James Brodie

After years of silence and staying out of the spotlight, local songwriter and former IvyBlue frontman James Brodie is returning to the stage for an epic 30th birthday concert in May.

This one night only concert (dubbed “30 AND ALIVE”), taking place on Saturday May the 23rd; will see James performing a once-in-a-lifetime setlist featuring stripped-back versions of music from his back-catalog alongside a selection of songs that he performed on the Future Te Aroha stage growing up, some of which he hasn’t performed in over a decade, all of which paired with stories about
growing up in his hometown and the lessons he learned along the way.

Wanting to do something to benefit the community with his 30th birthday and his return to the stage, all tickets sold for the concert will benefit the Future Te Aroha Trust to allow them to continue the vital work they do in community and the performing arts at the Future Te Aroha Centre, something which James Brodie has both benefitted from and given back to regularly over the years.

In announcing the concert, James says “On many occasions, turning 30 came close to not happening (especially when I was struggling with my mental health in my teenage years). If you’ve spent any amount of time in my orbit, you know the levels of what I’ve had to fight over the years to get here. But I’ve always maintained that should I make it to 30, I would share that story on stage with some of the songs I had started writing to act as the journal to my journey”.

When asked about the reason for donating the proceeds of all ticket sales to the Future Te Aroha trust, Brodie replied: “Future Te Aroha has been a big part of my life since I started going there as a kid almost 25 years ago. Naturally, their mission has become a big part of my life, and it only feels right to do this show there. Subsequently, all proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to the Future Te Aroha Trust so they can continue doing the incredible things they do in our community through the performing arts. I have loved being a part of this mission over the years and if I can use this platform to give back to a place that has given so much to me, then that is a great way to spend my 30th”.

James Brodie’s “30 AND ALIVE” Concert at the Future Te Aroha Center takes place on Saturday May the 23rd with James taking to the stage at 7.30pm for an extended set. $15 Tickets for the one-off performance are available now by emailing futureta@xtra.co.nz or phoning 07-884-9484. Door sales available if not sold out prior. Booking in advance is encouraged.