Gig Spotlight - The Racket Lounge

Created to give a platform to up-and-coming Pōneke talent, The Racket Lounge is the brand-new music series kid on the block. The initiative showcases emerging and student musicians as they collaborate and perform alongside professional musicians from the NZ String Quartet and the NZSO. We sat down with Mana Waiariki (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), Events Assistant at the NZSQ Trust, violinist, NZSM graduate, and one of the founders of this initiative, to talk about this exciting platform, its kaupapa, and its future.

In 2023, Leah Thomas, a graduate from the NZSM and project director of the incredibly successful Pōneke Sessions, helped bring classical music to a wider audience. But, with Leah’s departure to the US, there became a gap in the Pōneke music scene that needed to be filled once again. The New Zealand String Quartet Trust (NZSQ Trust) saw the opportunity but needed the right person to help lead. As Mana said, “They work in the music scene, but they’re not in the music scene.” Enter Mana Waiariki, with the help of the Toi Māori Internship and a wonderful team at the NZSQ Trust, Mana’s extensive experience and deep involvement in Pōneke’s vibrant music scene was exactly what they were looking for.

From its inception, Mana envisioned this space to feature and welcome a diverse range of genres and musicians. The aim being not only to attract all types of audiences, but to give a platform to students and musicians creating innovative new works in their own time. The works that often don’t see the light of day, or have a place to exist, now given their moment to shine.

Despite its classical roots, The Racket Lounge sessions feature a mix of jazz, fusion, strings, poetry, and new sounds. The first of the four sessions, aptly called ‘The First Session’, showcased new composition by Cadence Chung with words by Jackson McCarthy, sung by Christchurch tenor Theo Moolenaar and performed by the New Zealand String Quartet. Jazz musician Will Hanlon presented a nine-piece jazz ensemble with original compositions and arrangements. Finally, saxophonist Tessa Frazer, violinist Mana Waiariki, and pianist Gabriela Glapska joined forces to create a unique timbre with their new music.

Connecting students with industry professionals, The Racket Lounge creates a space where original works can be expressed and celebrated.

“There’s something about having the composer, the audience, and the musicians all in the same room that is so special... Especially being at the premiere and showcase of debut work - it’s really exciting!”

The relaxed atmosphere at Bedlam and Squalor, where it’s held, fosters an encouraging and approachable vibe that allows students, performers and audience members to interact, listen and learn from each other.

In Wellington, bringing together jazz, classical, and composition worlds is vital. The interconnected nature of the city opens pathways for opportunity and collaboration between these musical realms. The Racket Lounge does just this, aiming to encourage musicians to collaborate and listen to new music together.

Looking ahead, Mana hopes to see more regular sessions in the new year. The first four sessions being incredibly popular, with slots booking out quickly, proving just how much talent and new music there is to be showcased here in Pōneke.

So, don’t miss out on the third and penultimate session - ‘The New Sounds Session’ - 31 July, 6.30pm at Bedlam and Squalor. This session will feature original compositions and arrangements by Raf Hosking with the ‘Slow Jazz Ensemble’. Violin duets by Tabitha and Lisa from Te Kōkī, New Zealand School of Music, and a performance by CAPITAL REEDS. A trio of industry musicians from Orchestra Wellington and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, showcasing a range of unique and perhaps unfamiliar instruments.

With ‘Choose your Price’ options and tickets beginning at just $5, The Racket Lounge offers an accessible way to experience something new. Join in the action - secure your tickets for the third session on July 31st, and mark your calendars for the fourth and final session on October 2nd.

The Racket Lounge - 'The New Sounds Session', 31st July, 6.30pm Bedlam & Squalor. Click here to buy tickets now.