Local high school bands will get the chance to show off their talents at the Smokefreerockquest Hawke's Bay regional finals play off at the Napier Municipal Theatre on June 18.
High school bands from Hawke's Bay competed in heats earlier this month and now the top 12 bands are set to play off for first and second place prizes and the opportunity to go into the judging pool for the coveted six spots at the national finals in September.
Smokefreerockquest founder and director Glenn Common says at the regional final level some entrants are already demonstrating the stand out factor that may see them achieve musical success.
"The benefits of coming together, meeting fellow musicians and playing to a live audience can't be overstated," he said.
"Becoming a performing artist is not a one-day project - it's a long road until you're writing the sort of songs that help to shape a nation's identity as some past Smokefreerockquest winners like Anika Moa and Jason Kerison have done."
