Performers

301s

We are excited to have a local Upper Hutt College band performing at HighLight. 301’s describes themselves as “…just a couple of good mates who love to yarn and jam!” 

Cam and Sam

Cam and Sam have been working within the music industry for 25 years and our tribute to Sir Elton and Billy Joel is the culmination of our experience, musicianship and hard work. The show features all their famous songs, from the lyrical ballads (Your Song, New York State of Mind) to the firepower hits that always get the audience up and dancing (Uptown Girl, Crocodile Rock). The production features custom designed costumes (Elton’s wings are unforgettable!) and two baby grand pianos – one black, one white – which look spectacular amid a dazzling light show.

Callan James

Callan James is a takataapui singer/songwriter based in Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta, he aroha mutunga kore mo nga mahi atamira. He has been on Whakaata Māori, A Semi Finalist for 5 Minutes Of Fame Season 1, performed on International Platforms like Global Pride and currently writing his debut album.

HIWA

Hiwa Performance Creative thrives on performing Maori performance pieces of high standard which incorporate a balance of traditional and contemporary elements.

Miles Calder and band

Miles Calder is an indie folk songwriter from Wellington. He released his debut solo album Autopilot Life in 2021, a self reflective delve into waking up from an unexamined life, dressed in a psychedelic folk rock palette that evoked late era Beatles as much as contemporaries like Kevin Morby and Father John Misty. The album won over new fans and critics alike & led to a nomination for a prestigious Aotearoa Music Award (Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa | Best Folk Artist 2022).

His full band sound moves from understated folk rock to swirling psychedelia. His five piece band presents a dynamic live show with a psych tinged palette of cascading synths, atmospheric noise, and searing guitar solos to complement the frontman’s superb vocals.

The Aotearoa DJ Academy | Kidchella DJ

The Aotearoa DJ Academy specializes in teaching all the young and not so young DJs on only the best industry standard equipment with some of NZ’s highest qualified teachers and is right in the heart of Cuba. 

The Blueprint

The Blueprint is 3 piece covers powerhouse, who have been wowing crowds in Wellington for the last 11 years. Lead by Matt Carnihan (lead guitar & vocals), and backed up by Chris Garside (Bass) and Tony Hanson (drums), The Blueprint have carved a niche for themselves in the covers scene, taking in all the
classic tunes from Dragon to Doobie Bros, Big Mountain to Bob Marley, Eagles to the Exponents…..and everything in between! An absolute musical journey for all ages that will only enhance this awesome event!

UHC Dance Department

UHC Dance Department are a small group representing what is a 160 student strong Dance Department at Upper Hutt College and are growing every year! They are performing a selection of dances consisting of a trio, two duos (including a romantic lift dance), a tap solo and a large group disco number as a taster of both the serious and fun side of all the work they do in dance classes for assessments and for shows. 

UHC Poly Group

Malo e lelei! This is Upper Hutt College’s Pasifika Group formed in 2018, a diverse multicultural group who have come together to celebrate all things Pasifika. In today’s bracket they are performing a selection of dances from the Islands of Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu and finishing with a Hawaiian couples dance. Fa’afetai Lava

Urban Ersha

Urban Ersha don’t just play covers, they funk them up! This 5 piece covers band have a unique sounds and pride themselves on a high level of musicianship playing a wide variety of tunes to more off the wall mash ups and medleys to push away from the ‘typical’ covers band experience and keep you wanting
more.