Sweet sounds of old school jazz are Finely Tuned

The sweet sounds of old school jazz had toes tapping at the Government Gardens.

A crowd of at least 200 brought their chairs, blankets and picnics along to the Band Rotunda yesterday for the first concert of the 2013 Music in the Band Rotunda season.

With temperatures in the mid-20C most sensibly headed for the shade of the trees and buildings, although a brave few set up their picnics in the sun.

Rotorua vocal group Finely Tuned - the four women in blue - kicked this year's programme off with jazz and swing hits from Duke Ellington and the Andrews Sisters, among others.

The old-time hits proved popular with many in the mainly older crowd, including Wikitoria Ned.

"I'm a war baby so I remember this sort of music," she said.

Locals Ms Ned and Hui Turvey had come to "to see what it was all about" and enjoy the beautiful day. They planned to be back again, with Ms Turvey particularly looking forward to The Edward Brothers next month.

Finely Tuned was followed on to the Band Rotunda by Off Broadway, with the concert running for a total of 90 minutes.

Rotorua's Steve Fisher and his family had front row spots and all were enjoying the entertainment on offer.

"It's great," said Mr Fisher. "When the weather's like this it's good to get out."

Mr Fisher, a member of the Rotorua Musical Theatre, was supporting two friends who were part of Finely Tuned. Although he'd heard them both sing before it was the first time he'd heard the quartet - and he was impressed.

Bronwyn Webster, who was enjoying a Sunday afternoon picnic, agreed Rotorua had a lot to be proud of.

"We've got quite a lot of talent for a small town," she said.

Music in the Band Rotunda runs for the next six Sundays from 1pm to 2.30pm. For who's playing see www.creativerotorua.org.nz. The concerts are funded by the Rotorua District Council and Rotorua Trust and entry is free.