1814, Sons of Zion, Tomorrow People in Rotorua

Rotorua's reggae fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing reggae gigs in the city with three reggae bands heading to the city.

The first gig is at the Rotorua RSA tomorrow night where 1814 will be performing with support act Kougar Sistaz.

1814 member Patu Colbert, who grew up in Ngongotaha, said the band enjoyed performing in Rotorua as many of them had family here - including Maihi Pinker who grew up in Rotorua.

Colbert said the band was looking forward to tomorrow night's gig because they were always given an "awesome" reception from Rotorua audiences.

"There's a lot of support down there ... biggest supporters in the country," Colbert said.

He said fans would be able to hear all their classics, cover songs and new material too.

"The show's pretty dynamic," he said.

Colbert said 1814 would perform a two-hour set and anyone wanting tickets could get them for $25 at the RSA or at eventfinder.co.nz until doors open at 7.30pm, which was when tickets would cost $30.

Next weekend, Sons of Zion and Tomorrow People will perform in Rotorua at Ngongotaha's Kalah Bar on November 25 and at Whakatane on November 26.

The two bands are back on the road for a third instalment of their successful Twice as Irie Reggae Tour for two final shows to close off 2011 before they take part in summer shows including Exodus in the Western bay of Plenty on New year's Eve and Raggamuffin 2012.

Sons of Zion lead vocalist Rio Panapa is a former Rotorua man who is looking forward to coming back to the city to perform next weekend. He is also encouraging Rotorua to support them at the show.

Meanwhile, other gigs heading to Rotorua include The Checks, performing at The Shed on Saturday as part of their Deadly Summer Sway Album Tour 2011, the New Zealand Country Music Awards 2011 at the Civic Theatre on November 26 and The Riff Raff - AC/DC Tribute Band will be playing at Ngongotaha's Kalah Bar on December 2.