The stage is set, the summer is humming and New Zealand's hottest performer is booked, so tonight's eighth annual Summer Hummer starting at 5.30pm at Masterton's Sports Bowl has all the makings of a great night out.
Road engineers were busy yesterday putting all the pieces of a 30-tonne transportable stage
together at the Sports Bowl.
David Paris, of Masterton District Council, says the show is ideally suited to the younger audience, who can come and enjoy the latest sounds in a safe environment.
"It feels safe. That's why parents will let their kids come to this as opposed to something they don't know so well.
"It's largely targeted at the college kids. It's a mini Big Day Out and the local kids can come to experience it."
Organisers say parents are welcome at the event and police will have a strong presence to ensure everyone is well behaved.
The Summer Hummer is followed by the ever-popular Summer Swing tomorrow evening.
Masterton District Council and Trust House Charitable Trust principally fund the two evenings of concerts, and are putting in $15,000 and $20,000 respectively. This money goes to subsidise the entry fee, which is $5 a person.
Summer Hummer also runs at Upper Hutt and Invercargill.
Top of the bill is Scribe, who swept the top honours at the New Zealand Music Awards last year.
Also appearing are are established rockers Fur Patrol ? playing their second Summer Hummer ? who are set to hit the stage at 6.45pm.
The opening act is the precocious local band Under Construction, who will kick off proceedings at 5.30pm. They are to be followed by Mana, another Wairarapa act.
Tomorrow evening's schedule features Tim Beverage and Frankie Stevens with the Roger Fox Band. Local singer Tess O'Hara and Erna Ferry will also be performing in the evening.
Summer Swing starts at 6pm and finishes around 8.30pm..
