Okere Falls Fest mixes music to taste

Kate Church (right) and Dave Bremner relax at the Okere Falls Fest, which was held over Saturday and Sunday. Photo/Ben Fraser

Punters at the Okere Falls Fest were treated to the ultimate mix-tape - a live smorgasbord of music hand-picked by festival organisers and including little-known Rotorua musicians among larger international acts.

The festival, held at the Okere Falls Store, is now in its second year and featured Don McGlashan and Bic Runga as well as little known Bonjah, Aaron and Alice, Stella Morris and Strangely Arousing, among many others.

"It's all music I like myself and people I know who would appreciate this kind of environment and each other," said co-organiser Michael Barker, whose band Swamp Thing also featured.

"It's like a variety show. It's like putting together a great playlist, one that takes people on a journey."

Organiser Sarah Uhl said the high calibre of performers had been appreciated by the festivalgoers.

"It's been really good," she said as the second day was in full swing.

"Don McGlashan was great and Bonjah were well received. No one knew who they were beforehand but people were dancing and that shows they were a great band to have. We've had lovely weather but as we have a marquee everyone is under shelter in the rain."

She said there would definitely be another festival.

"It's a slightly alternative show and people want that kind of thing. We've had good sales and it's been really intimate down here."

Swamp Thing fan Tak Mutu was at the festival for both days.

"It has a really nice atmosphere and is completely different to the Beerfest [an event also held at the store]," he said.

"I came for the music, I'm a big Swamp Thing fan but it was pretty cool to hear Bonjah - they were awesome."

He said he was looking forward to seeing Strangely Arousing after hearing so much about them.

Rotorua-based musician Rob Ruha said he enjoyed visiting the Okere Falls Store but this was his first time performing.

"I come out here to enjoy a good hot chocolate so it's cool to be performing here," he said.