Aussie festival performer has every bass covered

Juzzie Smith is set to bring his eclectic folk/blues sound to Rotorua this week. Photo / Supplied

A "one-man band" will be bringing his bluegrass, folk-eclectic music to Rotorua.

Juzzie Smith will perform at the Pig and Whistle twice a day during the Crankworx festival.

Hailing from the Australian coastal town of Byron Bay, he is set to impress local crowds with his ability to play guitar, harmonica and percussion at the same time using all of his body.

He has released several albums and will be completing his latest album after his visit.

"I've never been to Rotorua. This is the first time to the North Island of New Zealand," he said. "I look forward to the beauty and the people most of all. All New Zealand folk I meet in Australia are very open and welcoming."

Smith described his sound as a mix of many styles.

"It has a blues feel with folk and bluegrass mix that is very groovy. My sound is crafted on street performing ... it also has a fun visual show," he said.

"My influences go back to when I was 13 years old. The first time I heard the harmonica my heart fell in love with the sound of blues.

"I used to listen to old blues players and copy their licks on harmonica and guitar. I then really enjoyed the mix of blues and DJ remixes. This led me to my one-man band and how I love to keep a simple groove but let it grow and go places."

Pig and Whistle business development manager Megan Douglas said the hotel was excited to bring Smith's unique sound to Rotorua.

"[Owner] Gregg [Brown] last year was in the Gold Coast with his family and saw Juzzie busking and thought straight away he would be great here.

"It's perfect to have him here with Crankworx on, it's such a massive event for Rotorua," Mrs Douglas said.

"I think [local crowds] are going to love him. It is so different, nothing you've heard of before but you can't help but like it."

-Juzzie Smith will be performing twice a day at Pig and Whistle from 1.30pm to 3pm and 5.30pm to 7pm. Admission is free.