Lyric3 - from left, Tehae Clayton, 15, Kapiolani Kihi, 16, Arianna Cudby, 15, from Western Heights High School. Photo / File
If you fancy having a jam to some of Rotorua's young musicians, go along to the Convention Centre tomorrow afternoon for a treat.
The Rotorua regional finals for Smokefree Pacifica Beats starts at 2pm tomorrow, and will see talent from local schools play-off for a top placing.
Smokefree Pacifica Beats,
part of the Smokefreerockquest, reflects the unique cultural identity of New Zealand and the South Pacific. The event started in 1994 as the Urban Beats Award within Smokefreerockquest but has since grown into a competition in its own right.
Smokefree Pacifica Beats participants must demonstrate a cultural component in their songwriting and performance, which gives the young musicians the opportunity to prove their ability, combined with cultural relevance.
With events across seven regions, Smokefree Pacifica Beats provides another platform for developing and growing young music talent in New Zealand. Smokefree Pacifica Beats organiser Elena Lome said the regional finals provided a professional environment for young musicians. "We give them the experience of playing on stage in front of a big audience with lights and all that you would expect from a live music show. "You can really see the students love it, they are posting on Facebook to their mates and musically they really go up a notch in that setting."
