Bands by Design can provide music for any event size and shape, with everything from full covers bands for large corporate parties through to solo acts for intimate private functions.
Browse the bands below, or contact us to hire a band for your function.
A BAND CALLED LAURA | AUCKLAND | 4-piece
Displaying a dazzling voice that can span all areas of the musical spectrum, Victor Hawkins is in high demand as a performer and creative artist.
Having spent the best part of the last 15 years wowing audiences across Aotearoa, Victor is firmly established as one of New Zealand’s finest and most unique vocalists.
He has performed in a wide range of settings and with some of New Zealand’s most well-known artists, including Stan Walker, Vince Harder, Erakah and Sola Rosa.
As a front person, he has fronted some of the country’s best bands, including the Levites, Hipstamatics, The Pickups, Jukebox and Big Ticket.
Further displaying the depth and range of his abilities, the Victor Hawkins Jazz Quartet will provide all the soul and vibe to elevate your next event!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
Tim Hopkins South Pacific Jazz | AUCKLAND | 5 piece
A powerhouse sax player and creative force, Tim has operated at the highest levels of the the jazz and popular music scenes for the past 3 decades as both a performer and recording artist.
Growing up in Brisbane, Australia, Tim firmly established himself as one of Australia’s most in demand saxophone players, performing and recording all over Australia and abroad.
On moving back to New Zealand, Tim began performing and recording with NZ artists including rapper King Kapisi, Russell Harrison and Miguel Fuentes.
Hopkins helped to start the Heineken Green Room Sessions in New Zealand with DJ Clarke and The Gordon Bennett Project. GBP have also played at the Heineken Open, headlined in Malaysia and Singapore at several big events and released a double CD recorded at Millton Vineyards & Winery in Gisborne.
LINEUP: Saxophone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums (add percussion / vocals)
Ra Charmian Jazz Quintet | AUCKLAND | 5-piece
Ra Charmian is an award-winning singer who has been featured on The Breeze, Radio New Zealand, Maori Television and Air NZ.
Performing the perfect songs and tailoring the setlist to ensure the success of your event is the band's top priority, and learning a special song or 2 for your wedding or event is never a problem.
Ra has been performing for over 15 years for a long list of top brands and has a wealth of experience to bring to your wedding or event
With Ra Charmian and her band at the helm, expect nothing short of extraordinary musical experiences.
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
Miss Hannah
A highly accomplished performer and tutor, Miss Hannah has established herself as one of New Zealands most in demand session vocalists.
After returning from New York in 2012, Hannah established herself in Auckland, performing regularly and, steadily, gaining a reputation for her powerful live perfomances and vocal versatility.
Performing for a variety of events and festivals, she has been a regular featured soloist and backing singer for ‘Coca Cola Christmas in the Park’ and a regular collaborator with many established bands and artists in New Zealand.
Her love of R&B, Neo-Soul and Jazz greatly influences her sound and ensures an emotive and soulful experience for her audiences.
Don’t miss the chance to see Miss Hannah and her top flight crew in action!
LINEUP: Vocals, Keys, Bass, Drums
Roger Manins Quartet | AUCKLAND | 4 piece
Roger Manins is one of New Zealand's finest saxophone players.
Having established himself as a dynamic and creative artist on both sides of the Tasman, Roger continues to be at the forefront of the jazz scene as a performer and innovator.
Performing with his top flight band, Roger will bring the vibe and energy to suit any ocassion with jazz reportoire ranging from swing and latin to funk and Blues
LINEUP: Saxophone, Guitar, Bass, Drums (add horns / vocals for 4 piece)
Yuli Quay Jazz Quartet | AUCKLAND | 4-piece
Yuli leads her hard swinging band of heavy hitters through a diverse range of jazz classics and soul tunes.
A powerhouse vocalist, Yuli is in high demand for her exceptional lead and backing vocals, having supported artists like Bonnie Tyler, Leo Sayer, Annie Crummer, and Tami Neilson.
Yuli holds a degree in music and has showcased her talent at prestigious events like the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Her voice resonates on television, radio, and in countless Les Mills classes worldwide.
