Sunday session the perfect wind-down

What better place to go on a wet and windy Sunday - Unplugged: Open Mic was packed to the rafters with musicians and music lovers alike.

The session meets monthly at the Tarewa Rd hostel to jam, seek feedback and kick back.

At yesterday's session musicians young and old settled in for the afternoon.

"People are probably sick of listening to me play by now but it's good that we've got a few new people along," said co-founder Bruce Macfarlane.

"We've had a couple say they read about it and decided to come along, they're from Rotorua Lakes High School. That's what we want to encourage. We want all ages, all styles of music."

There was a combination of original and covered works as well as a range of instruments.

"The whole concept has grown. It's probably more of a musical variety club than anything else. "

From next month Unplugged will meet on the second Sunday of every month, from 2pm to 5pm. It is free and to take part musicians simply write their name on a board at Kiwi Paka. A PA system is available for anyone to use in their set.

Mr Macfarlane said Kiwi Paka was perfect for winter but in summer they are looking to perform outdoors, such as by Tikitapu (Blue Lake) or on musicians' farms.