Te Awamutu Rocks - Jason Kerrison, Mike Conlon, Rowdy's Rose + More

TE AWAMUTU ROCKS! — A One Night Only Celebration of Live Music & Local Community

Presented by Mike Conlon “One Man Big Sound”

Get ready for an intimate, high-energy night of live music as Jason Kerrison (OPSHOP), Mike Conlon, Rowdy’s Rose, Echoes of Yesterday, and DJ Tonz Def take the stage for a special event supporting two incredible local causes.

This one-off show brings together a tapestry of carefully selected, wildly talented artists — New Zealand and international award-winning performers, soaring vocals, full band live looping, funk, rock and soul, country vibes, and an up-and-coming young rock band ready to make their mark. This lineup is built to surprise, move, and absolutely wow you.

Every ticket helps make a difference.

All proceeds from the event go directly to Angel Casts (www.angelcasts.co.nz), Te Pahu Squash Club, and Te Pahu Pre School.

Come out, support local, and be part of a night that celebrates music, community, and the causes that matter.


Event Info
LIVE MUSIC STARTS: 7.30 pm-ish
ENTRY: From around 3.00 pm — or come earlier and enjoy lunch
PUBLIC BAR: Food and drinks available throughout the day and night


Artist Spotlight: Jason Kerrison (OPSHOP)

Jason Kerrison is a multi platinum, multi award winning singer songwriter and one of Aotearoa’s most recognizable musical voices. Best known as the frontman of OPSHOP, he has also become a familiar face on New Zealand television — including as a judge on X Factor and New Zealand’s Got Talent, and the winner of The Masked Singer NZ. In 2011, Jason was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his outstanding services to music.

For this show, Jason has gone deep into the archives — digging through old studio hard drives and tapes from OPSHOP, The Babysitters Circus, Fungi, and his solo catalogue. He has painstakingly rebuilt stems from across his career so he can remix, reshape, and re imagine them live on stage.

This is now a signature part of Jason’s performance style:
a dynamic, immersive set where he live remixes pre-recorded stems of drums, guitars, bass, and other instruments in real time, blending nostalgia with fresh, inventive production.
A rare chance to see a New Zealand icon reinvent his own catalogue right before your eyes.


Artist Spotlight: Mike Conlon — “One Man Big Sound”

Mike Conlon is an alternative funk rock musician and singer songwriter with a uniquely infectious style shaped by a wide spectrum of genres. Armed with his custom live looping rig — affectionately known as “The Beast” — Mike builds full band arrangements in real time using multiple instruments and layered loops, delivering high energy performances that feel raw, dynamic, and impossible to ignore.

Since going solo in 2021, Mike has built a loyal and rapidly growing following, with multiple sold out shows and standout performances alongside iconic New Zealand artists including Jon Toogood (Shihad) and Jason Kerrison (OPSHOP).

His live shows are more than entertainment — they’re purpose driven events that have collectively raised over $20,000 for causes close to his heart, including his charity of choice, Loving Arms.
Mike is now deep into releasing his own brand of original music to Aotearoa and beyond. “The Way I Am” has already been released, following the successful 2024 debut of “Energy Man,” with new songs on the horizon as he continues to expand his sound and momentum.

A high energy performer with a sound far bigger than one person should be able to create — One Man Big Sound delivers a live experience you feel as much as you hear.

Mike is hoping to be joined on stage by Matt Osment, original drummer of The Datsuns — a good mate from the squash court — bringing a little Te Pahu flavor to the evening’s sound.


Artist Spotlight: Rowdy’s Rose

Rowdy’s Rose is a husband and wife, international award-winning modern country duo from the Waikato. Independent singer songwriters and international recording artists, they are Triple USA Music Award winners and were GRAMMY submitted artists in 2026, marking them as one of the most exciting independent acts in modern country music.

Their momentum has been unstoppable. Rowdy’s Rose performed five dates across five states on their 2024/25 USA tour — including multiple shows in Nashville, the heart of country music. They followed this with their first nationwide New Zealand tour in 2025, before returning to Nashville for two more performances later that year.

With a sound that blends Kiwi charm, heartfelt storytelling, and country soul, Rowdy’s Rose continues to carve out their place on the international stage, captivating audiences wherever they go.


Artist Spotlight: Echoes of Yesterday

Echoes of Yesterday are a five-piece heavy rock band formed in 2025 at Te Awamutu College. Aged between just 15 and 17, these young musicians draw on influences spanning several decades, taking inspiration from artists such as Rage Against The Machine, Tool, Kings of Leon, and Highly Suspect to shape their emerging sound.

The band recently opened the inaugural Maihiihi Metal Mayhem, a two-day festival featuring established acts including Dead Empire, Tusk, and Rise The Wicked — a major milestone for a group so early in their journey.

Already hard at work writing new material, Echoes of Yesterday are preparing to head into the studio to record their first original songs. With strong ambitions to pursue careers in music after leaving school, they continue to refine their sound with guidance from local mentors and support from bands across the regional rock and metal scene.

For this show, the band will be stripping things back — a rare chance to see them test their talents in a more raw, almost unplugged setting, showcasing their musicianship in a whole new light.

With their energy, dedication, and rapidly growing stage experience, Echoes of Yesterday are building serious momentum — a young band to watch in the years ahead.


Artist Spotlight: DJ Tonz Def

Tonz Def is one of Auckland’s high energy selectors, bringing big personality and an even bigger sound to every room she steps into.

Originally from the Waikato before carving out her place in the Auckland scene, she brings a grounded Kiwi authenticity to every performance. With a multi genre approach spanning house, rock, metal, techno, and beyond, every set is crafted to match the vibe of the crowd — no two nights ever feel the same.

Expect an unforgettable, high octane mix that keeps the dance floor moving from the first track to the last.

Specializing in parties, discos, festivals, and weddings, Tonz Def was a Finalist in the 2026 Wedding Vendor Awards, recognized for her ability to turn any event into a full-blown celebration. You can also catch her every second Sunday on PlanetSauceRadio.com, delivering a live set that showcases her signature style and genre bending taste.

A true crowd reader with a fearless musical palette — Tonz Def brings the heat every time.