Big crowd check out Music at the Rotunda

Rotorua jazz pianist and former Rotorua Jazz Club president Keith Garratt

Afternoon concerts held at the old Band Rotunda in the Government Gardens are back for another year with the first instalment proving popular.

The first of this year's Music at the Rotunda concerts was held last Sunday with more than 100 people turning up to enjoy the performance.

Keith Garratt and Friends and the Edward Brothers started this year's series which involves a number of local performers providing afternoon concerts at the Band Rotunda.

The Sunday events, running through to the end of March, feature jazz, blues, orchestral, brass and choral works.

Each concert starts at 1pm and finishes around 2.30pm.

Rotorua District Council community arts officer Marc Spijkerbosch said the aim of the concerts was to profile the diverse musical talent that exists in the district.

"Music at the Rotunda has developed quite a following.

"At last weekend's event people were setting up their deck chairs by 12pm to make sure they got the best spots in the shade. It went really well and we received lots of positive feedback, with many agreeing it's a wonderful way to showcase our community's talent."

Mr Spijkerbosch said The Arts Village's annual Art in the Park event will also be at Government Gardens this Sunday so there'll be plenty of live music, stalls and activities for local people and visitors to enjoy.

The concerts are funded by Rotorua District Council and Rotorua Trust and entrance is free.

Music at the Rotunda
February 23: Art in the Park
March 2: Nostalgia Band
March 9: Thermaleles and Acousticity
March 16: Evelyn Falconer
March 23: Rotorua Symphonic Band and Rotorua Highland Pipe Band
March 30: BOP Blues Club and Sunrise Rockers