What's On

Individually impressive and together formidable, these two road-seasoned heavyweight roots artists deliver a powerful, groove-laden blues sound.

Their music travels from Basin Street to the back porches of Mississippi, up through Chicago, and lands right here in Aotearoa’s indie-blues scene. Expect a mix of acoustic and electric feels, upcycled standards and strong original material spanning slow-burn ballads, rootsy blues-rock vibes, and upbeat boogie ‘n swing.

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The Funk Rockets are a high-energy groove band from Whanganui, bringing together some of the region’s finest and most experienced musicians.

Members are Fred Loveridge (guitar), Brent Holt (keys), David Griffiths (bass), Michael Franklin-Browne (drums), Clyde Dixon (trumpet), Joe Kennedy (saxophone) and Riwai Hina (trombone).

The band delivers an electrifying blend of funk, soul, and jazz, with slick arrangements, deep-pocket grooves, and a vibrant stage presence that keeps audiences moving from the first note to the last.

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After 2 years of successful competitions, Battle of the Bands Manawatū (Teaching Staff Edition) competition returns in 2026.

Staff from Cornerstone Christian School, Queen Elizabeth College, St. Peters College, and Rangitikei College will be taking the stage to battle it out for the title. Each band will perform a set of three songs each to entertain the crowd and judges.

This night is a lot of fun! Come cheer on your favourite teachers/ schools!

Come and celebrate the Fête de la Musique with Alliance Française Palmerston North on Saturday 6th June from 2pm to 10pm at the Globe Theatre.

Every year since 1982, French people gather in the streets of the country to enjoy free concerts and celebrate the arrival of summer. We want to share this event, an important part of the French culture, with you.

During the afternoon, you will enjoy a wide range of musical genres: from classical music to pop, rock, folk or jazz... There will be something for everyone!

In the evening we will feature SAM MANZANZA and the Afro Beats Band at 7pm and French band LA MER at 8pm. Join us and get ready to dance!

Voted Comedy Hub's best show in 2025, Sing It Wrong returns with MC Jayda McIndoe and a whole host of great comedians for a night of original parody songs and stand-up comedy. Laugh along, as we take a song and Sing It Wrong.

“It has comedy to get me laughing, songs to entertain me and a bevy of local talent to sample. What’s not to love?” – Art Murmurs, NZ

The acts have written these parodies themselves especially for the night! Hear lyrics that make you laugh until your sides hurt and if you want to, sing along.

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Comedians getting tattooed while doing stand-up while sitting down in a sterile environment with You watching.

Welcome To Our Lounge - Featuring songs from Carole King & Linda Ronstadt

Get ready for an amazing night featuring the timeless songs of Carole King & Linda Ronstadt. Together, Sue and Steve create a harmonious blend of nostalgia and artistry, dedicating their performances to the timeless contributions of legendary artists Linda Ronstadt and Carole King. With a unique piano-vocal cabaret style, they breathe new life into beloved classics, offering audiences an intimate and engaging experience.

Sue Dyson, a gifted vocalist known for her warm and captivating stage presence, backed by talented pianist Steve Papworth, are set to offer an extraordinary musical experience that celebrates the enduring legacies of Linda Ronstadt and Carole King. Set in a laid-back intimate atmosphere, their performances promise an engaging experience where audiences will tap their feet to the classics that have defined generations.

Sue has graced the stage of New Zealand's 'Good Morning Show' multiple times, showcasing her vocal prowess and musical versatility. Additionally, Sue has lent her voice as a backup vocalist at the prestigious New Zealand Music Awards and has enjoyed significant success with her original country music in Australia.

Steve Papworth is a Palmerston North-based musician with a wide-ranging musical background spanning six decades playing keyboards across many musical genres. These include rock, jazz, blues, big band, country, traditional and contemporary church worship, electro-pop, dance-pop and new romantic.

Steve has performed with a broad range of different acts, recently completing nationwide tours with the Bruce Springsteen tribute show “The Boss” and “The Fleetwood Mac Experience”. He has also performed with alternative country rock singer Andy Anderson, multi-artist tribute band “Lost Icons”, jazz combos “Paul Dredge Trio” and “The Papaoiea Funk Ensemble”, as an orchestra member for the Hamilton Operatic Society, music director for Crossroads Church and keyboardist/song co-writer for Waikato-based 1980s new romantic band "The Set", who won the 1994 Waikato Rock awards with song “Soul Dice”.

Find out more about Sue Dyson
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Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. comes to life on stage with Manawatū Youth Theatre. Featuring talented young performers from across the Manawatū, this magical production is packed with unforgettable songs, beloved characters, humour, and heart.

