Music & Live Performances
The main stage is always buzzing. See what’s in store for 1 March 2026.
Vanessa Vaccari & her Band
After winning hearts at last year’s Festival, Vanessa Vaccari returns to Nelson with even more soul.
An internationally experienced Italian singer and vocalist whose career spans jazz, soul, pop and soundtrack work, Vanessa has performed alongside some of Italy’s most celebrated artists. She has also appeared at major festivals and iconic venues like Venice’s Teatro La Fenice.
Vanessa will be in great company on our Festival’s main stage, with a stellar band of local musicians: Raffaele Bandoli (trumpet), Annabel Boys (saxophone), Wendy Phua (bass), Brad Banks (guitar), Amy Cunningham (piano & keys), and Jim Boyden (drums).
Get ready for a rich, groove-filled set!
Main Stage, 12.20-1.20 pm | 1.45-2.45 pm
Opera Trio
Experience the beauty and passion of Italian opera with Saul Gibney (tenor), Laura Rollinson (soprano) and Louis Lucas-Perry (piano).
The Opera Trio will perform celebrated arias and duets from iconic Italian operas, alongside beloved popular songs.
Nelson/Tasman-based soprano Laura Rollinson brings her extensive musical theatre background, with stage credits across New Zealand. Tenor Saul Gibney began his musical journey in Nelson musical theatre and has since built a strong reputation in operatic, choral and stage productions. Accompanying them is Louis Lucas-Perry, an internationally recognised pianist and recent prize winner at the AEGIO International Piano Competition in Toronto.
Main Stage, 11.15 am – 12 pm
Tarante
Back by popular demand, our wonderful folk dancers Tarante are ready to make you move like nobody’s watching.
United by a love of dance, connection and cultural expression, Tarante swept Festival-goers off their feet last year, and they’re here to do it again.
Their name comes from the taranta, once believed to be a spider whose bite caused a trace-like state. The cure was the tarantella – a fast, rhythmic dance from Southern Italy, meant to release, heal and free.
On 1 March 2026, Tarante will channel the same joyful energy through dances like pizzica and others. Trust us, you’ll feel every beat.
Entertainment Area, 10.45-11.15 am | 1.20-1.45 pm
