Mayoral concert gets great reception

Off Broadway performers Steve Holmes and Evelyn Falconer entertained the crowd. Photo / Ben Fraser

Hundreds enjoyed an entertaining Sunday afternoon at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre as part of the Mayoral Concert for the Elderly.

Dance and song numbers performed by local talent proved a hit with audience members, who were toe-tapping and singing along to classic hits.

Rotorua Lakes Council performing arts director Richard Marshall said it was great to have such talent on offer for the free event.

"We had performers from Amjazz, ballet performances, and local singer Kiana Poipoi sang two songs. It's good to get the younger performers involved. It's great [for the performers] to be able to perform in front of such a large audience."

Local group Off Broadway were also proving popular with audience members, who were singing along to hits like Grease Lightning.

Rotorua Lakes councillor Glenys Searancke said the event was very popular, with the free tickets disappearing within 24 hours. "I think this event is very important to the community and I would like to see it happen regularly. They don't cost a huge amount to organise and they bring such pleasure to a group like the elderly."

She said mayor Steve Chadwick announced there would be two concerts next year.

"It is wonderful we have got the talent."

Mrs Searancke had enjoyed ushering the event and hearing positive comments from audience members

"People absolutely love it. A lady from Tauranga said to me we don't have anything like this in Tauranga."

Rotorua woman Barbara Armstrong said the concert had been thoroughly enjoyable.

"Everything was excellent. I loved the ballet. It was excellent variety and a great mix of everything."