Multiple award-winning US-based band Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO) will perform alongside Aaradhna, Marlon Williams, The Phoenix Foundation, The Shambles, Mel Parsons, Lips and Maala among others.
Having performed on US shows such as Late Night with Seth Meyers and Conan, UMO, fronted by Kiwi Ruban Nielson (The Mint Chicks), will be performing to audiences throughout New Zealand this summer.
Also on the Tuki bill is 25-year-old Marlon Williams, who found his calling growing up in Lyttelton.
"The first three things I remember Mum listening to were PJ Harvey, early choral music and Smokey Robinson," Williams said.
Best Male Solo Artist and Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2015 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, Williams has sold out shows throughout North America, the UK and Europe. Shapeshifter frontman P Digsss and Anika Moa will MC the first Tuki festival. Formerly known as the Rippon Festival, the event will take place at Lake Wanaka’s Glendhu Bay and will feature a FunZone and award-winning local craft beers and Central Otago wines.
"Tuki" is Maori for mouthpiece.
Organisers of the not-for-profit event have been thrilled with the response, noting some long-time festival-goers are now parents and keen to introduce their offspring to the Wanaka concert. Tuki will bring an array of experiences to festival-goers, including an enchanted forest, innovative food from local producers and interactive installations. However, director Lynne Christie says top-quality music remains the key focus.