Live & Local: Isaac Theatre Royal
Nurturing Christchurch’s musical talent. Christchurch has long been a city brimming with artistic talent, yet too often, our local musicians struggle to find platforms that allow their voices to be heard on a larger stage.
Recognising this gap, the Isaac Theatre Royal is launching an innovative programme designed to spotlight homegrown talent: the local artist support programme, Live & Local. At the heart of it is Bianca Lindstrom, the marketing and development manager at the Isaac Theatre Royal and music publicist and consultant Steve Guest. “This initiative is more than a series of gigs; it’s a lifeline for the music community, offering unprecedented opportunities for exposure and professional growth,” Bianca explains.
Bianca, with her impressive career at Sony Music Entertainment in Australia, has worked with some of the most iconic names in the industry including The Foo Fighters, Oasis, Pink, Destiny’s Child, Bruce Springsteen, and
David Bowie. Her wealth of experience and passion for music have been instrumental in shaping Live & Local.
“Christchurch has an incredibly rich music scene,” Bianca says. “Live & Local is our way of ensuring that local artists get the exposure they need and deserve. It’s about giving back to the community and nurturing the talent that thrives here.”
Steve Guest brings his distinguished 30 years in the music industry to the program, working with the likes of Dolly Parton, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder and The Beach Boys. Steve served as the Head of Publicity at Live Nation in the United Kingdom for over a decade. Now based in Christchurch, he is eager to support emerging local New Zealand artists in their careers and his experience is invaluable.
“This initiative is about more than just giving artists a stage—it’s about building a strong foundation for their future,” Steve says. “We want to provide them with the tools, exposure, guidance, and support they need to succeed, not just here in Christchurch, but on an international scale.”
A platform for growth
Live & Local is designed to provide local musicians and bands with the opportunity to support national and international acts performing at the Isaac Theatre Royal. For those selected artists, this programme offers more than just a chance to perform. It provides invaluable exposure, networking opportunities, and fair compensation. Such support is crucial for artists striving to make a name for themselves in a competitive industry.
What sets Live & Local apart is its commitment to sustainability. This isn’t a one-time event, but an integral part of the Isaac Theatre Royal’s programming, ensuring that local musicians are regularly featured, Bianca adds. The systematic approach guarantees ongoing opportunities and fosters a culture of support and collaboration.
“We’re embedding Live & Local into our standard practices,” Bianca explains. “This way, we’re not just providing a temporary platform, but building a lasting support system for local artists.”
Community and culture
The benefits of Live & Local extend beyond the artists themselves. For audiences, it means a richer, more diverse concert experience and the thrill of discovering new local talent. For the Isaac Theatre Royal, it strengthens ties with the local music community and enhances the cultural vibrancy of their programming.
Moreover, Live & Local fosters a sense of community, creating opportunities for local artists to connect with touring performers, opening doors for mentorship and collaboration. This cross-pollination of ideas and styles enriches the entire music ecosystem in Christchurch.
“We’re excited about the potential of Live & Local,” Bianca says. “We believe in the power of music to bring people together and enrich our cultural landscape. This programme will be a testament to that belief, and we’re eager to see our local artists thrive,” she adds.
“Supporting this initiative means investing in the future of Christchurch’s and Canterbury’s music scene. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and uplift the incredible talent in our city.” For more information on how to get involved, visit the Isaac Theatre Royal’s website or follow along on social media.
