Play-off time for regional rockquest acts

Gisborne Herald

23 Jun, 2023 08:49 AMQuick Read

Girls’ High band Ngā Rau Mahara will be among the finalists on stage tomorrow night.

Twelve bands from Tairāwhiti are poised to exhibit their musical prowess as they play off in the regional final of the Smokefreerockquest at the War Memorial Theatre on Saturday.

The competition, now in its 36th year, involves thousands of young musicians every year. Regional finals take place in venues in 21 regions, from Whangarei to Invercargill.

The acts performing here in Gisborne are the 12 selected at heats held last month.

Tomorrow night’s final will determine the top three bands.

There will also be a Musicianship Award, APRA Lyrics Award, and Smokefree Best Vocal award presented.

The two top bands will join the region’s top solo/duos, and Smokefree Tangata Beats award winner, in submitting footage for selection as national finalists.

The top Tairāwhiti solo/duo acts selected were Junior Pelea from Tolaga Bay Area School (first), and R&D from Lytton High School (second).

In Smokefree Tangata Beats category, Boys’ High band Turanga Tane Rebels were declared the winners closely followed by Ngā Rau Mahara from Girls’ High School.

The Smokefreerockquest national final will be held at Auckland Q Theatre on September 16, following the Smokefree Tangata Beats national final at the same venue the day before.

The regional final event is being held at the War Memorial Theatre, Saturday, June 24, start time 7pm, tickets $20 adults and $10 students from Ticketek (plus booking fee) or the door on the night.

Top 12 bands to play off at the

Tairāwhiti regional final:

Turanga Tane Rebels

Gisborne Boys’ High School

Ngā Rau Mahara

Gisborne Girls’ High School

Rising Revolution

Tolaga Bay Area School

The Generators

Ilminster Intermediate, Wainui Beach School, Gisborne Intermediate, Gisborne Boys’ High School

NSRB

Gisborne Boys’ High School