10 October, 2025
Avo fest goes country! Canadian-born New Zealand country singer-songwriter Tami Neilson has had a smashing year. She released her new album titled ‘Neon Cowgirl’ in July, which features Neil Finn, JD McPherson, Ashley McBryde and Grace Bowers. She also toured America with none other
than country legend Willie Nelson with whom she sung the APRA Best Country Music Song Award-winning ‘Beyond The Stars’, and Bob Dylan, and shows in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Back home, she’s set to bring her belter of a voice to headline the Katikati Avo Fest
2026 at the Uretara Domain on January 10. Why? Well, because that’s what avo fest lovers asked for! Katch Katikati events manager Kylie Watkins said her team opted to invite Neilson to perform in front of the festival’s predicted 4000-strong crowd
after surveying previous ticket-holders on what music they’d like to hear at a future instalment. “Country music came out as the most popular genre,” said Watkins. “It’s about giving our audience the music they most wanted to hear.” Read more on page 9. Photo/ Babiche Martens