Before And After Summer

In the absence of more than 8 months of a completely cancelled diary of work due to COVID-19, I have been working on this exciting and innovative project over the last 5 months to produce a series for Boosted LIVE. This 'Before & After Summer' series is made up of 4 biographical episodes detailing my musical journey from a 10yr old Dunedin chorister to a Grammy award winning operatic bass on the international stage, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this project I share my joy of music and it’s meaning for me both on and offstage. With 17 specifically chosen songs and arias as well as interviews and Q&A, all personally scripted and recently recorded in London (not an easy task even without social distancing protocols), I have created more than 2 hours of rare, unique insight and candid commentary into my journey in words and song. I talk about the brutal effects this pandemic has had on my career livelihood and health, as well as my gratitude that I have this outlet to share my voice and entertain others. Check in on this Boosted page from Friday 13 November to watch the first episode.

Before And After Summer
A series of four biographical episodes through Boosted LIVE

Episode 1: Origins and early years
Live to watch from Friday 13 November for one week

Episode 2: London
Live to watch from Friday 20 November for one week

Episode 3: Life pre-Covid
Live to watch from Friday 27 November for one week

Episode 4: Life post-Covid
Live to watch from Friday 4 December for one week

Telling stories and performing is my absolute passion - I know that music and it’s message can be cathartic or at least a welcome distraction to this pandemic and it’s heavy affects on all of us. And New Zealand can be deservedly proud for leading the way in many respects. I am fiercely proud to be born here in Aotearoa, and am so blessed to have such wonderful support and encouragement from this place.

I'm asking you to support this huge undertaking of creating and producing these episodes by donating to this crowdfunding page and helping spread the word. For these episodes and my campaign, I am crowdfunding to raise a stretch goal of NZD$40,000. We're only a week into this month long project, and have almost reached the initial target of NZD$20,000. The support and momentum behind this so far has been absolutely amazing. Crowdfunding is both exciting and nerving at the same time - a surprisingly similar adrenalin rush to singing in the theatres and opera houses of the world!

Here is some recent media around the reason and essence of my project:

• RNZ interview with Standing Room Only
• Pacific Media Network interview with Eteuati Ete
• Tagata Pasifika article by Alice Lolohea

Thank you for your support,
Jon

To watch each episode, press the 'play' button on the image at the top of this page. The series will updated weekly - each episode will be made 'live' on the Friday NZ time and available until the following Friday NZ time.