Country stars take to Rotorua stage

Special guest artist is Australian multi gold guitar winner, singer-songwriter Lyn Bowtell. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

New Zealand's top amateur country music entertainers are in the city this weekend competing for the title of Country Music Entertainer of the Year.

A wonderful night of entertainment is on offer, according to president of the NZ Country Music Association, Heather Holland, who said people needed to get past the idea that country was just one style of singing.

"Within country you have country rock, blues, gospel, and western. It is not a narrow genre," she said.

"If people can get past this, they are in for a night of absolutely great entertainment with the best backing band, The Huckleberries, and backing vocals Echo n Harmony enhancing the singing."

Special guest artist is award winning Australian singer-songwriter, Lyn Bowtell, as well as 2015 NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year Te Whanau.

Local artists Tegan Reid, Anahera Waiariki, Rererangi Twaddell and Doug Erutoe are in the competition and will have plenty of support from the audience.

"The contestants this year are from Auckland to Gore, and range in age from 8 to 70. They have already won awards and now qualify for the chance to become New Zealand Country Music Entertainer of the Year in the various age groups."

This year the winner of the senior category wins a scholarship to the Country Music Academy in Tamworth, Australia.

The Intermediate Entertainer of the Year will represent New Zealand at the Norfolk Island Festival next May.

What: New Zealand Country Music Entertainer of The Year
Where: Rotorua Civic Theatre
When: Tomorrow 7pm - 10pm
Tickets: ph 0800111999