The Superturtle session

AMPED: Smash Summer Sesh organiser Rori White looks forward to seeing his selection of hand-picked bands rock Smash Palace on Sunday. Picture by Liam Clayton

Christmas and Boxing Day have gone, the rellies and mates are still here, but the Rhythm and Vines, and Revive festivals are days away — so what to do, what to do?

Rori White has the answer. Get down to Smash Palace on December 27 for the eighth edition of Smash Summer Sesh.

“I started it in 2002 because we wanted a place where locals and visitors could go to meet in one place,” says White.

“It’s almost like a reunion for locals.”

White hand-picks bands for Smash Summer Sesh and while some couldn’t make it this year, they’re keen to stay on the books for next year.

“Gisborne is isolated but our beaches and venues are a drawcard. I get pumped promoting music at Smash and other venues, and after Covid, bands are pumped to get on stage again.”

Part of White’s inspiration to stage a summertime, multi-band event was Tauranga act Threat.Meet.Protocol’s vocalist/bassist Austin Cunningham.

“He put a festival on called Woodcock. It’s underground but still well known.”

Cunningham also organised two Japanese punk bands to perform on a boat as guests sailed around the harbour.

“He knows how to pull these gigs off. He’s inspired me to get back into organising gigs like the Smash Summer Sesh again.”

White enjoys scouting out-of-town venues for bands.

“I have a notebook and write down the name of the bands then have a yarn with them afterwards to get a picture of their genre.”

Grunk or crunge — a mix of alt-punk, garage and rock — is the name he gives to the overall sound generated by his choice of bands.

The line-up for the eighth instalment of the Smash Summer Sesh is made up of Threat.Meet.Protocol, The Murder Chord, Blame Thrower, Dead Model, Hagseed, No Brainers, Unruly, and Gisborne band The Rabbits.”

Smash Palace owner Darryl Monteith (Demon Teeth) and White (Superturtle) are a good combination, says White.

“Darryl provides the venue, bar and staff and trusts me to bring in good bands. He’s a very accommodating host and supportive of local music.”

Smash Summer Sesh 8, Smash Palace, Sunday. Doors open at 3pm, the bands kick off at 4pm. Tickets $20+bf from