The 2025 Lakeside Choir is directed by Elisha Fa’i-So’oialo (pictured), the RBHS Choir Director, and managed by Cameron Hay, the Head of Performing Arts at RBHS. The choir is made up of students from Rotorua Boys’ High School and Rotorua Girls’ High School, who are members of the Raukura Choir, Voci Vivace, and/or the Raukura Kapa Haka team.

These three award-winning groups have come together for this special performance. Many of the students have attended Lakeside concerts in the past, dreaming of performing on stage, and now the opportunity has arrived for them to proudly represent themselves, their families, and their schools. The choir is also supported by performing arts teachers from both schools and the principals, Sarah Davis of Rotorua Girls’ High School and John Kendal of Rotorua Boys’ High School.

Born into a world rich in kapa haka and gospel himene, Kaaterama’s exceptional talents as a vocalist and brass player have propelled her to the forefront of Aotearoa’s music scene. A true trailblazer, she earned the Waiata Māori Music Award for Best Emerging Artist in 2017, starred in the inspiring Voices of the Future, and became the powerhouse female vocalist for Māori-pop sensation Maimoa Music.

In November 2018, Kaaterama released her debut EP Kia Kaaterama – Shine Your Light, making history as the first Māori-language youth-gospel EP to hit Aotearoa’s airwaves, earning critical acclaim and chart success. But Kaaterama’s impact goes beyond music. During an indigenous youth exchange in Taiwan, she produced her first music video He iti, calling on young people across the globe to embrace their power as leaders in kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship) and protect our planet for future generations.

With her unique fusion of haka-soul and gospel influences, Kaaterama is not just breaking musical boundaries—she’s paving the way for a new era of Māori music, inspiring the next generation to shine their light and lead with purpose.

Vince Harder is a talented R&B singer, producer, and songwriter from Aotearoa with multiple #1 hits in New Zealand. He’s won awards like Best Male Artist and Best Urban Artist at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards. Vince has had success as a solo artist with hits like “Not Gonna Let Go” and “Next To You,” and starred in musical theater productions like The Lion King.

In 2021, he appeared on TVNZ’s Popstars and released singles including “Human” with Stan Walker. Vince’s third studio album Horizon dropped in December 2022 and has already surpassed 700,000 streams on Spotify.

Tim has been playing bass trombone with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra since 1990. He started his musical journey with a Bachelor of Music from Victoria University of Wellington before studying for a Master of Music at DePaul University in Chicago under the renowned Charles Vernon.

Over the years, Tim has played with other orchestras like the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the Wellington Orchestra. He’s also a founding member of the contemporary ensemble 175 East and the trombone quartet BonaNZa, showcasing his love for all things brass.

When he’s not on stage, Tim spends time sharing his passion for music. He teaches at several schools and is involved with the Tironui Music Trust in South Auckland, helping to inspire the next generation of musicians.

A familiar face to many, Stella Maris became known as a young star in Rotorua’s music scene, which quickly led to performing on the world stage—touring her talents around the USA & Canada, the Middle East, and Europe.

She’s also made a name for herself among local audiences as a presenter on the iconic Aotearoa kids’ show, What Now.

Stella has whakapapa to Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Hauraki, and Te Arawa.

Richard Anaru – Guitars

After missing last year’s wonderful Lakeside show, Richard is stoked to be joining the awesome Lakeside Music Ensemble again for Funkyside 2025.

Richard is a veteran of many Lakeside events, having been Artistic Director for Whenua in 2018 and MD for Tatou Tatou in 2020.

Trumpeter Mike Booth has enjoyed a freelance career performing with many of the nation’s best-known artists.

Versatile in jazz, pop, Latin, and classical music, Mike spent 20 years in Europe with the Dutch pop band De Dijk and lectured at conservatories in the Netherlands. He performs and tours regularly with a wide variety of musicians.

