It happened….It seemed unlikely, there were many challenges, hurdles to jump over hoops through, a veritable obstacle course of logistical, bureaucratic, social and financial complexity, but he made it work. Daimon “THE NOMAD” Schwalger pulled it off and it was a triumph.
It started with a wild idea; bring King Kapisi, a monarch of New Zealand music royalty, to Karamea–perhaps the most remote town on mainland New Zealand, regional population 700–to headline a musical extravaganza featuring Ambush Brass, a brass ensemble from Christchurch, former Rhombus frontman MC Antsman, talented local DJs, Miss Meow and Future Flowz, and himself as THE NOMAD.
Originally set for the Karamea Pulse Energy Centre hall, the event faced financial roadblocks due to security requirements for a temporary liquor license. Enter Maggie Seeman, owner of the Last Resort, who graciously stepped in to host the show. With the venue secured, Daimon crunched the numbers, worked through the compliance issues and legal complexities, cashed some social cheques, called in a few favors, and got the show on the windy road to Karamea.
Sander De Vries and Tamati Te Tahi Dean-Albert enjoying the show (Photo Supplied)
The musicians said “Yes,” he rallied his many friends and local supporters to promote the show, sell tickets, prepare the venue, set up the equipment, the sound gear, lighting stage the Old Cafe and make show.
Following a successful show at the same venue last year, Daimon upped the ante by asking friend Bill Urale, aka King Kapisi, to headline another show in Karamea. “Where?” was his likely response, but with sheer determination, belief, courage and the power of his conviction, he agreed to the crazy plan and the others also followed suit.
The event was supported well by Karmaea locals, West Coasters and many people travelled from all over the South Island and beyond to attend the show, which was a sell-out success.
The show began with the Ambush Brass Band from Ōtautahi who transcended all expectations and welcomed in the stragglers (myself included) to the main event, which was professionally managed and well monitored by the crew of local volunteers who checked tickets and served drinks, maintained security, staffed the merchandise stall and helped people relax and enjoy the music, which cranked up on time and kept the dance floor full all night.
The tuba player from Ambush Brass Band from Ōtautahi (Photo Supplied)Prue “Miss Meow” Holms-Schwalger and Daimon “THE NOMAD” Schwalger in action at The Last Resort Saturday February 8, 2025. (Photo Supplied)
The DJs warmed up the dancers, who were HOT by the time THE NOMAD hit the decks, MC Antsman joined him and for a banging set and the show as already a super success before the headliner King Kapisi hit the stage…the energy was high and charged it up further and we all went home happy and drenched in sweat from grooving to the hip hop beats of a consummate professional musical veteran.
King Kapisi aka Bill Urale Headlining the Gig at The Last Resort, Karamea, on February 8, 2025 (Photo Supplied)
The day after the show, King Kapisi caught a kahawai after a bit of coaching from local anglers, a happier fisherman I’ve not seen. He enjoyed a few days of perfect weather in Sunny Karamea exploring the region and meeting the locals. Having a person of international renown here had the local lads waiting in ambush hoping to get his autograph, which he kindly obliged, delighting my son Winston and his friends with his moniker, kindness and good humour.
The performers then put on a Sunday Session at the Last Resort warmed up by local DJs and culminating in another fine performance by THE NOMAD and the King that wrapped up a wonderful Waitangi Weekend in Sunny Karamea. Many thanks to Daimon, his awesome partner Prue Holms-Schwalger (aka Miss Meow) set-up crew Kane Hogan, Pete Howard, lighting specialist Bernie, Maggie and the Last Resort team and all the local people who supported the mad idea and made it happen. Word is, THE NOMAD is already planning the 2026 event, so be sure not to miss out on what is sure to be another superb event.
Dancersat The Last Resort Sunday Session on February 9, 2025 (Photo Supplied)Local LegendKelly Dooley Feeling the Groove at The Last Resort Sunday Session on February 9, 2025 (Photo Supplied)
THE NOMAD is Westport-based Daimon Schwalger who is a regular visitor to Karamea with his wife Prue. Daimon has helped local businesses and to promote the region with his professional video, photography and drone footage service NOMAD Audio and Video and has many friends in the region. Daimon and Prue love Karamea and the community and consider the beautiful natural scenery inspirational. He shared his passion for Karamea with his musician friends across the country and encouraged them to come and help him celebrate 26 years as an Aotearoa electronic music trailblazer.
Paul Murray is the founder of the LivinginPeace Project.
www.livinginpeace.com
Paul originally from Australia, but have been living in New Zealand for 14 years. Before that he was in Japan for a decade working as a journalist. He met his wife Sanae in Japan and they married in 2008.
