Emerging talents share spotlight at park

IN HARMONY: Lorna Gibson and Taylor Vercoe are not only best friends but a talented musical duo. PHOTO/AMANDA HAILWOOD

The second instalment of Summer in the Park sees up-and-coming Hawke's Bay talent take to the stage in a celebration of New Faces.

"These young performers took part in the Creative Hastings Clock Tower Sessions concert last year where our aim was to help promote emerging [artists] in the community," Keith Gosney of Creative Hastings said.

"It is just fabulous to see them now playing to a far larger audience and gaining the recognition they deserve."

Fraser MacKenzie, Super Cone Destroyer and Lorna & Taylor will perform at Cornwall Park in Hastings this Sunday from 3pm.

Super Cone Destroyer was founded four years ago as a High School band, influenced by artists such as Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and many blues greats.

Jake O'Herlihy (vocals and guitar), Campbell Hay (guitar), Hugh McKendrey (drums), Eddie Roberts (keyboard) and Tom Hosford (bass) placed third in the regional final of Rock Quest last year.

Lorna Gibson and Taylor Vercoe are best friends whose ability to harmonise make them a formidable duo.

The pair studied NCEA Level 3 music at Hastings Girls High School last year and gained experience in choirs, musicals, and other school productions.

They play a range of instruments including keyboard, ukulele and acoustic guitar.

MacKenzie recently graduated with a Certificate in Contemporary Music from EIT. Starting out as a drummer, he soon found his rhythm as a guitarist. Self-taught since the age of 16, he was inspired by guitarist and songwriter Bruce Cockburn and enjoys re-interpreting classic rock and folk-rock tunes as well as writing originals.

People will also have a second chance to look over this year's Art in the Park entries created by local artists, with a musical theme.

In the event of wet weather, the concert will be postponed and rescheduled if possible.