Growing up in South Auckland during the 1980s, he was influenced by homegrown hip-hop and R&B, as well as disco legends like Earth, Wind & Fire. His passion for synths began in high school, where he learned from Simon Lynch of Ardijah—a band he later played with.

Karl’s musical journey has seen him perform with iconic NZ artists like Ardijah and Kantuta and teach at institutions like MAINZ and Excel. Now, he focuses on his own music, blending 70s funk, neo-soul, and electronic styles. His debut album, To What End, is a fusion of Afrofuturism and funk, featuring collaborations with artists from NZ and the UK, including Jess Matthews, Emily Higgins, Nathan Haines, and UK soul legend Omar.

Iri’s stunning, soulful vocals have seen him performing on TV, YouTube, NZ Rugby World Cup, World Masters NZ 2017, and Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (2016–2020), as well as at festivals throughout NZ, Australia, Hawaii, the USA, Tahiti, Samoa, and Rarotonga. He has also performed at high-profile corporate events for companies such as Air NZ, Spark, and Vodafone and even sung on Graeme Hart’s superyacht, Ulysses.

He was the singer and frontman for the legendary covers group Black Salt from 2002 to 2022.

Iri is currently working towards releasing newly arranged compositions alongside legendary maestro Dixon Nacey in their originals group, I.D.

With over 40 years in the music industry, Ernie has built a renowned repertoire spanning popular music, jazz, rock, reggae, and R&B. Originally from Auckland, he has performed across New Zealand, captivating audiences with timeless classics and crowd favourites.

Antonio, a percussionist born in Mexico and adopted by Aotearoa in 2007, holds a Music Education diploma with a Jazz major from the University of Auckland. Specialising in Afro-Latin percussion, he plays congas, bongos, djembe, balafon, and a wide range of ethnic instruments that define his unique musicality within the ensemble.

With a diverse background, Antonio has performed and collaborated with renowned international bands and artists in live shows, music festivals, and studio recordings. He has been part of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) for the Synthony show, worked on major theatre productions and international music events like The Voice Final Concert, and contributed to significant performances in Aotearoa, including Christmas in the Park Auckland, Lakeside Rotorua 2024, and Festival of Lights New Plymouth.

Luke Whaanga is known for his powerhouse voice and stage presence on all stages, big or small. You may remember him from his debut on New Zealand television screens in 2004 as a NZ Idol finalist or as the lead singer for hit singles Irie Music, Souljah Feeling and more recently his hit single Home/Ukaipo, a New Zealand anthem favourite and season theme song for the Warriors epic season last year.

Luke’s happy place will always be reggae roots but now as an independent artist, entertainer and songwriter is relishing the ability to try out other genres.  His recent album “Home” draws from his life experiences and is a unique blend of roots reggae, soul, blues, funk and R&B.

Get ready to be mesmerized by Luke’s powerhouse notes at this year’s Lakeside.

Jake is a trumpet/trombone player from Auckland who has been playing since he was 8 years old.After completing his music degree at the University of Auckland Jake now regularly performs with many ensembles throughout Auckland.

His professional experience includes playing in performances of Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot the Musical and at the Pop-up Globe. Highlights include playing a duet with Josh Groban, performing with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for Synthony, as well as playing for the 2024 Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park.

He’s the BIG man with the BIG voice and he’s become one of the most recognised entertainers in his homeland of New Zealand. With credits that include Film, Stage, Radio & television get ready to be entertained. “Literally the biggest soul voice ever to come out of New Zealand”

Please welcome – Russell Harrison.

Rawiri has been honing his craft for years, and his music is a perfect blend of soulful melodies and infectious rhythms that will have you tapping your feet and swaying to the beat.

Whether you’re a fan of Rhythm and blues, soul or love great music, Rawiri Waru is a performer you won’t want to miss at the Rotorua Lakeside Concert 2025.

