Rock the City returns to Nelson, with an all-ages music gig featuring ten of region's hottest up and coming youth bands performing live on stage.

This year's lineup includes:
Small Talk (Waimea College), Blind Eye (Waimea College), Riot Of The Moment (Nelson Boys/Nayland College), Three's A Crowd (Nayland College), Wiz Kid And The Biscuits (Waimea College), Reece Milton (Nayland College), Looking Sharpe (Waimea College), Jess & Tagan (Motueka High School) plus two more acts to be announced.

This event is strictly alcohol and other drug free, and suitable for 14 years and above. Security and Health and Safety Event Workers will be on hand to ensure a happy and healthy event for all.

Tickets are just $10 and are available from Ticket Direct online, or at the Theatre Royal Box Office. Door sales ($12) may be available on the night, but with a lineup this epic, highly unlikely, so get in early to avoid the disappointment of missing out.

Come and hear brass bands from the "Top of the South" in an evening of entertainment. This programme will feature some of the best soloists in NZ performing modern and traditional brass concert music.

Smokefree Rockquest is New Zealand's only nationwide, live, original music, youth event. Founded in 1989 by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey, who now run Rockquest Promotions full-time out of Nelson. Smokefree Rockquest is a New Zealand institution.

Musical successes from Smokefree Rockquest include Kimbra, Broods, The Good Fun, Midnight Youth, Opshop, Annah Mac, Evermore, Ladyhawke, Minuit, Kids of 88, Die!Die!Die!, Pistol Youth, Bang!Bang!Eche!, Ivy Lies, Cairo Knife Fight, Cut Off Your Hands, Luke Thompson, The Datsuns, Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa, Anna Coddington, The Electric Confectionaires, Steriogram, Aaradhna, Spacifix, The Naked and Famous, Phoenix Foundation, The Feelers, The Black Seeds, Nesian Mystik, Bic Runga, The Checks, Julia Deans, Pine, King Kapisi, Kingston, The Naked and Famous, Autozamm and Elemeno P.

Smokefree Rockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support 100% original New Zealand music.

Kiwi pop sensation Mitch James is about to take the world by storm, announcing a string of international shows and a New Zealand tour.

Throughout May, James - who now shares a booking agent with Ed Sheeran - will play shows in the UK, including an already sold-out show in London. He will then return to New Zealand to embark on his biggest headlining tour to date.

He will be supported on his New Zealand tour by the four-piece indie pop-rockers Mako Road. See below for more info.

Mitch James' self-titled gold-certified debut album has dominated the charts and amassed more than 80 million streams on Spotify, since its release last year. The record contains four Gold certified singles, including current single 'Bright Blue Skies', 'Old News', 'All The Ways To Say Goodbye' and '21'.

After a busy 2018, in which he toured extensively - playing sold-out shows across Australia with Conrad Sewell; opening for Ed Sheeran in New Zealand; and his own headline tour - James intentionally held back over summer, performing at only a handful of shows including ZM's Float and to a packed crowd at the renowned Homegrown Festival in Wellington.

Now the singer-songwriter is set to debut new music and play his firm favourites to fans across the globe, but most importantly to his loyal Kiwi supporters.

James is thrilled to have Mako Road joining him on the road. Formed while at the University of Canterbury, Mako Road is an indie pop-rock outfit from Christchurch.

Beginning as a covers band playing at university events and parties, the four lads eventually developed their own sound influenced by a range of genres, leading them to release three singles in 2017, and their debut EP, THE GREEN SUPERINTENDENT in early 2018. They recently sold out shows across New Zealand.

Renowned for its electric and stunning performances, "The Air Force on Tour" will take audiences on a wild ride of musical styles: from military classics to popular show tunes. You'll hear everything from Mozart to John Williams and even the Monarchy of Music; Queen. Soloists will include Murray Mansfield QSM on bagpipes, the thrilling Drum Line and astounding vocalist Barbara Graham.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Band recently celebrated its 80th anniversary, and is often heard welcoming dignitaries at Government House, or providing music for commemorations at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. It performed at the sold-out 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and most recently to a near capacity The Air Force in Concert at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the excitement of a full-sized symphonic band in concert!

Direct from Australia, and following more than 5000 international shows, the world's premier live ABBA tribute - The ABBA Show - is coming to town!

Far from being 'just another cover band', The ABBA Show is a full-scale theatrical production featuring more than 2 hours of live musical performances with a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and effects and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle.

Starring incredibly detailed performances from internationally acclaimed impersonators ABBAsolutely fABBAulous, The ABBA Show gives fans of all ages a chance to re-live the ABBA concert experience, celebrate the music of ABBA and dance the night away!

Nelson City Brass presents Cry of the Celts. An evening of Celtic music with Musical Director Nigel Weeks conducting Nelson's own champion band. The evening will also feature Nayland College Boys Choir along with a piper and dancers to give a truly 'Celtic feel' to the nights entertainment

Rockshop Bandquest is a performance platform for New Zealand school bands, up to year 8.

Award-winning singer songwriter Mel Parsons is well recognised as one of New Zealand's established songwriting stars - matched by her equally generous heart.

On the very day of Cyclone Fehi Mel contacted The Boathouse with a heartwarming offer to help with fundraising for repairs, and with the support of the Theatre Royal this we have a benefit concert! Joining Mel on stage are Jed Parsons and Josh Logan.

Hot off the heels of her American tour Mel brings a wide breadth of material. Her dynamic songs range from gutsy & rhythmic hand-clappers like audience favourite 'Far Away', through to pin-drop ballads like 'Don't Wait', featuring Canadian songwriting royalty Ron Sexsmith.

With her dynamic band Parsons is an engaging performer with a natural emotive voice that allows the listener to become part of the story. Her unique style simmers somewhere between indie/folk and alt/country, and her shows are as memorable for the spine tingling songs as well as for her dry banter delivery.

Opening acts:
The Community Choir at The Boathouse - Vibrant singing group with fabulous songs from around the world - exploring harmony, rhythm, sound, breath, unity.

Django Schmango - this highly regarded Hot Club style group of local musicians has its roots are firmly in the music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. It's a style marked by pristine and dexterous string work, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities.

Rock the South returns to Nelson, with an all ages music gig featuring 9 of the regions hottest up and coming youth bands performing exclusively live on stage.

This years lineup includes:
Three's a Crowd (Nayland College), Blind Eye (Waimea College), Equinox (Nelson College for Girls), Ellie & Laura (Waimea College), Acoustic Knot (Waimea College), The Recliners (Nelson Boys College / Nayland College), Cosmos Vita (Nelson College for Girls), 1024 (Nelson Boys College), Shut Up Connor (Waimea College)

This event is strictly alcohol and other drug free, and suitable for 14-24 year olds. Security and Health and Safety Event Workers will be on hand to ensure a happy and healthy event for all.

Door sales ($10) may be available on the night, but with a lineup this epic, highly unlikely, so get in early to avoid the disappointment of missing out.