Musical talent gets chance to shine

Emily Bennett (left), Niheta Jacobs, and Te Miringa Roberts-Hapi, 3, (obscured) enjoy the Waiariki Revolver Music Show. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua's depth of musicianship was on display at the combined annual Waiariki Institute of Technology and Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Waiariki Revolver Music Show.

The five-hour show on Saturday was part of the Waiariki Creative Arts Festival. It featured a number of up and coming artists as well as established musicians.

Co-organiser Richard Anaru said a steady stream of festival goers came along during the afternoon and early evening.

Rotorua band Strangely Arousing were warmly received as were seasoned stagers Swamp Thing, and up and coming Shades of Stone, with accomplished vocalist Stella Maris on drums.

Other appearances were from Stave, The Latest Fallout, Russell Harrison with Elisha Hulton, bands from MAINZ, and Residents of Soul.

The concert focused on the success of music graduates from the Waiariki Academy of Singing and Music faculty, said Mr Anaru, the faculty manager.

"It was an opportunity to showcase the talents of people who have studied music at Waiariki or other institutes."

The young musicians were able to use the concert as a springboard to a musical career, Mr Anaru said.