The Rongolian Star 
The King & THE NOMAD Groove Karamea
Off the Top of My Head
By Paul Murray
It happened….It seemed unlikely, there were many challenges, hurdles to jump over hoops through, a veritable obstacle course of logistical, bureaucratic, social and financial complexity, but he made it work. Daimon “THE NOMAD” Schwalger pulled it off and it was a triumph.
It started with a wild idea; bring King Kapisi, a monarch of New Zealand music royalty, to Karamea–perhaps the most remote town on mainland New Zealand, regional population 700–to headline a musical extravaganza featuring Ambush Brass, a brass ensemble from Christchurch, former Rhombus frontman MC Antsman, talented local DJs, Miss Meow and Future Flowz, and himself as THE NOMAD.
Originally set for the Karamea Pulse Energy Centre hall, the event faced financial roadblocks due to security requirements for a temporary liquor license. Enter Maggie Seeman, owner of the Last Resort, who graciously stepped in to host the show. With the venue secured, Daimon crunched the numbers, worked through the compliance issues and legal complexities, cashed some social cheques, called in a few favors, and got the show on the windy road to Karamea.
The musicians said “Yes,” he rallied his many friends and local supporters to promote the show, sell tickets, prepare the venue, set up the equipment, the sound gear, lighting stage the Old Cafe and make show.
Following a successful show at the same venue last year, Daimon upped the ante by asking friend Bill Urale, aka King Kapisi, to headline another show in Karamea. “Where?” was his likely response, but with sheer determination, belief, courage and the power of his conviction, he agreed to the crazy plan and the others also followed suit.
The event was supported well by Karmaea locals, West Coasters and many people travelled from all over the South Island and beyond to attend the show, which was a sell-out success.
The show began with the Ambush Brass Band from Ōtautahi who transcended all expectations and welcomed in the stragglers (myself included) to the main event, which was professionally managed and well monitored by the crew of local volunteers who checked tickets and served drinks, maintained security, staffed the merchandise stall and helped people relax and enjoy the music, which cranked up on time and kept the dance floor full all night.
The DJs warmed up the dancers, who were HOT by the time THE NOMAD hit the decks, MC Antsman joined him and for a banging set and the show as already a super success before the headliner King Kapisi hit the stage…the energy was high and charged it up further and we all went home happy and drenched in sweat from grooving to the hip hop beats of a consummate professional musical veteran.
The day after the show, King Kapisi caught a kahawai after a bit of coaching from local anglers, a happier fisherman I’ve not seen. He enjoyed a few days of perfect weather in Sunny Karamea exploring the region and meeting the locals. Having a person of international renown here had the local lads waiting in ambush hoping to get his autograph, which he kindly obliged, delighting my son Winston and his friends with his moniker, kindness and good humour.
The performers then put on a Sunday Session at the Last Resort warmed up by local DJs and culminating in another fine performance by THE NOMAD and the King that wrapped up a wonderful Waitangi Weekend in Sunny Karamea. Many thanks to Daimon, his awesome partner Prue Holms-Schwalger (aka Miss Meow) set-up crew Kane Hogan, Pete Howard, lighting specialist Bernie, Maggie and the Last Resort team and all the local people who supported the mad idea and made it happen. Word is, THE NOMAD is already planning the 2026 event, so be sure not to miss out on what is sure to be another superb event.
“Huge thanks to the following for your amazing work & support xox King Kapisi, Mc Antsman, Onthecoast, Apex, Ambush Brass, FutureFlowz, Targos, DKC Triple 3, Rasponsable, J’Em, Miss Meow, Sacha & her team, Maggie & the team @ Last Resort Karamea, Coast FM, Kane, Pete, Travis, Paul M & all the amazing people that came to support the love!!” THE NOMAD
THE NOMAD is Westport-based Daimon Schwalger who is a regular visitor to Karamea with his wife Prue. Daimon has helped local businesses and to promote the region with his professional video, photography and drone footage service NOMAD Audio and Video and has many friends in the region. Daimon and Prue love Karamea and the community and consider the beautiful natural scenery inspirational. He shared his passion for Karamea with his musician friends across the country and encouraged them to come and help him celebrate 26 years as an Aotearoa electronic music trailblazer.
ENDS
Local DJs
Rate this:
Share this:
Related
About LivinginPeaceProject
Paul Murray is the founder of the LivinginPeace Project. www.livinginpeace.com Paul originally from Australia, but have been living in New Zealand for 14 years. Before that he was in Japan for a decade working as a journalist. He met his wife Sanae in Japan and they married in 2008.