Musicians pledge to be loud in praise of youth

Young people are being encouraged to Live Life Loud next weekend, by a host of musicians including Grammy Award-winning musician Jerome Kavanagh.

The all-ages line-up includes Front Back and Sides, Koia, Khaos, Christa, Secondhand Revenge and guest appearances from Jerome Kavanagh and Masterhuna's Raymon Butler.

As well as playing the December 8 concert, Kavanagh is running youth workshops this week in which he talks young people through the stories of his taonga puoro, Maori traditional instruments.

"Really they're the voice of our environment and elements, it's about having a voice. I'm talking about my journey with these things."

Kavanagh, describing his music as "electric wairua", has played concerts around the world and last year won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Crossover. He wants to promote the idea of young people going back to their roots, and using their voice.

"It's about telling somebody what's going on, and promoting community and a connection with culture," he said.

Wairarapa REAP youth coordinator Glenda Seville said Live Life Loud was introduced by Masterton Youth Council last year and she wanted to see a repeat of the sell-out success.

Masterton Safe and Healthy Community Council youth worker Sarah Taylor-Waitere said although the alcohol and smokefree event has a focus on youth, families were welcome.

"It's just promoting youth in Wairarapa, around their achievements ... We're in that era of young people loving music, and it's letting them showcase their talents."

Front Back and Sides members Eddie Kerr and Cameron Elliot said they want people to come along, watch, listen and have fun. "The more people there the better. And like us on Facebook."

Live Life Loud, The Spot, December 8, 7pm-11pm, $5 pre-sales from Wairarapa REAP, 340 Queen St.