Local talent showcased during NZ Music Month

8 May 2014

Local talent showcased during NZ Music Month

Rotorua District Council (RDC) and Rotorua Trust are funding a number of workshops, seminars and live performances to celebrate New Zealand Music Month during May.

Coordinated by RDC, this year’s theme is ‘Live and Local’, paying special tribute to original music from Rotorua artists of all ages and genres.

Cr Glenys Searancke, portfolio lead of the council’s Creative Communities Strategy, said the event provides locals with a mix of home grown entertainment and the chance to participate in the arts.

“Music Month is a great opportunity to show our support for our local musos and of course for them to show their talents to us. It’s a great time to give them a platform.”

The first of a trio of Friday evening performances throughout the month begins with the ‘Old School Cool’ gig at Belgian Bar on Arawa Street this week (9 May). Locals and visitors can enjoy a showcase of Rotorua’s more seasoned musicians including Jill Briar, Hans Laven, Dave Thorp, Davey Beige, Jamie Pickernell, Lloyd Akroyd, Laurie and Bob Badrick, and the Sunrise Rockers.

The following week’s (16 May) variety performance will take place at the Catering Company, upstairs in the Kusabs building on Tutanekai Street. This event will celebrate original music from local stars, featuring Allan Kilgour & Trio, Monty Bevis, Chris Webber, Gina Powell, John Hamilton, Bob Vincent, Sam Yeoward and Thermaleles.

The last of the Friday night shows (24 May) is also at the Catering Club, and offers another opportunity to experience and celebrate local talent but with a youth focus. Music lovers can enjoy performances from Ariana and Morehu, Jun Lee, Ngamoe, Nev Ralston, and a host of others.

Cr Searancke said all three performances will be recorded with the intent of producing a compilation CD of Rotorua’s 2014 ‘Live and Local’.

“The CD will not only draw attention to the phenomenal talent we have here in Rotorua, but also provide a valuable snapshot of our voice and our songs for posterity,” Mrs Searancke said.

Rotorua Arts Village is also hosting a number of workshops and seminars during NZ Music Month. Guitar legend Chris Webber, international folk hero Bob Vincent, and virtuoso Andre Manella will share valuable techniques and secrets in song-writing, loop pedaling, and improvisation.

For further information on these and other events planned for NZ Music Month online go to www.creativerotorua.org.nz

ENDS

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