KEY POINTS:
A former member of an iconic Kiwi band, a teenage band and local karaoke singers will help Rotorua see in the new year.
Headlining this year's annual free outdoor New Year's Eve Mardi Gras, Rock the Lake, will be former Herbs member Carl Perkins who with his sons has formed roots reggae, dub outfit, House of Shem.
They have previously played at Rotorua's Blue Lake Dub Experience and are also booked for the upcoming Ragamuffin concert in Rotorua early next year. Perkins has previously toured with reggae legends UB40, The Wailers and Toots and the Maytals.
Concert organiser Monty Morrison, unveiled this year's line- up yesterday saying there was a great mix of local and national acts - with a bit of a twist.
Wannabe stars will be performing live on stage as part of a karaoke song contest.
"Heats will be held in Rotorua soon and the finalists could be performing in front of 15,000 people. It's something a bit different for this year. Who knows - we may discover the next Elizabeth Marvelly," Mr Morrison said.
Back for her second year with the show is master of ceremonies Jackie Clarke and her new three-piece band The Darlings who will perform some of the songs from their new country pop album The Cicada Sessions.
Ms Clarke is also promising a "blockbuster set of Kiwi classics" to get the crowd rocking.
"Rotorua has a great heart. I think there is something magical about playing music down at the lake," she said.
Regional Battle of the Bands winners, Rotorua Lakes High School's The Funk Experiment are also booked to play.
Mr Morrison said he was yet to finalise other acts.
The alcohol-free family concert will also feature television's Funky Monkeys, children's performers who will kick the show off at 6.45pm. As always, the grand finale will be a massive fireworks display at midnight.
- Daily Post
