Dream line up for Waiata Mai at Black Barn amphitheatre

Dave Dobbyn is among a line up of top NZ artists to perform at Waiata Mai

What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than a good old sing-a-long.
That's exactly what you can expect at Waiata Mai to be held at Black Barn's amphitheatre in Havelock North on December 2.

Creative director of the event Tama Waipara says the "dream line up has never been seen before and is not likely to be seen again".

"All of these incredible artists are in demand and lead busy lives. To get them all together is really special," Waipara said.

Performing on the night will be Dave Dobbyn, Anika Moa, Tami Neilson, Maisey Rika, Rob Ruha, Teeks, Troy Kingi, along with kapa hapa group Kahurangi and St Joseph's Māori Girls' College Choir.

Waipara, who is a well known New Zealand musician and the senior programmes manager at Auckland Arts Festival, said the concert was planned with IronMaori in mind.

"Hawke's Bay is the place to be on the first weekend in December - it's going to be fantastic. It will be a fun relaxed night and everyone is welcome - the essence of the show is to come along and sing along.

"Bring the children or if you want to run away from the kids this is the place to go," he laughed.

"Sit under the stars in this outstanding venue and have a glass of wine while you listen to music from some of the top musicians in New Zealand.

"It will be upbeat, laid back, fun, raucous and there will be exquisitely beautiful music."

He said these artists needed to be heard more often. "Most of them have been performing overseas so to get them together in New Zealand is just incredible.

"Dave Dobbyn is a national treasure while Teeks is the newcomer. He has just been nominated for three awards. He filmed his first music video for If Only in Napier and Anika Moa - well she's a legend.

"We really have hit the jackpot with this lineup. I'm a big fan of all the artists - I have a very joyful job. I'm looking forward to being in a beautiful place listening to great sounds."

Concert-goers can expect to hear their favourites along with some surprises in both English and te reo.

■There will be a shuttle bus from the IronMaori prizegiving to the concert.

■ Tickets now available from blackbarn.com or from the cellar door