Can of baked beans for a musical extravaganza

A spare can of food is all you'll need to get into a Rotorua gig tomorrow night.

Local punk band Kid Cynical will be playing for food items or a small koha (donation) at the gig with all proceeds to go to the Rotorua Salvation Army foodbank.

Drummer Andrew Taylor, who is also a student at Waiariki Institute of Technology Music Academy, said the Salvation Army was so grateful for the supplies collected at the band's last gig in July, they wanted to do it again.

"If you can use your art to help people who aren't well off then that's what we want to do," he said.

Kid Cynical - made up of Taylor, Rik Gainsford, Mitch Cookson and Julian Friese - play original songs and covers.

They will perform alongside acoustic punk solo artist Myth of Democracy, acoustic blues duo The PJ Duo, metal band Hundred Acre Woods, acoustic rock group The Sam and Eric Show and hardcore band Barracks.

Taylor said the last time his band performed for food donations they attracted a bigger crowd than at previous gigs.

The band collected 90 food items and $30 at their gig in July.

"Our band is all for people having a good quality of life; we're not just in it for the money, we play music for fun," Taylor said.

Rotorua's Salvation Army community ministries manager Graeme Stark liked the "pay it forward" concept.

He thought it was a great idea and it was very creditable that the young people were thinking of others and giving back to their community.

"It shows a great deal of caring for the community they live in," he said.

"People tend to give more after a big disaster or tragedy but it's the day-to-day stuff we need help with."

Mr Stark said people were struggling and unable to feed themselves and their children.

He said about 12 people approached the Salvation Army foodbank for help every day.

The foodbank always needed fresh fruit and vegetables, pasta and rice, he said.

Tomorrow's gig is being held at TEAZAR lounge bar and night club on Eruera St and starts at 6pm.

For a sneak preview download Kid Cynical's EP free at facebook.com/kidcynical