Last Call For Smokefreerockquest 2005 Entries
The countdown is on for this year's Smokefreerockquest - New Zealand's biggest youth music event. Teen bands have just a
few days to get their entry forms in before the closing date of May 3rd.
Smokefreerockquest Co-director and judge Pete Rainey says the emphasis of the event is on encouraging original music.
"Our aim is to inspire raw Kiwi talent by getting as many students as possible writing and performing their own music,
and by giving them a goal to focus on."
Pete Rainey says he expects the Smokefreerockquest 2005 to attract over 600 entries, from schools throughout the
country. After heats and regional finals held in 22 town and cities over most weekends this winter, 12 bands go on to
the finals.
In addition to the prize for winning band, there are separate awards that reinforce the key Smokefreerockquest aim of
encouraging students to write and perform their own music. Individual prizes are awarded for best lyrics, best vocals,
women's musicianship and the best song. A scholarship to the Tai Poutini contemporary music course is also awarded,
along with selected bands being matched with past successes in a mentoring programme supported by the Ministry of
Education.
The first heats of Smokefreerockquest 05 will be held in Auckland Central on Saturday May 7th followed by concerts every
Friday and Saturday night, in the lead up to the National Finals of the Smokefreerockquest and its 'sister' event
Smokefree Pacifica Beats at the Wellington Town Hall on September 2nd and 3rd.
Information and entry packs are available from schools and from NZ Rockshop or from the website www.theset.co.nz.
Entries need to be returned by May 3rd.
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More info follows with contacts, dates and general info.
About Smokefree
Smokefree exists to encourage New Zealanders to adopt and maintain healthy attitudes and lifestyles and is a major
supporter of key annual youth events at a national level. Events including Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Pacifica Beats,
Smokefree WOWquest and STRIKE to schools are backed by Smokefree, ensuring that the positive Smokefree message reaches
young people in their environment.
About Smokefreerockquest
Smokefreerockquest is the biggest and most influential nation-wide youth event held in New Zealand, attracting audience
numbers in excess of 100,000 every year. Founded by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey in 1988 (now running
Rockquest Promotions full time out of Nelson), it has become a New Zealand institution. Bands including The Datsuns,
Anika Moa, Steriogram, Tadpole, the feelers, The Blackseeds, Nesian Mystic, Bic Runga, Fur Patrol, Betchadupa, King
Kapisi, Zed and The Have have all participated in the event during its 17-year history. Smokefreerockquest aims to
motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and
encourage their peers to support 100% original New Zealand music. For more information visit www.theset.co.nz or email
help@smokefreerockquest.co.nz
Smokefreerockquest Dates for 2005
Sat 7 May Ak Central Heats
Sun 8 May North Shore Heats
Sat 14 May Napier heats
Sat 14 May Northland heats
Sun 15 May Nelson Heats
Sun 15 May Gisborne Heats
Sun 15 May Auckland East Heats
Fri 20 May Auckland Central Final
Fri 20 May Nelson Final
Sat 21 May Manukau Heats
Fri 27 May Gisborne Final
Fri 27 May North shore Final
Sat 28 May Napier Final
Sat 28 May Auckland east Final
Sun 29 May Manawatu Heats
Sat 11 June Chch Heats
Sat 11 June Taranaki Final
Sat 11 June Manukau Final
Sun 12 June Chch Heats
Sun 12 June Wanganui Heats
Sun 12 June Waikato Heats
Fri 17 June Manawatu Final
Sat 18 June Otago Heats
Sat 18 June Wellington /Hutt Heats
Sat 18 June Rotorua Heats
Sun 19 June Tauranga Heats
Sun 19 June Invercargill Heats
Fri 24 June Timaru Final
Fri 24 June Rotorua Final
Sat 25 June Canterbury Final
Sat 25 June Wanganui Final
Sat 25 June Tauranga Final
Fri 1 July Otago Final
Fri 1 July Hutt Final
Fri 1 July Waikato Final
Sat 2 July Wellington Final
Sat 2 July Northland Final
Fri 8 July West Coast Final
Fri 22 July Invercargill Final
Sat 23 July Wanaka Final
Fri 2 Sept Smokefree Pacifica Beats National Final-Wellington Town Hall
Sat 3 Sept Smokefreerockquest National Final -Wellington Town Hall
ENDS