Backyard summerfest is break for Jacki Houkamu

Jacki Houkamu will perform a 45-minute set at Backyard Summerfest at the Waikoko Gardens on Saturday, January 18.

Jacki Houkamu's passion for music began when her grandfather encouraged her to pick up a guitar at the age of 8.

A love affair with performing followed - both as a solo artist and vocalist for drum and bass act Alley Tricks, among others.

Her blend of alternative folk rock has evolved from early attempts at songwriting when she was just 12, and were further honed during a year-long music course at EIT.

"I have been in bands and performing from a very young age, but I took a break to have my twin girls," Houkamu said.

"I got back into it with the course where I learned a lot. I'm primarily a guitarist and vocalist but there I picked up some piano and bass."

Having graduated at the end of 2013, she was snatched up by Backyard Summerfest organiser Kevin Murphy - who described her as "an amazing up-and-coming talent" - to open the event on January 18.

Her set will be half original material and half covers.

Hawke's Bay's new festival will replace Blues, Brews and BBQs, and is expected to become a bigger event in years to come.

Houkamu will be among esteemed company, with headline act Sola Rosa making an appearance later in the evening.

The band have been on tour in Europe and looked forward to performing here, with founder Andrew Spraggon saying he "can't wait".

"We've had a history of great shows, late nights and good wines in the region - this show is looking to be a winner," he said.

DJ General Lee, Jharmony, Devils Elbow and Ash Graham round out the line-up.

Murphy said an event app had been created to keep people updated with the day's activities.

He expected more than 500 people to get out and enjoy music, art and a spot of backyard cricket.

Backyard Summerfest offers a limited special featuring two tickets to the festival, two nights at Quest Napier, two tickets to the Black Caps vs India game at McLean Park and a $100 dinner voucher at Shed 2 in Ahuriri.

To enter, visit Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BackyardSummerfest and click "like" on the post.

Backyard Summerfest is held at the Waikoko Gardens at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds and is a charity fundraiser for Stortford Lodge Rotary. Tickets cost $35 plus booking fees from Ticket Direct.