The Kāpiti Food Fair is thrilled to announce the introduction of the brand-new Night Gig as part of its annual Fair day
celebrations. Taking centre stage at the inaugural event is none other than the internationally acclaimed country music
sensation, Tami Neilson, most recently winner of the 2023 APRA Best Country Music Song Award for ‘Beyond the Stars’, a
duet with Willie Nelson. Having won multiple Country Music Awards, she is without a doubt, our Queen of Country Music!
Born in Toronto and now calling New Zealand home, Tami Neilson's musical journey began at a young age, performing
alongside her family in the renowned Canadian country music band, The Neilson Family Band. She comes from humble
beginnings, having busked the streets of small-town Ontario with her family at a young age to put food on the table and
perform gospel concerts to prisoners. Her extraordinary talent has seen her share stages with legends like Kitty Wells
and Johnny Cash, and she has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide with her booming vocal power and striking
personal approach to country, rockabilly, and soul.
Tami Neilson's latest album, Kingmaker, has received widespread acclaim, solidifying her status as a game-changer in the industry. Her captivating talent and
empowering message in her music have made her a role model and a powerful wāhine voice for positive change within the
country music industry. Her unmatched voice has been described as a "fire-breathing R belter" by Rolling Stone Magazine, capturing hearts and souls with every performance.
"We can hardly believe that Tami agreed to perform at the Kapiti Food Night Gig. It was hard to keep the news under
wraps but now we are finally able to share it. We can't wait for Tami to take control of the Tuatara Stage, we know she
will put on a show to remember. Her one-of-a-kind voice puts a spell on her audiences and soon Kapiti will be able to
experience it," says Jeanine van Kradenburg, Co-owner of the Kapiti Food Fair. "This is a big gig by Kāpiti standards,
and it's right on our own doorstep. No additional cost or need to travel anywhere to see an award-winning country music
legend."
Having won numerous accolades – including 2014 APRA Silver Scrolls Award, Best Country Album at the New Zealand Music
Awards in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2021, and 2022, she also won Best Country Song in 2014, 2020, 2021, and 2023, while
also taking home awards in 2022 for Best Producer for Kingmaker and Best Solo Artist – Tami Neilson continues to be a
dominant force in the country music scene.
The Fair organisers are releasing 3,000 tickets TODAY for the Night Gig, and it is anticipated that they will sell out
quickly. This unique event offers Kāpiti residents and visitors an exceptional opportunity to experience the magic of
Tami Neilson's live performance and celebrate her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim.
Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music and inspiration at the Kāpiti Food Fair Night Gig, where Tami Neilson
promises to be a cage shaker, a game changer, and a true Kingmaker!
“By now, Kāpiti Food Fair converts all know our Fair motto is GOOD friends, GOOD times and GOOD food,” said Helene
Judge, the other Co-owner of the Fair. “When we sat down to plan the addition of our NEW Night Gig this year, both
Jeanine and I wanted GREAT music and entertainment to command the stage for this first-time event. It’s important this
event is successful as we are taking a massive financial risk in running two GIGs in ONE day. This is a monumental leap
for us which is both scary and exciting. as we are new to the music promoter role. We have all the right production crew
on-board, so we know we are doing the right thing by the Kāpiti Food Fair and creating something for everyone attending
to have a wonderful night out.”
Tickets for the Fair and the Night Gig will be available on Humanitix. We love their platform as they are a registered
charity for the tech generation. When you buy a ticket their booking fees (and GST) are absorbed by the Fair – this
means there is nothing extra to pay at check-out! Humanitix uses the booking fees to cover their costs and everything
else goes to their education projects. The Fair has chosen to support ‘A better start for disadvantaged Māori and
Pasifika students’.
The Kāpiti Food Fair will be held on Saturday December 2nd 2023 at the Mazengarb Reserve in Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti
Coast with gates open from 6:45 PM to 10:30 PM. This night-time concert is OUTDOORS and will take place RAIN or SHINE.
There will be a Food Truck Alley serving up delicious grub and the Tuatara Licenced Bar operating throughout the Gig. It
will be something to truly look forward to – tell all your friends, whānau, and colleagues. LOOK-OUT Kāpiti, Tami is on
her way!
EARLY BIRD tickets are on-sale NOW, and if purchased by 8 November, are $65 Adult or $195 Family (2 Adults & 2 Rangatahi up to 17). From 9 November, tickets will be priced as $75 Adult or $215 Family (2 Adults & 2 Rangatahi up to 17). ADDITIONAL Rangatahi up to 17 anytime tickets will be $35.
Head over to Humanitix to book your tickets now >> https://events.humanitix.com/kapiti-food-fair-night-gig-2023About:
Kāpiti Food Fair was established in 2008 as a community event with humble beginnings. It is now privately owned and
operated in a business partnership between Helene Judge and Jeanine van Kradenburg. The vision of the Fair is about
making a lasting impression in the minds and bodies of all foodies. Their mission is to bring visitors into Kāpiti to
experience ‘our place’ while having a fun, tasty and indulgent day out with GOOD friends, GOOD times, GOOD food and
GREAT music!