Central Hawke's Bay: Band promises blues, boogie and banter

Laura Collins and the Back Porch Blues Band are heading to music and entertainment venue Rumpy, near Otane, on February 26, ready to 'rock the joint' with blues, boogie and banter.

Wellington-based Collins is first and foremost an entertainer, she's all about the show and having a good time with the audience.

She likes to move between ballsy blues and soulful ballads, making them her own, says Rumpy owner Mary Kippenberger.

"You'll hear Nina Simone, Koko Taylor, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt and Laura's take on some unsuspecting men, Muddy Waters and BB King amongst them."

Collins says: "Blues comes straight from the heart and that's just how I like it, it's accessible, joyful, heart-full music and not only that it makes me want to move - what's not to like?"

The band are all long-time players in the Wellington and national music scene.

Renowned singer-songwriter Wayne Mason doubles as a fine boogie piano player and Mary says they're lucky enough to have him 'firing it up' on their behalf.

"Think Fats Domino, think Dr John, think Professor Longhair and you'll be in the right honky tonk."

On guitar, John O'Connor, who's worked with the likes of Kiri Te Kanawa, Mark Williams, BBK King, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, will be making it sing with his masterful playing.

In the engine room George Barris, who in his early days was part of Highway, is on upright bass, joined by Pete Cogswell on the back porch drums.

"Having a pulled back rhythm section just allows us to be lower volume and bring a really warm vocal-led sound," says Collins.

"We'll still bring out the boogie though, this band just swings."

Meals will be available.

Details:

* When: Friday, February 26, doors open 6.30pm, open mic from 7pm, show starts 8.30pm.

* Where: Rumpy, 212 Argyll Rd, RD1, Otane.

* Cost: $20 waged, $12 unwaged on the door. Bookings available by calling (06) 856 8367 or email Mary marykipp@hotmail.com.