This year's La Fiesta festival has its official launch on Saturday February 18 with the opening of An Artists Response featuring work by 15 local artists at Space Gallery.
But, just to get everyone in the festival mood, there will be a February 12 performance by New Plymouth band Glass Boat stopping off on their North Island Laughing Boy Tour.
The band are a sometime trio consisting of Missie Moffat, Matt Herrett and Diarmuid Cahill playing their original compositions that have been described as a mix of folk, country, blues & jazz.
Their six track EP, recorded live at The 4th Wall Theatre in New Plymouth, includes their stage banter between and during songs.
"You can hear how relaxed they are and in turn it will relax you, as you close your eyes and wish that you were there," wrote one reviewer.