Southland Musicians Club

30/08/2026

SOUTHLAND MUSIC HALL OF FAME 2026
- proudly sponsored by SBS Bank

ASHER SKERRETT

We’re amped to introduce our second Southland Music Hall of Fame inductee for 2026.

Asher Skerrett has been the driving force in an impressive catalogue of Southland bands for over 30 years. The bass player for well-known lineups including Virtual Reality, Shoot the Bunny, Voodoo Lounge, The Diagonals, and In the Pocket, Asher is a respected creative powerhouse and master of his musical craft.

His professional career has taken him throughout New Zealand and Australia, while at home he has remained one of the most trusted and accomplished musicians in the Southland scene - providing the groove behind countless bands, backing line-ups, recordings and major local productions.

Asher’s contribution also reaches far beyond the stage. Through his many years teaching contemporary music and audio production at the Southern Institute of Technology, he has helped shape and inspire generations of emerging musicians.

Join us as we proudly induct Asher Skerrett into the Southland Music Hall of Fame at this year’s ILT Southland Music Awards & Hall of Fame Show.

Asher will perform on the night alongside his fellow Hall of Fame inductees and our Entertainer of the Year finalists.

Saturday 17 October 2026
ILT Stadium Southland

One very special night celebrating Southland music.

Tickets: https://stadiumsouth.flicket.co.nz/events/e51a7a3b-bb93-40b0-8d4a-0c13888fbb52

21/08/2026

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Nominations for the 2026 Southland Music Awards closed last night. Thank you to everyone who put forward a nomination! We’re now reviewing the nominations and will announce the finalists soon.

Celebrate the very best of Southland music at the 2026 ILT Southland Music Awards Show - one spectacular night recognising the artists, entertainers, songwriters and industry contributors who make our local music scene thrive.

Southland Entertainer of the Year finalists will perform live and compete for the 2026 title. The judges will determine 60% of the result, while you - the audience - will hold the remaining 40%.

We’ll also proudly welcome Hollie Longman, Asher Skerrett and Shannon Cooper-Garland into the Southland Music Hall of Fame. Each inductee will be honoured with a special tribute and formal induction before taking to the stage for a live performance.

Hosted by Nick Tansley, this is more than an awards ceremony - it’s a celebration of the people, stories and music that have shaped Murihiku Southland.

Southland Entertainer of the Year - proudly sponsored by SIT
Southland Music Hall of Fame - proudly sponsored by SBS Bank

Saturday 17 October 2026
ILT Stadium Southland
Tickets: $45 + booking fee
BOOK TICKETS:
https://stadiumsouth.flicket.co.nz/events/e51a7a3b-bb93-40b0-8d4a-0c13888fbb52

The front three rows are being held for our Hall of Fame inductees and award finalists. Once their seating is confirmed, any unallocated seats will be opened for public booking.

Proudly presented by the Southland Musicians Club.

Celebrate the very best of Southland music at the 2026 ILT Southland Music Awards Show - one spectacular night recognising the artists, entertainers, songwriters and industry contributors who make our local music scene thrive. See six Southland Entertainer of the Year finalists take to the stag...

20/08/2026

FINAL CALL SOUTHLAND!
Nominations for the 2026 Southland Music Awards close at 7pm tonight.

If there’s someone doing great things in Southland music, this is your chance to make sure their name is in.

One nomination could put someone forward for the recognition they deserve.

Nominations close 7pm tonight - Thursday 20 August.
👉 Nominate here: https://awards.southlandmusiciansclub.com/nominations

19/08/2026

24 HOURS TO GO!
Nominations for the 2026 Southland Music Awards close at 7pm tomorrow.

If there’s a Southland musician, performer, band, songwriter or contributor you believe deserves recognition, now is the time to put their name forward.

Don’t leave it to someone else - submit your nomination before 7pm Thursday 20 August.

Nominate here:

Nominate an outstanding Southland performer, band, songwriter, instrumentalist or industry contributor for the 2026 Southland Music Awards. Closes 20 August 2026.

13/08/2026

ONE WEEK LEFT TO NOMINATE!

The 2026 ILT Southland Music Awards are all about recognising the people doing great things across our music scene - and anyone can submit a nomination.

Who has impressed you over the past year?
• Southland Entertainer of the Year
• Vocalist or Band of the Year
• Guitarist, Bass Player, Keyboard Player, Drummer or Other Instrumentalist
• Song or Album of the Year
• Frank Pratley Award for emerging talent
• Special Achievement/Ambassador Award

Not sure which category fits best? Send in your nomination anyway - our judging panel can place it in the most appropriate category.

Nominations close Thursday 20 August.
Nominate here:

Honoring Southland's finest musicians and performers. Explore award categories, nominate local talent, and celebrate our region's music scene.