The 2023 Slam The Jams MAGS contemporary music concert was held on June 16 in the Music Department’s new E9/E10 performance space.
With a packed house of close to 100 audience members in attendance, the event signified a fantastic first semi-formal performance in the new venue. The concert featured 17 songs performed by 11 acts over a 90-minute programme.
Solo performers included Emma Newland, Anouk Blackburn, William Butterworth and Kairo Ah Kuoi-Simich, along with ensemble performances by MAGS Rockquest representatives Parkdale, and Arguing With A Child.
The evening kicked off with the MAGS Jazz Band, now the newly renamed Owairaka Jazz Ensemble.
It concluded with a special Tina Turner tribute performance by members of the Year 13 Modern Music class featuring Violani Afoa on vocals.
Other special performances included groups made up of students from the Year 12 Modern Music Class and a special guest performance by emerging band The Dawns featuring Elliot Smart on drums.
HOD Music Mr Watson said, “All aspects of the event were run by Modern Music students, including stage management by Lilaina Marshall, sound by Rahib Ahmed and Ollie Wikiriwhi, and lighting by Kevin Joy. Big thanks to Sylvie Morrison for photography and Declan Paxton for videography.”

Photos / Sylvie Morrison