Whatever the ocassion, Yuli and the band will bring the vibe to suit your event!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)
GROOVE, PARTY, JAZZ, FUNK 7 SOUL COVERS BAND | AUCKLAND | 4 Piece (plus)
Killer renditions of all your favourite groove, jazz, funk and soul crossover artists from George Benson, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and More…
Dynamic frontman Iri Aumatangi (Synthony / Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park) lays down soulful vocals with Mostyn Cole (Melotron, Korg Synth, Elec / Acoustic basses), Steve Thomas (Drums) and Dixon Nacey (Guitar / BVs)
Good Vibes brings THE GOOD VIBES!!!!!
LINEUP: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums
SOUL, FUNK, JAZZ & POP DANCE COVERS BAND | AUCKLAND | 5 - 6 Piece (plus)
The electrifying and soulful front-man, Victor Hawkins-Sulfa, leads this funky powerhouse band through an eclectic mix of classic soul, pop and rock music. Covering a wide range of artists, from Stevie Wonder, Prince and Michael Jackson through to Bowie, Queen and Guns n Roses .
The Pick Ups will guarantee a packed dance floor at your wedding or corporate event.
LINEUP: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums (add female vocals for 6 piece option)
COVERS BAND LEGENDS | AUCKLAND | 4-piece plus
Legendary covers band ‘KICK’ held residencies at Park in the Bar, The Rose & Crown, The Cock n Bull Pubs and played to hundreds of corporate clients throughout the nineties and noughties.
Highly regarded as one of the finest rock-pop covers bands in Aotearoa, they deliver tight, punchy, rock pop and dance music and bring a sure-fire class and sparkle to every event.
LINEUP: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums
POP, ROCK AND TOP 40 COVERS BAND
Super sharp dance music covering a huge range of styles, delivered by four of Christchurch’s heaviest hitting multi instrumentalists. Rock out to classic Stones or Bon Jovi; boogie down to Michael Jackson or The Beatles; or get your groove on to George Ezra and Ed Sheeran - these guys play EVERYTHING!
LINEUP: Lead vocals (4), guitars (2) Bass, Drums
ULTIMATE CLASS FROM JAZZ TO POP TO SOUL
A well-known and much-loved Christchurch voice, Kate has added her vocal talents to albums by LA Mitchell and Cairo Knife Fight. Her theatre credits include Showbiz Christchurch, The Court Theatre, Variety Theatre Ashburton and independent theatre company ‘Magnitude’. Kate's current musical projects focus on fronting and co-running New Zealand's first and only All Girl Big Band which consists of 19 Christchurch based female artists and Tigermoth, re-imagined jazz classics with a modern twist. She has also headlined local and national festivals showcasing the music of jazz artist Tierney Sutton, Stevie Wonder and Adele.
STYLE: Jazz, Pop, Soul, RnB, Funk
SIZE: 2-5 piece
LINEUP: Vocals (Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums and more!)
Hailing from Christchurch, Oval Office are a seven-piece funk band featuring some of New Zealand's finest musical talent.
Known for their tight, high energy shows, Oval Office play an engaging mix of funk, soul, jazz, blues and latin music delivering hard hitting grooves, explosive horn lines and enticing, soulful vocals.
STYLE: Funk, Soul, Pop, Top 40, Jazz, Blues, Reggae
LINEUP: Lead vocals, tenor saxophone, trombone, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums
POP, ROCK AND TOP 40 COVERS SINGER (ACOUSTIC)
One-man-hit-machine; bringing energy in abundance to every performance - Ants is the life and soul of the party! Huge repertoire, phenomenal voice and guitar skills, Ants is sure to entertain and get the dance floor pumping.
Dynamic singer and accomplished guitarist, Ants is a born entertainer with a huge repertoire to cater to any demographic, young old, party, dance, rock or pop.
LINEUP: Lead vocals, Acoustic guitar, (and can add drums and bass)
THE LITTLE LASS WITH THE BIG VOICE!
The little lass with the big voice!! Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland Nyree has over 15 years in the industry. Her musical journey began touring the UK and Europe as part of the highly regarded Abba tribute group Abbamania. Since her departure from the group she has built her own solo career and starred in a variety of European tribute shows from Celine Dion to Beyoncé and Jessie J. Now happily based in Christchurch, Nyree sings her heart out at events for clients such as the Crusaders, the Rams, Netball NZ, the ICC Cricket World Cup, Riccarton Racecourse and has performed national anthems for both Scotland and NZ. Earlier this year Nyree had the honour of singing back-up for Stan Walker at the Aroha Nui concert in Christchurch and recording with country powerhouse Tami Neilson. She has also enjoyed starring as a touring cast member in Coca Cola Christmas in the Park for the last 5 years running.
