City's entertainers get new venue

Rotorua entertainers are being given the chance to showcase their talents and gain exposure with the opening of a new venue which will also bring more national acts to the city.

Royale Lounge, co-owned by Pato Alvarez who also co-owns Rotorua's Heaven and Hell Nightclub, is now open and will feature regular entertainment from Rotorua musicians and entertainers. The lounge bar will feature local entertainers every Friday night and on Sunday afternoon performances will be held in the garden bar.

Mr Alvarez said he would look at having a national performer there every couple of months.

An official opening was being planned for next month and Mr Alvarez hoped to confirm Kiwi soul singer Hollie Smith.

Mr Alvarez said having regular Rotorua singers perform at the bar and restaurant would not only entertain the crowd but also allowed performers to showcase their talents and get used to performing in front of crowds.

As he organised events and gigs around New Zealand, Mr Alvarez said he could possibly include some of the local performers in those too.

Rotorua's Alayna Powley was the first Rotorua act to entertain audiences at Royale Lounge, which she described as a great way to showcase her musical talents to the city.

"It was really good ... I think it will help us locals who want to show our music," the 19-year-old said. The Rotorua teenager, who wants to become a full-time musician, performed an acoustic soul set at the lounge last Friday and loved every moment of it.

She said having a venue which provided local artists with a platform into the local scene was helpful for those wanting to pursue music full-time.

"It will be good for your own exposure to the rest of Rotorua."

Mr Alvarez said he planned to bring more comedy shows to the city as well.

He described Royale Lounge as a lounge bar which targeted the more professional market and featured facilities which catered for business meetings and conferences.

He said they provided gourmet food, platters and some Japanese/Chilean food, an extensive cocktail and wine list and had a 3am licence.

Meanwhile, tonight, Rotorua's Kylee Waaka, who was a contestant on New Zealand's Got Talent last year, will be performing while Kiwi musician Tiki Taane will be performing next door at Heaven and Hell. Powley will be back at Royale Lounge on Sunday.