Finalists in the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards are set to take the stage in Wellington and Christchurch as the awards hit the road for the first time in their 46 year history.



Three of the category finalists — who will be named after the Finalists Announcement September 1 - will play special Showcases at the Wellington Town Hall and Christchurch's James Hay Theatre on 16th and 17th September.



RIANZ chief executive Campbell Smith says: "Each year hundreds of thousands of people tune into the awards on C4 and TV3 and it's a great show, but there's no substitute for live music. We are creating one-off events where three of the finalists can showcase their amazing talent a couple of weeks before the Tuis are announced.



"Between these two showcases, and the awards event at Vector Arena, around 7,500 people will get to see the best Kiwi music in a live environment.



"We have always wanted to be able to include other city centres in what is a nationwide award celebration. We also hope to be able to extend these showcases further throughout the country next year, so more people get a chance to see our finalists in action."



Anyone who books their ticket before September 1 will also go into the draw to win an ultimate Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards prize package - including flights, accommodation for two in Auckland and VIP tickets to the main event.



Notes:


Tickets are $25 + applicable booking fees thru Ticketek from 1 August



The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards are held on October 7.



The Tuis presented at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2010 ceremony are for:

Album of the Year; Single of the Year; Best Group; Best Male Solo Artist; Best Female Solo Artist; Breakthrough Artist of the Year; Pop Album of the Year, Highest Selling NZ Album; Highest Selling NZ Single; Radio Airplay Record of the Year; Best Music Video; Best Rock Album; Best Urban/Hip Hop Album; Best Electronica Album; Best Aotearoa Roots Album; Best Maori Album; Best Gospel/Christian Album; Best Classical Album; People's Choice Award, International Achievement Award, The Legacy Award.

No finalists are announced for the Highest Selling NZ Single, Highest Selling NZ Album or Radio Airplay Record of the Year Awards.



The International Achievement and the Legacy Awards are judged by the RIANZ Board and awarded at the Board's discretion. No finalists are announced for these categories.



Technical Award Categories (presented at the Finalists Announcement 1 September) are for:

·Best Producer

·Best Engineer

·Best Album Cover