Chris Webber is a local musician who will be playing at the Farmers Market during May.
Homegrown, local music is being celebrated and supported in May, with something on offer for everyone.
This year's New Zealand Music Month celebrations in Rotorua offers a mix of free live concerts, professional development seminars for those interested in the music industry and ticketed events with well-known artists.
The openingnight is on May 1, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Social Club with a performance from Michael Barker and Ben Wilcox as Sulphur Jets.
There will be free performances at the Night Markets and Farmers' Markets throughout the month, as well as Music in Te Manawa on Saturdays from 11am to 2pm.
Other ticketed events include the Herbs performing at Lava Bar and My Name is Moana at Shambles Theatre, led by singer/songwriter Moana Maniapoto, alongside Paddy Free, Trina Maniapoto and Cadzow Cossar.
The month's finale will be on May 31, with the headline act to be announced.
Rotorua Lakes Council arts and culture manager Stewart Brown says the talented Rio Hemopo-Hunuki, of Trinity Roots fame, has been involved in the programming of this year's celebrations which has allowed a diverse line up to be offered.
Chris Webber is one of the local musicians performing as part of the New Zealand Music Month celebrations in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser
He says Rotorua has a rich history of ground-breaking entertainers so the month is a chance to showcase up-and-coming talent next to seasoned local performers.
Stewart says Ahi Kā on May 11 at 7pm will be a fantastic family concert.
"The concept behind the evening was to bring successful local musicians home to perform for their community in this one-off event at the Harvest Centre."
The evening will include performances by Louis Baker, 3Wahines and supported by music students from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.
"With so much on offer there is something for everyone.
"We have some great names this year including King Kapisi, alongside talented locals, so it is important to come out and support them and help encourage New Zealand music."
Rotorua musician Chris Webber says he is looking forward to participating in Rotorua's music month.
"To me, Music Month brings out a whole new opportunity to celebrate what we've had, what we have, and what we're going to have.
"There's a whole vibrant community of musicians and talent around here, so this is an annual opportunity to dig that out."
He thinks the more people that participate and the more people that support homegrown music, will help make homegrown music much healthier and more vibrant.
He says it is hard to find good venues for live music which are accessible to everyone, "so the more we celebrate our local music and musicians, hopefully the more support there will be for great live music venues, events and opportunities for growth."
Chris says he started performing as a high school student, and has been performing around Rotorua for the past 20 years.
"I love lighting people up, bringing joy and happiness to people. That's what it's all about."
For more information on Rotorua's NZ Music Month events go to the @RotoruaEvents Facebook page.
