Warratahs to perform in Taranaki

The Warratahs will be performing live in Stratford this Saturday night.

Barry Saunders, singer and songwriter for the Warratahs, says he is excited to be returning to Taranaki to play at the Stratford District Council Summer Nights concert this Saturday.

"I grew up in Taranaki, I went to Mahoe School, and we lived in Mahoe and then Awatuna. That was the first 10 years of my life, so I know Stratford well, I used to come into the town. I started writing my first music in Taranaki as a child, just thinking of lyrics and tunes."

With eight albums behind them, the Warratahs are one of the best selling New Zealand bands in the country, and they are looking forward to sharing their music with old and new fans, says Barry.

"We have played in Stratford before, twice in fact, at the TET Kings Theatre. The first time it was a sell-out crowd, so we certainly have plenty of fans in the area."

The band, who are in their 30th year this year, were surprised by the length of time their last album, Runaway Days, was in the NZ charts. "We weren't expecting that certainly."

Fans can expect to hear plenty of their favourite songs at Saturday's free concert, says Barry.

"Songs we played over 20 years ago are still popular with our audiences. People still want to hear the classics, as well as our newer stuff."

Playing in the Ted McCullough Rhododendron Dell will make for a great venue, says Barry.

"I'm looking forward to that, it is a beautiful place and will make for a nice evening in Stratford."

He's also looking forward to hearing the music from Rick Coplestone and Janet Muggeridge, who are opening for the Warratahs at the Summer Nights concert.

"We all love hearing other people's music, and I haven't heard these two play before, so I am definitely going to be listening and watching. Local music is normally great, and I can't wait to hear them play."

The Summer Nights concert is free and will be at the Ted McCullough Rhododendron Dell from 5.30pm on Saturday, February 11.