Uptown is full of musical people – home to iconic venues, recording studios and a thriving community of creatives. This May, in celebration of NZ Music Month, we present the Uptown Local Voices Series – a series of free, spontaneous pop-up gigs bringing live music to unexpected spots across the neighbourhood!
Discover the sound of Uptown at our series of performances, popping up in local cafés, community spaces and venues.
Performing Live at Benedict's: George VILLA
Join us on your lunch or coffee break as George VILLA kicks off the series with a relaxed acoustic in the peaceful upstairs courtyard at Benedict’s.
George VILLA is a 22yr old solo artist from Hamilton now living in Auckland.
Fresh off his new single “Keep It All Together” a psychedelic bossanova groove about feeling out of control, 2025 brings new releases fitting somewhere in the folk rock pocket as he continues to develop his sound.His latest release “Time Gon’ Trickle Down” is out now.
Listen to George VILLA here
About the venue:
Benedict's is known for classic brunch fare, great coffee, and warm, dog-friendly service, every day of the week. Their peaceful outdoor courtyard is perfect for gatherings, brunch or a quick coffee in busy Uptown.
Whether you’re heading to all the gigs in the Uptown Local Voices Series, or dropping by on your lunch break, come and enjoy the sounds of Uptown.
Explore the rest of the Uptown Local Voices Series this NZ Music Month:
Eliette’s Music Academy at Brother’s, Friday 23 May, 5:30pm
Sanguine (Noa Records) at Coffee Pen, Saturday 24 May, 11:00am
Jenni Smith at The Good Home Mt Eden, Sunday 25 May, 3:00pm
Finn Johansson at Puen Eatery & Bar, Wednesday 28 May, 5:30pm
Plus a special showcase performance at The Corner Store, Thursday 29 May, 5:30pm