Whether performing solo, with her highly acclaimed Christchurch session band Suits, or with the amazing dance crew Swarm, Nyree is sure to impress and add that sparkle to any event!
STYLE: Pop, Rock, Top 40, Dance, Disco
SIZE: 2-6 piece
LINEUP: Vocals (Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums and more!)
JAZZ SAX TRIO / QUARTET
Saxophonist, composer and arranger, Gwyn Reynolds leads a variety of jazz ensembles to suit your event, from swinging jazz and blues to sophisticated Latin and funk stylings. Offering instrumental or vocal options, the music can range from intimate, mix and mingle to focal point entertainment to liven up your event.
Gwyn is an active contributor to the Christchurch music community and can be found in a wide variety of musical situations.
He has recorded extensively - from pop to pomp, composed original instrumental music and is an arranger for hire.
Gwyn is a regular performer at Jazz and Blues festivals throughout the country and has composed for numerous projects, including ‘Symposium’ and the C.S.O.
LINEUP: Saxophone, Guitar/Piano, Bass, Drums (can add vocals)
CAPTIVATING AND CLASSY - MARIA FLORES
Maria Flores is a contemporary/soul/jazz vocalist hailing from the bustling city of Hong Kong. Currently residing in Christchurch, Maria has wowed audiences with her energetic and captivating vocals through live performances in many venues, weddings and corporate events.
You can catch her performing weekly at Austin Club as a duo act with talented accompaniment James Caughley on keys, with Maria singing and playing percussion.
STYLE: Jazz, Pop, Soul, RnB, Funk
SIZE: 2 piece, 5 piece
LINEUP: Vocals/Percussion + Keyboards (duo), Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums.
Your Top Shelf duo for all occasions! Top Shelf have extensive experience gained performing at countless weddings, private functions, corporate events and festivals. They offer a large repertoire of well-known songs drawn from many genres that showcase the smooth vocals of Kate Taylor and the tasteful guitar of Andy Genge.
Their performances are tailored to suit any occasion and provide the final touch of class to your event.
LINEUP: Female and Male Vocals (2), guitar
ULTIMATE CLASS FROM JAZZ TO POP TO SOUL
An energetic and versatile lead vocalist, Lissel Stewart has been performing professionally for over 20 years. Singing all styles, from romantic ballads, R & B through to country and hard rock, Lissel can bring the party vibes to any occasion. Originally trained as a classical singer, Lissel has performed in a range of musical styles and settings from Coca Cola Christmas in the Park to her work as lead vocalist in Christchurch funk band ‘Oval Office’ and performing with NZ band ‘A Hori Buzz’.
Whether you want to create an ambiance or hit the dance floor, Lissel has the vocal stylings to elevate your event!
STYLE: Pop, Soul, RnB, Funk, Hip-Hop
SIZE: 2 piece, 5 piece
LINEUP: Vocals + Guitar (duo), Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums.
ULTIMATE CLASS FROM JAZZ TO POP TO SOUL
An energetic and versatile lead vocalist, Lissel Stewart has been performing professionally for over 20 years. Singing all styles, from romantic ballads, R & B through to country and hard rock, Lissel can bring the party vibes to any occasion. Originally trained as a classical singer, Lissel has performed in a range of musical styles and settings from Coca Cola Christmas in the Park to her work as lead vocalist in Christchurch funk band ‘Oval Office’ and performing with NZ band ‘A Hori Buzz’.
Whether you want to create an ambiance or hit the dance floor, Lissel has the vocal stylings to elevate your event!
STYLE: Pop, Soul, RnB, Funk, Hip-Hop
SIZE: 2 piece, 5 piece
LINEUP: Vocals + Guitar (duo), Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums.
Rachel Clarke Quintet | AUCKLAND | 5-piece
The Rachel Clarke quintet is an amalgamation of wonderful and talented young jazz musos.
Stylish and sophisticated, Rachel and her band of blend a multitude of genres into one beautiful and powerful soundscape within each performance.
As a group of up and coming Tāmaki based musicians, the Rachel Clarke quintet is a band to keep an eye on!
LINEUP: Vocals, Piano, Bass, Drums (add horns / guitar)