The Oxo Cubans' Big Night Out would promote up-and-coming musicians and the Mayfair Theatre, one of the organisers, Marcel Rodeka, said.
"What we're trying to do is keep the young musicians coming through in front of people; giving them some experience and keeping the Mayfair occupied," the Oxo Cubans drummer said yesterday.
"It's so important to keep the Mayfair working. It's such a great place.
"It's got a really nice sound, which is what we go for, and the audience are nice and close to the stage.
"It's the combined effect of the audience and the band, which is a neat thing you can only do in places like that."
The Oxo Cubans' first Mayfair concert, last August, sold out the 400-seat theatre.
"This one will be a bit different to last time. This time we're focusing a bit more on vocals. We're going to build the set around people's voices and mix great songs together with great singers," Mr Rodeka said.
New artists performing include South African soul and gospel singer Annelise Le Grange (20), blues singer and musician Georgie Daniell (18), saxophonist Genevieve Davidson (18) and trombonist Nick Dodd (19).
Also performing will be 2010 New Zealand Secondary Schools Play it Strange national songwriting competition winner Kristin Macdonald (18) and her 14-year-old sister Rita (14).
"All of these young artists have the potential to be world class performers," Mr Rodeka said.
Other performers include William Davidson, Jeff Rea, Dave Horizon, Ralph Millar, Steve Rice, the 30-piece Sunny Side Up gospel choir, Natural History NZ composers Neville Copland and Graeme Perkins, John Meddings, University of Otago senior music lecturer Dr Rob Burns, Scott Colvin, Justin Van De Water and Jahmaine Cummings.
"Dunedin has many gifted performers making great music and a number of theatres that need ongoing support," musical director Doug Wright said.
"These concerts are a win-win-win. The wonderful Mayfair gets a whole new audience, young musicians are mentored and get vital playing experience, and the Otago Community Hospice benefits from the sale of refreshments on the night."
