Rotorua Smokefreerockquest winners revealed (+videos)

ROCKING OUT: Sly Dog band members (from left) Matthew Bell, 16, Luke Wallbridge, 13, and Sarah Wharekura, 16. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 190614BF14

The winners of this year's Smokefreerockquest regional heats have been announced after an entertaining night that had the audience dancing in the aisles.

Held at the Rotorua Convention Centre on Thursday night, 10 bands and three solo/duos battled it out for a chance to play at the national finals in Auckland later this year.

Birds of the Balcony from Forest View High School in Tokoroa took out top spot followed by Sly Dog from Western Heights High School in second and Venice from Rotorua Lakes High School in third.

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Birds of the Balcony lead vocalist Sasha Te Whare said the win was "wild", particularly as the band had only started playing together this year.

Sasha said the many hours spent practising paid off but it was possibly the use of a glockenspiel that made them stand out.

"One day we were just playing around with a glockenspiel and we liked how it sounded so decided to incorporate it into a song."

Sly Dog guitarist Matthew Bell said fellow band member Luke Wallbridge, 13, who played saxophone, was a child prodigy.

"Before he even started at our school we had him pegged to come play with us, his skill is amazing."

Ngamoe Morgan and Sonya Katipa from Rotorua Girls' High School performed as Jars and were placed first in the solo/duo section and also won the Lowdown Best Song award for their second song.

Ngamoe said she spent the last year writing songs and preparing for the event and hoped Jars made it through to the national final. "Last year we got as far as the top 10 and this year is our last year, so we really want to go for it."

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Second place in the solo/duo category went to Sophie Mae from Tauhara College.

The four acts won music gear from New Zealand Rockshops, and the opportunity to gain selection for the national final at Auckland's Q Theatre on Saturday, September 27.