TLC show may encourage more artists to visit Tauranga

Having a major international band like TLC perform in Tauranga could encourage similar acts to follow suit.

The chart topping nineties R&B band TLC will be performing in Tauranga in November and Bay Venues commercial manager Ervin McSweeney said every successful act at the ASB Arena encouraged more to follow.

"I think it's reflective of the fact ASB Arena and Tauranga are getting on the map now.

"Compared to three or four years ago, a lot of events and a lot of acts would bypass here. Now with the success of quite a few concert events at ASB Arena, it's certainly within the sights of events people who do bring artists to the country.

"It will be a great concert. We're really rapt that bands of this stature and fame are choosing to come here."

Frontier Touring New Zealand manager Brent Eccles said the company had used ASB Baypark as a concert venue for other shows, including Six60 and Sol3 Mio.

Mr Eccles said the venue looked after the company and its artists, and it was a good place to play.

The benefit of having a show in Tauranga was its central location, drawing fans from Tauranga as well as Whakatane, Rotorua, Kawerau and Hamilton.

"I think it's going to go really, really well," he said.

"We've had a lot of people call the office and a lot commenting on social media.

"Tauranga has a good R&B population as well."

Tourism Bay of Plenty assistant marketing and communications manager Abby Parkin said events like this were fantastic for the Bay of Plenty.

"Music festivals, band visits and events are fantastic for the region.

"To host significant music acts, like TLC, provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region which often entices repeat visitation.

"TLC in particular have a huge international following, so for Tauranga to be a chosen venue will hopefully encourage similar acts in the future."

It has been a week of big acts announcing shows in Tauranga. On Friday Nitro Circus announced it would be performing at ASB Baypark Stadium in February next year.