiring gig promoters and music enthusiasts in Kerikeri are in for a treat! As part of Jon Toogood’s Last of the Lonely Gods tour, Gig Starters—an initiative by the New Zealand Music Commission—is coming to the Turner Centre on October 11th for a free hui designed to inspire and upskill new gig promoters. Featuring Jon Toogood and Jazmine Mary as mentors, this event promises to be an engaging and educational experience for all attendees.

The hui will feature Jon Toogood and Jazmine Mary sharing their insights, answering questions, and providing practical advice for anyone wanting to get involved in the DIY gig scene. Whether attendees are experienced gig promoters or just starting out, this workshop will be tailored to their needs.
There will also be an interactive soundcheck, where participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at the setup process for the evening’s show. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the technical aspects of live music production in a hands-on environment.

Jon Toogood
As the founding frontman of Shihad and leader of The Adults supergroup, Jon Toogood has been at the forefront of Aotearoa’s music scene for over 30 years. Known for his passion and relentless energy, Jon has performed at more than 1500 live shows and sold over 250,000 albums worldwide. Shihad, inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2010, has earned multiple platinum and gold certifications across New Zealand and Australia. Jon’s influence on the Kiwi music scene is immense, and his knowledge of the industry is invaluable to aspiring gig promoters.

Jazmine Mary
A rising star in Aotearoa’s music scene, Jazmine Mary has captivated audiences with their unique voice and compelling songwriting. Winner of the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut at the Taite Awards 2022, Jazmine has opened for international acts like Kurt Vile, Billy Bragg, and Gang of Youths. Their latest album, Dog, delves into the beauty and ugliness of the world, offering listeners a raw, emotional journey.

This Gig Starters workshop is entirely free and open to all.
For tickets to Jon Toogood’s Last of the Lonely Gods tour performance at the Turner Centre, visit Moshtix.
To register for the Gig Starters workshop, sign up here for more details.
For more information, check out the Facebook event page.

The Turner Centre is a multi-purpose community hub and performing arts centre serving the Far North region. Managed by the KCT, the Turner Centre’s mission is to “be the waka that weaves all of the arts together for our community.”

For any enquiries, please contact the Gig Starters team at education@nzmusic.org.nz.
This event is made possible with the support of the NZ Music Commission, APRA AMCOS, and the Turner Centre.

About Gig Starters
Gig Starters is an initiative by the NZ Music Commission aimed at inspiring and upskilling new gig promoters to organise their own events across Aotearoa. These events provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the music industry, fostering a new generation of promoters and creators. Participants can access the Gig Starters booklet, a comprehensive guide for new promoters, available here.