A World of Musical Talent on its way for Mercury Bay Music Festival.

The very first Mercury Bay Music Festival will be held on Queen's Birthday Weekend, from the 3rd to the 5th of June, in Whitianga.

There is a stunning line up of artists, which has been specifically chosen to provide musical styles from folk, jazz, big band, world, J-Pop (Miho’s Jazz Orchestra), blues and acoustic, to name a few genres. The acts have all been selected carefully, not only for their talent, but for their ability to reflect the essence of the Coromandel, being community and family-friendly and relaxed and inclusive.

The musicians have been chosen as they are also good teachers, who can actively lead workshops, where they will share their skills with the attendees.

The origin of the event stems back to almost a decade ago, with the thought that Coromandel, with its rich supply of visual artistry, craftsmanship and stunning scenery, provided the perfect setting for a festival of the arts.

Added to the mix was the strong positioning of the Coromandel Peninsula as a preferred tourist location for the wider North Island, making it attractive for bach owners and visitors to make the trip to attend.

Whitianga, in particular with its extensive inventory of tourist accommodation, hospitality and performance venues, seemed the logical place to stage a festival.

The idea of the Mercury Bay Music Festival took flight 18 months ago, when locals, Jan Wright and Len Salt, met up with Richard Gilewitz (a fingerstyle guitarist from USA, and one of our fantastic artists in June), over breakfast.

Richard, who has been involved in festivals overseas, motivated Jan and Len to make this leap of faith. And what a leap it has been.

Jan, Len and the extended team from Creative Mercury Bay have garnered the support of a host of sponsors, including our Council, to make the Mercury Bay Music Festival a reality for all of us over Queen’s Birthday Weekend in June.

The Festival organisers have lined up an amazing group of musicians who are inspiring, inclusive and relaxed performers, reflecting the essence of The Coromandel.

Also for the budding musical performer, the Mercury Bay Music Festival is including opportunities for Busking and Open Mic sessions as part of the main programme, in partnership with local cafés.

In Jan and Len’s words, the vision of the Festival is that it be an “expression of the essence of the Coromandel; easeful and relaxed, flowing, beautiful, inspiring and inclusive and an invitation to family and friends of locals and to the

Coromandel’s many holiday home owners, saying – ‘come and have some fun with us’”.

The festival will also be all about “accessibility”.

Not only will there be top entertainment, there will be incredibly intimate venues for those city bach owners who can experience talent like Don McGlashan or Mel Parsons in a much more accessible setting than in a city venue like Auckland.

A lot more information on the festival can be found on the website here and you can also follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

The tickets for the Mercury Bay Music Festival are on Early Bird sale until the 31st of March here. Make sure that you get in and get your tickets now, as space will be limited.

ends

© Scoop Media