Rotorua is set to rock with an eight-hour celebration of music at the annual BluesFeast event at the end of this month.
Now in its third year, BluesFeast is becoming a popular event on Rotorua's entertainment calendar.
Held on Sunday, January 30, during Auckland Anniversary Weekend, BluesFeast will showcase a wider
range of music this year with swing, big band, pop covers and rock acts as well as blues.
The line-up includes iconic Rotorua band Cairo, Shejus Greedy, Brilleaux, Kindred, Count Me In and the BOP Blues Revue.
BluesFeast Trust chairman Noel Lamberton said organisers decided to incorporate acts of different musical styles this year to try to attract a wider audience.
While in the past audiences have numbered up to 700 people, this year organisers are aiming for 1000.
Mr Lamberton said the programme was tailored to highlight the fabulous musical talent in Rotorua and the wider Central North Island.
"Rotorua has some fantastic musicians and we are just bringing them back out."
Headlining the festival is Cairo, featuring Rotorua's Mickey Ututaonga, Rob Paterson and Richard Anaru as well as Ernie Semu from Auckland.
New group Shejus Greedy will play - it is made up of Ututaonga and Paterson from Cairo, lead vocalists Delayne Ututaonga and Grant Haua, and Michael Barker of John Butler Trio fame.
Brilleaux is a Tauranga-based high-energy rhythm and blues band described as New Zealand's best in their field.
Kindred is a legendary Rotorua rock band that has recently opened for Dragon and features John Reihana, Ian Rangitutia, Bede O'Neill and Boss Rangitutia. Count Me In is a popular Rotorua covers band featuring Kelly Makiha, Daryl Cogger, Rob Brittain and Kent Aston.
The Blues Revue will showcase local musicians Rawiri Waru, Mike Garner, Murray Clarke, Ali Morgan, Jimmy Morrison and Shay Morrison. New Tricks features Lyndsey Sinclair, Keith Garratt, Barry Smith, Bill Blackbourn and Peter Green.
There will be a selection of food (stalls from the Rotorua Night Market), fine wines and boutique beers available throughout the day.
Gates open at the Rotorua Arts Village Experience Grounds in Hinemaru St from 11.30am.
Guests will be entertained by M.I.S.T, the Mokoia Intermediate School Band, until the main programme starts at midday with the 21-piece Great Lake Big Band from Taupo. Bands will perform until 8pm.
Tickets are $25 and include a souvenir glass. They are available from Ticketmaster, City Focus, Belgian Bar, Pheasant Plucker, NZ Credit Union and APN Print. BYO food and drinks are not permitted.
For more information, go to www.bluesfeast.co.nz.
THE BANDS
Midday: Great Lake Big Band
1.10pm: New Tricks
2.10pm: Count Me In
3.10pm: Blues Revue
5pm: Kindred
6pm: Brilleaux
7.10pm: Cairo with Shejus Greedy