Modern Maori Quartet bringing That's Us! debut album tour to Rotorua

Modern Maori Quartet's Maaka Pohatu, Francis Kora, Matariki Whatarau and James Tito.

Rotorua will be in full swing when the Modern Maori Quartet come to town next month.

The quartet performs in Rotorua on October 5 as part of their nationwide That's Us! Debut Album Tour with Annie Crummer.

Modern Maori Quartet member Francis Kora, from Whakatane, said it was awesome to be releasing their album, because there was so much involved in it and so it was a treat to get to the finish.

"We are all really excited and can't wait."

Kora said the main inspiration behind the album was a lot of aroha. He said the music was uniquely New Zealand, based around garage parties with family and classic songs people could sing together.

He said he was interested to see how the songs were received on the tour.

"I think the most important thing is people are really going to feel the joy and love from the album."

Kora said it was special to come to Rotorua, as it was the home of Sir Howard Morrison, and the Howard Morrison Quartet inspired them to do this genre.

"It's nice to come to Rotorua and share with others what we have to offer."

He said the show would be family friendly and fun.

"I think it's a truly unique New Zealand sound."

He said you did not see this kind of music in the top charts these days, but at parties or weddings and funerals - places of celebration.

He said it was exciting to be performing with "legend" Crummer again.

He said every single show they did was different - "and depending on what the crowd gives us, we can give back to them".

Kora said they have also released a new video clip called Shine which was a great way for people to get a feel for the music.

The tour also takes in Taupo on October 8 and ends in Whakatane on October 15.

What: Modern Maori Quartet show
Where: Rotorua Civic Theatre
When: Thursday October 5, 7pm
Tickets: Available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz