Weddings, corporate events, and private parties across the Bay of Plenty
Limited availability
Summer 2027 dates are already 60% booked — get in touch early to secure your date.Summer 2027 dates are already 60% booked —get in touch early to secure your date.
What couples say
Highlights from real client reviews: repeat bookings, full dance floors, and guests raving about the band. Each quote links to the full review below.
We re-booked them again before they'd even left the venue.
Most of our guests didn't leave the dance floor the whole night!
By the end of the night they felt like friends we'd invited to our wedding.
Every guest we've spoken to since has raved about how amazing they were.
Sing-alongs everyone knows, a packed dance floor, and unforgettable energy.
Hands down, best wedding band ever — the dance floor was non-stop for hours.
We re-booked them again before they'd even left the venue.
Most of our guests didn't leave the dance floor the whole night!
By the end of the night they felt like friends we'd invited to our wedding.
Every guest we've spoken to since has raved about how amazing they were.
Sing-alongs everyone knows, a packed dance floor, and unforgettable energy.
Hands down, best wedding band ever — the dance floor was non-stop for hours.
Who are Copper Skies?
Copper Skies is a high-energy acoustic duo made up of Sam and James, based in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, delivering live wedding music, corporate entertainment, and private event music across the Bay of Plenty and throughout New Zealand.
“We read the room, adjust on the fly, bring the fun, and keep the energy exactly where it needs to be.” - Sam Ryan
Trusted across the Bay of Plenty
With over 250 weddings and events behind them, Sam and James are known as one of the region’s most trusted live music acts.
From relaxed afternoon sets to packed dance floors, Copper Skies brings the energy of a full band with just two musicians, backed by a huge multi-genre setlist and professional sound.
Watch Us Perform
Watch us perform and see why we’re Bay of Plenty’s most sought-after duo
Get in Touch
No robots here - this is direct to us. Feel free to call, text or email!
Limited availability
Summer 2027 dates are already 60% booked — get in touch early to secure your date.Summer 2027 dates are already 60% booked —get in touch early to secure your date.
What Our Clients Say
Read reviews from our amazing clients who have experienced our live music at their special events.
Angela and Tina
We used Sam and James for our wedding and I literally cannot express how wonderful they were. They were so kind and personable but they were also SO TALENTED. They took requests from our party and by ...
Laura & Simon Wegner
We had Sam & James play at our wedding and could not be happier with our choice! Better Band were seemless to deal with. Sam & James were professional and fantastic performers. The energy they brought...
Tori Mouat
Sam and James are bloody awesome, they played at our end of season prizegiving and had everyone up dancing from start to finish. We re-booked them again before they'd even left the venue. Great banter...
Gallery
Moments from our performances
Upcoming Public Shows
Catch us live at these venues
Frequently Asked Questions
We're full-time musicians who've played hundreds of events across New Zealand — from unforgettable weddings to relaxed beachside birthdays, buzzing corporate events, and rowdy bar gigs. Whether it's a black-tie function or a backyard party, we know how to read the room and bring exactly the right energy.
We cover a wide mix of rock, country, pop, blues, folk, and a touch of Irish. Think crowd favourites, modern hits, throwbacks, and unexpected gems — all with our own spin and signature harmonies. We tailor every set to your event, whether that's mellow and acoustic or high-energy and dance-floor ready.
Ceremony music is something we take seriously. We'll work with you to choose the perfect songs for walking down the aisle, signing the register, and making your grand exit. We can perform these moments live, or we can use Spotify through our equipment if you want a specific version of a song played at just the right moment.
Yes, absolutely. We often provide live music for the entire day — from the ceremony, to the afternoon canapés and cocktail hour, through to a full three-hour dance floor set at the reception. We can take care of it all and keep the vibe flowing from start to finish.
Based in Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, we regularly perform across Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty, and anywhere in New Zealand that calls for great live music. If the event's right, we'll hit the road — or the skies.
We know how to keep things professional and fun. With years of experience and a huge repertoire, we adjust to suit your vibe — whether you want smooth background music during networking or a high-energy set to close the night.