Upcoming community events

Ossia (Italian for “alternate musical passage”) is a newly formed ensemble built on the idea of musical exploration. Featuring Jess Deacon (vocals), Jessica Murphy (keys, melodica), Robert Kingi (guitar, bass), and Cam Steel (drums, percussion), Ossia creates space for music to evolve beyond its original form — stretching into improvisation, reinterpretation, and moments of spontaneous connection.

Blending jazz-adjacent textures with soul, folk, groove, and a touch of sass, Ossia invites audiences into an intimate live music experience where curiosity leads the way. This is music that listens, responds, and breathes in the moment: familiar songs reimagined, unexpected turns embraced, and musical conversations unfolding in real time.

This event is part of Toi MAHARA’s Live Art programme.

About Ossia:
Jessica Murphy — keys, melodica
Jazz and contemporary pianist and vocalist Jessie Murphy delivers smooth, captivating performances with a soulful, dynamic sound. Born in Nelson and trained at the Christchurch School of Jazz, Jessie blends a rich musical background with heartfelt performances that move effortlessly across genres, creating an engaging live music experience.

Jess Deacon — vocals
Jess Deacon is a cross-genre vocalist and songwriter whose music draws from jazz, folk, soul, and classic rock. An engaging and intuitive performer, her love of music began with an eclectic musical upbringing. Her studies have included cello, piano, guitar, composition, and jazz performance, shaping a creative practice that is both technically diverse and deeply expressive. Jess has fronted multiple bands, been commissioned as a composer, recorded on a variety of projects, and performed at festivals and events across Aotearoa, bringing curiosity, vulnerability, and musical storytelling to every performance.

Robert J. M. Kingi — guitar, bass
Based in Taitoko (Levin), Robert J. M. Kingi is a guitarist and bassist whose music traverses the soulful landscapes of blues, jazz, country, and gospel. Originally from Darwin, Australia, and of Māori and American descent, Robert brings a unique cultural perspective to the Horowhenua music scene.

A graduate of Whitireia with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Music, Robert combines academic discipline with the instinctive flair of a seasoned performer. His recent work explores the use of live looper technology, allowing him to weave complex musical textures on the spot. From the intimacy of local cafés to the energy of regional festivals, Robert delivers performances that are technically impressive and deeply rooted in the joy of musical expression.

Cam Steel — drums, percussion
Cam Steel is a versatile drummer and percussionist known for his instinctive groove, dynamic musicality, and ability to shape immersive rhythmic soundscapes. A graduate of the Whitireia School of Music, Cam has spent years performing across Wellington’s diverse music scene, moving fluidly between jazz, soul, folk, funk, and experimental music settings.

Whether anchoring a groove or exploring more textural and atmospheric terrain, Cam approaches rhythm as both foundation and conversation — bringing energy, sensitivity, and spontaneity to every performance. His playing is deeply collaborative, driven by a love of improvisation and the shared experience of live music in the moment.