Follow Belle and the Beast in this timeless tale of love, courage, and transformation as an enchanted castle races against time to break a powerful curse. Tickets are expected to sell fast, so don’t miss your chance to “Be Our Guest”! We encourage audience members to dress in theme. Proudly supported by our title sponsors, Innes Dean Lawyers.

Elise Allen as Belle: 8/7 1pm, 9/7 6.30pm, 10/7 6.30pm, 11/7 1pm, 15/7 1pm, 16/7 6.30pm, 17/7 1pm
Amelia Bennett as Belle: 9/7 1pm, 10/7 1pm, 11/7 6.30pm, 12/7 1pm, 16/7 1pm, 17/7 6.30pm

Amy Hunt is an award-winning performer, and vocal coach with over 30 years on stage. In 'She Was Always There', she shares her real-life story through song, humour, and raw honesty. Featuring hits from her favourite roles and stand out performances, an intimate, powerful journey of resilience, transformation, and finding her voice.

Raising money as she heads to Spain in October to lead her choir Six to Sixty in 'Sing for Gold'.

A Children's Theatre Workshop with Debby Mulholland

An invitation for children aged 8 - 12 years to write and perform their own play, by adapting an old classic or writing their own new adventure.

Workshop information:
Monday July 13th - Friday July 17th 2026
10am - 2pm daily
Performance will take place on Friday, July 17th at 1pm. All are invited to attend.

Please bring a drink bottle, snacks & lunch.

Admission $140 (for the week). Limited numbers, so register now.

On Sunday July 26th, the featured artist in the Globe Sunday Matinee Series is Vicki Lee. Vicki has been an active musician for almost 50 years, both in bands, and for the past ten years as a solo singer, pianist & keyboardist.

She has toured as personal accompanist to many wonderful artists including Dame Malvina Major, and Sir Howard Morrison who memorably performed his classic bilingual rendition of the popular hymn “How Great Thou Art”, (Whakaaria Mai) in 1981 at The Royal Variety Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

Since 2015 Vicki has been performing the music of Dame Vera Lynn within New Zealand, and in England, and also at a very special event in St Severs in France. Her unique abilities mean that she is equally at home as a singer as a pianist and keyboard artist. During these concerts it was clear that Dame Vera’s music resonated on a deep level. Vicki realised that it was imperative to not only perform the music, but to create a setting where the memories and stories could be gathered. She increasingly saw herself as a conduit between the audiences and Dame Vera Lynn.

Vicki’s repertoire is of course not limited just to the music of Vera Lynn, but includes a wide range of songs and pieces beloved by the generations who have attended concerts by Dame Malvina Major, Sir Howard Morrison, and more besides.

As something unique to the series, the repertoire that Vicki is to perform will substantially be chosen by audience members. Those intending to come are invited to email the series convenor, Guy Donaldson at Donaldson.guy@gmail.com with a request for loved songs or pieces to be performed. The invitation will be kept open to the very day of the concert and attendees can also hand in their requests at the door.

Admission is by koha, recommended from $10.

Experience the energy, emotion, and unforgettable music of RENT: School Edition - the iconic musical set in New York City’s East Village that follows a group of young artists and friends as they navigate love, friendship, identity, and the challenges of life while holding tightly to hope, creativity, and each other.

Featuring beloved songs including “Seasons of Love,” RENT is a powerful celebration of resilience, connection, and living life to the fullest, reminding us all that there is “No day but today.”

This special community driven production features an all-adult student cast, bringing together performers of all experience levels, from first-time performers bravely stepping onto the stage for the very first time to experienced theatre lovers sharing their passion and support along the way.
Filled with heart, humor, and raw emotion, this is a production not to be missed. Come support local performers and experience the magic of live theatre.

Taking its namesake from the remote mountain town in the Southern Alps where it was recorded, CASTLE HILL was produced by Josh Logan and recorded live with Mel’s longtime band members Aaron Stewart (bass) and Jed Parsons (drums); joined by Ben King (Goldenhorse, Grand Rapids) on guitars. Parsons says of the sessions: “it was a full immersion recording experience over a stolen summer holiday”

Following the release of SABOTAGE in 2024, multi-award winning Parsons toured the country with Crowded House, performed in Canada and Australia, and has continued her stellar run including a finalist nod for Best Folk Artist at the 2026 AMA’s.

Singles already released from the record include the alternative radio chart toppers, ‘Post High Slide’, ‘Brick By Brick’, ‘Be Here Now’, ‘Don’t Leave The Light On’, ‘Caravan’, as well as the most recent single, ‘Grain by Grain’.

Expect soaring harmonies, a dynamic live show, and a feel-good vibe throughout as Mel Parsons performs live this August and September. Come and celebrate one of Aotearoa’s finest live artists!

Praise for Mel Parsons:
“A performance that travels the map of the human heart” - 13th Floor
"Sabotage is pure triumph" - Rolling Stone Australia

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