Blast from the past

Billy and Mahora Peters, two of the original members of the Maori Volcanics Showband.

Rotorua is in for a trip down memory lane with the touring Maori Volcanics Showband coming to town.

Six all-singing, all-dancing multi-instrumentalists - including two original members of the group - will perform at the Waikite Clubrooms on Saturday with promoter and performer Huiariki Watene saying it will be a great chance to see and hear some of the classics live.

"It's highlighting the showmanship and entertainment that Billy T James and Tui Teka were also once a part of.

"We also have two originals in there as well with Mahora Peters and her husband Billy Peters, Mahora is the pioneer of the Volcanics since back in 1964 - they have both been on the road for 46 years."

Mr Watene said the show wouldn't just be a trip down memory lane with comedy, impersonations of famous acts such as Roy Orbison, Tui Teka and even Abba.

"It will all be finished before the All Blacks test as well," he joked.

"When I first started with them with our first four shows down in the Wellington area, hotel managers didn't want to know, they thought it was too risky thinking the audience were also either dead or in rest homes.

"But, with sold out shows around the North Island we were really pleased to know there is still an audience out there for real top quality entertainment."

He said the group were was planning a South Island tour and was heading to Tahiti, Hawaii and Las Vegas in May next year.

They are also playing at the Opotiki RSA this Friday from 7.30pm and at the Kawerau Cosmopolitan Club on Sunday at 1.30pm.

- The Maori Volcanics Showband play at the Waikite Clubrooms, 15 Bellvue Rd, Koutu, on Saturday . Doors open 3pm for a 4pm start. Tickets are $20 from Koutu Four Square, Ruck 'n' Maul Sports Bar or the club. Door sales are available if not sold out. For bookings or other queries call (07) 348 2788.