Uptown Local Voices - FREE Final Showcase

Join us LIVE for the FREE final show in our Uptown Local Voices series, featuring an exciting lineup of local talent, live from The Corner Store!

This is the grand finale of our Uptown Local Voices series. Alongside three live acts, we’ll be showcasing selected tracks from Uptown Local Voices gigs during May NZ Music month – where locals discovered the sound of Uptown at spontaneous shows that popped up in local cafes, community spaces and venues.

Make sure you RSVP for your free ticket - spaces are limited! 

PERFORMING LIVE FROM THE CORNER STORE

STENN FRANCIS-DEARE

Stenn Francis-Deare is an alternative singer-songwriter based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Blending alt-country and baroque pop, his emotionally rich songs reflect a deep foundation in performance and a life immersed in music. His debut album — recorded at Roundhead Studios with members of LEAO, Erny Belle, Rewind Fields, Marlins Dreaming and more — is set for release in August 2025.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stennfrancisdeare/

GENEVA AM

Geneva AM is the moniker of Geneva Alexander-Marsters (she/her, Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Aitutaki, Palmerston), an award winning producer, beat maker and vocalist based in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Her bilingual approach to songwriting has been prominent throughout her musical career, most notably with the band SoccerPractise (2012-2018) and her debut release IHO (Waiata / Anthems). IHO went on to win Te Tohu Puoro o te reo Māori (Favourite Song featuring Te Reo Māori) at the 2023 Student Radio Network Awards. In 2024, she released the single ‘T(M)²I’ (Tangaroa Made Me Ill) in two versions (te reo and English), followed by ‘Pikipiki’ which amassed over 200,000 streams on Spotify. A seasoned live performer, Geneva AM has recently performed alongside Anna Coddington, Ladi6 and Suzi Cato.

Listen: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iEyCAabR7PgrMr3oUFhpb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneva_am/

THE JENNA ASPELING AND WILL RALPH JAZZ BAND

Will and Jenna are two recent graduates from Aucklands Jazz programme. They are passionate musicians and educators working in and around the up town area. Playing in various different Jazz, Rock, Indie, Salsa, Cuban and Funk groups around town Will and Jenna are bringing that together for a fun set of new and old tunes at Uptown. They lead a quintet, featuring fellow University alumni Alex Keatley on the Bass, Behzad Kakaria on the Drums and Andrew Choi on guitar. They look foward to sharing a fun set of music with you!!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willjralph

Explore the rest of the Uptown Local Voices Series this NZ Music Month:

George VILLA at Benedict’s, Thursday 22 May, 12:30pm

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