Concert to celebrate Te Matatini

This weekend it's all about performers. To coincide with Te Matatini - the national kapa haka championships - local entertainer turned concert promoter Russell Harrison has set up Uprising.

The concert at Arawa Park will feature DJ Sir-Vere, Ardijah and 1814.

Mr Harrison said it was to celebrate Te Matatini and the hard work put in by all the performers.

"These groups have put in three or four months of hard work and some won't make it through to the finals," he said.

"I want to give them a chance to celebrate their achievements.

"The uptake on this event has so far been very positive. The essence is to meet the needs of people coming in from out of town but the local support has been very positive."

He said he was a fan of all three acts and that their musical genres would "suit the tastes of everyone".

He hoped there would be more concerts to come.

"I'll see how many grey hairs I have after this one. There are challenges around it."

The R18 event is being held on Saturday, February 23, at the Arawa Park Racecourse on Fenton St with gates open from 6pm.

Tickets cost $40 from www.iticket.co.nz, or Skingraft on Pukuatua St.

Visit www.uprising.kiwi.nz.