Hannah Rees is a session vocalist and vocal tutor based in South Auckland. Her love for and dedication to her craft led Hannah from her hometown of Masterton to Hamilton, where she studied a Bachelor of Music and then on to New York, to experience and learn from the world of underground R&B’s finest.

In 2012, Hannah returned to New Zealand where she established herself in Auckland to teach singing privately and at South Auckland High Schools. Here she shares her love for music and vocal technique expertise. Hannah has performed on numerous stages throughout New Zealand and around the world for a variety of events and festivals. She is very much looking forward to returning to Lakeside as a backing vocalist in 2025.

Anna Grahame (Te Rarawa) and her soulful sound has taken her around the world from London to Papua New Guinea, performing backing vocals with some of NZ’s most talented artists including TEEKS, Tami Neilson and Lavina Williams.
Nelson-bred Anna grew up on the stage, with regular performances in choirs, musical theatre productions and local events.

Now based in Auckland, Anna shares her love for music and harmony by performing at events including Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, Electric Avenue and in 2023, Lakeside Concert Rotorua! She looks forward to joining the stage again for Lakeside 2025.

Dixon has become a sought-after artist with his vast experience performing with top musicians worldwide.

He has won the prestigious Tui award for Best NZ Jazz Artist 2020 for his first album as a leader, ‘The Edge of Chaos’, and his ‘Disney Guitar’ recordings have been streamed over 10 million times.

Dixon’s expertise in music has also landed him teaching positions at various universities, and The New Zealand Rockshop endorses him.

With Dixon as the Artistic Director, the Rotorua Lakeside Concert 2025 ‘Funkyside’ is set to be a memorable night.

Jonathan Tan is a trombonist and brass teacher based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Jono completed a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance at the NZ School of Music and has worked with a number of notable Kiwi acts, including Auckland Jazz Orchestra, Rodger Fox Big Band, Katchafire, Aaradhna, Sons of Zion and Tahuna Breaks.

Steve Sherriff began playing music professionally at age sixteen, signing up to join the Royal New Zealand Navy Band in 1978. He received an excellent education in musicianship, clarinet and saxophone technique and bandstand etiquette. The jazz big band was an especially good ensemble in which Steve played lead alto for the better part of ten years. On departing the navy band, Steve started teaching and playing around the Auckland area.

Over the years, he has played in many established jazz big bands, notably Rodger Fox and the Auckland Jazz Orchestra to name a few. Steve has contributed to smaller groups also, notably Bluetrain, a jazz funk five piece. It’s in this band that he began composing and contributed many tunes to the band’s albums. Bluetrain picked up a Tui at the NZ Music Awards for their album “No Free Lunch” back in 1997. These days, Steve fronts his own five-piece band, the SS5tet, performing recently at the Tauranga Jazz Festival in 2022.

Alex is a tuba player who hails from Melbourne, Australia. He completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne and has studied classical, orchestral, and chamber music with numerous teachers from the USA and Europe.

Alex moved to Auckland in 2021 to take up the principal tuba position with the Auckland Philharmonia.

A fan of all kinds of music, Alex enjoys playing jazz, funk, and hip-hop when given the opportunity and has recently been able to play these genres as a member of the Big Horns band.

Huntly-born musician Andrew Hall is a performer, composer, arranger, and producer based in Auckland. Proficient on saxophone, clarinet, flute, and vocals, he has shared the stage with recognised artists including Eric Marienthal, Chris Thompson, Georgie Fame, Rodger Fox, and Dave Matthews. Andrew has performed at festivals such as the Monterey Jazz Festival and Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Andrew leads his own band, Spiral Collective, composes, arranges, and holds the chair of lead alto with the Auckland Jazz Orchestra. He is also a session player around Auckland. He was formerly a member of dDub on saxophone and trumpet and served as the Musical Director of the Hamilton Big Band.

Lavina Williams – Singer, songwriter and musical actress. She is the winner of the prestigious 2017 Benny Award – “Pacific Entertainment Award for Top Female Vocalist” in New Zealand.

