Bay's musicians primed for Palmees

It is always casual, colourful and fun at the annual Cabana "Palmee" awards.

There is a lot of fine musical talent out there across the Hawke's Bay landscape, and for the past three years the "guvnor" of The Cabana in Napier, Roy Brown, has staged an evening of celebration to acknowledge that.

To acknowledge the great music scene of the Bay ... and to have a bit of fun and games at the same time.

The awards in the 13 categories are appropriate ones, for they are trophies which reflect that finely tuned and near-legendary symbol of one of the country's most iconic, and historic for that matter, live music venues.

Musician Fane Flaws picked up a Palmee at last year's awards and this Sunday he'll be there as a presenter for one of the band categories.

They are called 'The Palmees' - the shining palms of The Cabana emblem.

And so, this coming Sunday evening will see the fourth Cabana Music Awards staged, and the 'Palmees' accordingly handed out.

Roy summed the whole occasion up simply.

"We're here to have fun and have a good time."

While the evening was always casual, and always filled with laughter and of course a tune or two, the red carpet was laid out as - after all, it is an awards evening.

"Oh yeah, a lot of people dress up," he said.

But at the end of the day it was not about being too serious, it was essentially staged to unite the buoyant and enthusiastic Hawke's Bay music scene.

"There is a really healthy music industry here in the Bay."

Roy kicked the awards off back in 2013 effectively as a celebration of that.

A casual, fun evening to unite those within the local music scene - where they could meet up, talk, swap ideas and generally support each other's musical efforts.

And it was gaining momentum year upon year - always a good sign on the musical front.

"Oh yeah, it's grown absolutely in that time."

All are welcome to attend what is always a great night.

"Plenty of fun," Roy said with a smile.

The award categories are Drum Hero, Best Duo, Voice, Guitar Hero, Best Video (director), Best Covers Band, The Biggest Band Slut Award, Best New Act 2015-2016, Best Solo Artist, Bass Hero, Best Reggae Group, Album/EP 2015-2016 and Most Interesting Live Act.

The line-ups of contenders illustrates just how much local musical power is out there. In the Drum Hero category there are 14 potential winners while 16 are lined up for the Voice Award and 12 bass players vying for that 'Palmee'.