Swamps Thing's Mike Barker (left) with Louisiana-based multi-instrumentalist Michael Foster. Photo/Jenn Ocken Photography
Swamps Thing's Mike Barker (left) with Louisiana-based multi-instrumentalist Michael Foster. Photo/Jenn Ocken Photography
UPDATE: Due to severe weather, the Swamp Thing gig at the Okere Falls Store - with special guest Louisiana's Michael Foster - that was scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for Saturday at 5pm.
Fresh from their success at the Womad music festival Rotorua-based band Swamp Thing are set torock the Okere Falls Store with a special international artist.
Swamp Thing are made up of percussionist extraordinaire Mike Barker and the enigmatic guitarist and lead singer Grant Haua, but they are often seen on stage with a number of guest musicians.
This time round they will be joined by Louisiana's veteran jazz/funk/R&B/hip-hop musician Michael Foster who is bringing his sousaphone and stand-up bass to New Zealand for three gigs in the region with Swamp Thing over Easter.
Mr Foster serves as arts ambassador to the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is leader of the renowned Michael Foster Project, among other projects and initiatives.
Mr Barker said Rotorua was lucky to have such a talented musician in town.
"We met in Louisiana and I was invited to play with one of his bands.
"The sousaphone is such a rare instrument to hear played very well and it's often seen in street marching bands, but Mike does it so well and takes it very seriously.
"It will be an opportunity to see it played really well as people don't really know what the instrument even looks like.
"He's also an extraordinary double bass player, live performer and entertainer and is only in New Zealand for a week.
"It's really just us giving back the kindness we were shown by the people of Baton Rouge when we were there."
Local band Swamp Thing are Grant Haua (left) and Mike Barker. Photo/Jenn Ocken Photography
Mr Barker said Swamp Thing's recent Saturday night slot at the Womad music festival in New Plymouth had also boosted the band's success in terms of exposure and album sales, that also helped fund Mr Foster's trip to New Zealand.
"Womad was really cool when we got a Saturday night spot after another artist pulled out.
"This meant we were bumped up the list and could bring along a horn section and keyboards.
"That transferred into all of our CDs being sold there, plus online sales as well, and we now top the independent music charts in New Zealand."
The Independent Music NZ charts have both Swamp Thing's albums in the top 10 - Primordium at number one and Balladeer at number three - out selling artists such as Devilskin, Fat Freddy's Drop and Anika Moa.
Mr Barker said the band was also gearing up to release their third studio album.
Swamp Thing and their special guests play the Okere Falls Store on Thursday from 7pm.
