This is surely one of New Zealand’s biggest New Year’s parties ever.
Sixty acts, comprised of the best homegrown talent and popular artists from around the world, have been confirmed for the renowned two-day music festival in Wanaka’s spectacular Cardrona Valley.
NZ’s favourite band Six60 will ring in 2017 on the Alpine Arena main stage, followed by Kiwi electronic pioneers Pitch Black, who celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first gig.
Also scheduled for New Year’s Eve is the 2016 Vodafone New Zealand Music Award-winning Pacific Heights, the solo project of producer and former Shapeshifter, Devin Abrams. The hugely popular alternative metal band Devilskin, whose new album rocketed straight to the top of the NZ charts last month will light up the stage on 30th of December.
Top international acts also feature, including Los Angeles-based rapper and founding member of legendary hip-hop group Jurassic 5, Akil The MC, Australian hip hop, reggae and drum and bass artist Dub FX and feel-good surfie roots act Ocean Alley, as well as fast-rising London underground house duo Dusky.
Electronic music will again feature heavily on the Where the Wild Things Are (WTWTA) stage on both December 30 and 31; house act S.P.Y returns after a three-year hiatus, Kiwi rap genius Young Tapz will be a popular drawcard and Cut Snake, an Australian-based DJ duo, will also appear. Opiuo is back for his third R&A in the midnight slot on New Year’s Eve, while Baynk, an impressive Kiwi electronic act gaining traction in the international music scene, makes his R&A debut.
Other popular acts confirmed for the festival include Sachi, Weird Together, Ribera, Arma Del Amor, Isaac Chambers, Gareth Thomas, Mandela and The Settlers.
An exclusive lineup - featuring acts such as Bass Intrusion, Camo MC & Trikkstar and Gawn Deep - is scheduled for December 29 and R&A will be hosting alternative dance group Rufus at a special warm-up gig at the Lake Hawea Hotel on December 28.
R&A festival director Alex Turnbull says the lineup is one of the event’s most diverse to date, with its eclectic mix of top acts in various music genres.
“We’ve really focused on securing acclaimed, quality acts, both from around New Zealand and internationally,” he says. “We are really excited about the lineup - its general appeal is reflected in the strong ticket sales so far.
“Rhythm & Alps’ three stages will also feature state-of-the-art video mapping technology, all set in arguably the best location in the country. It really is a world-class music festival and the place to be for an epic New Year’s Eve.”
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