Lavina’s career highlights started in 2004 Playing lead roles such as Shenzi, Rafiki and Sarabi in the world-renowned Broadway musical “The Lion King” in Australia, Germany and Singapore, came in 8th place in the Australian Idol 2006 Talent Show, then moved to Germany to write and produce music for Germany’s hit show “pop stars” while on a mini tour in France playing Deena Jones in the Dream Girls Musical.

She was also opening act for Ms.Tina Turner, played Motormouth Maybelle in Broadway’s hit musical “Hairspray” at Auckland’s Sky City Theatre, played the lead role “Deloris Van Cartier” in Sister Act Musical in NZ, vocal coach for the Top 13 contestants of Season 2 “The X-Factor” New Zealand. She is a Vocal/ Songwriting Mentor for NZMC travelling to Various Colleges around NZ.

She is the “Good Will Ambassador” for St. John Ambulance PNG and is now on her fifth year as Vocal coach, Judge, Creative Director and Manager of the biggest television show in the Pacific “Vocal Fusion” based in Papua New Guinea

*Lavina is the oldest of a super talented family, brother top of the charts NZ Music Artist J.Williams, sister Emily Williams 2nd place winner of 2005 Australian Idol, and

youngest sister chart topping artist RAZÉ winner of PMAs “Best female artist” “Best Soul and Rnb artist in 2019.

New Zealand-born Samoan tenor Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono has made a name for himself across Oceania for his “glowing, rich tenor voice and compelling stage presence” (Five Lines, NZ).

In 2024, he received the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award from Creative New Zealand. In 2023, he won the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Award and the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition. In 2022, he claimed the Lockwood New Zealand Aria and the Dame Kiri te Kanawa Scholarship at the Lexus Song Quest, while also being a Dame Malvina Major Foundation (DMMF) Studio Artist with New Zealand Opera.

Emmanuel trained at the New Zealand Opera School from 2019-2022, earning the DMMF Scholarship and the Susie and Guy Haddleton Emerging Artist Scholarship. His performances include roles in Auckland Opera Studio’s Verdi Meets Puccini gala, The Dream of Gerontius with Auckland Choral, and Mozart’s Requiem with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra. In 2025, he will join the Merola Program with the San Francisco Opera.

Verity is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Auckland who is making waves on social media, with well over half a million followers on Instagram and TikTok.

She has amassed millions of views and likes on many posts. She has been a regular performer at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, Auckland, since 2018 and was a finalist on TVNZ’s show Sixty Seconds, where she wowed a live audience, a panel of celebrity judges, and viewers at home with her beautiful voice and songwriting ability.

She has spent much of this year recording and has recently released her latest single, Twin Flames, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Baedyn has had the privilege of being in loads of performing opportunities such as the many theatre productions around the township, various kapa haka groups as well as many cover bands throughout recent years. But Lakeside 2025 might just be his greatest performance yet!!

‘Mickey Ututaonga’ (Drumist)

Born in Rotorua, Mickey hails from a large Māori musical family. (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hine, and Ngāti Māhanga)
Introduced to music and the drums at the age of four, Mickey’s early exposure to the world of rhythm set the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.

Starting his professional journey at just eight years old, Mickey quickly honed his skills by playing in clubs, socials, and with various bands, gaining invaluable experience along the way. His unwavering passion for drums and commitment to his craft have led him to collaborate with a diverse range of talented musicians and artists across multiple genres.

Throughout his career, Mickey has performed alongside some of New Zealand’s finest, including Annie Crummer, Betty Anne Monga, Whirimako Black, Mark Williams, Nathan Haines, Jonathan Crayford, The Ladykillers, Renee Geyer, When the Cats Away, Sir Howard Morrison, and Dame Malvina, among many others. Whether live or in the studio, Mickey’s versatility and skill have made him one of the most respected drummers in New Zealand today, both at home and internationally.