Shows promote Kiwi music

By Cindy McQuade

Rotorua Daily Post·

27 May, 2016 12:29 AM3 mins to read

Trinity Roots musician Rio Hemopo is one of the guest artists performing this weekend to celebrate NZ Music Month in Rotorua.

Live and original, two shows will be performed this weekend celebrating New Zealand Music Month.

The Finale! showcases both local and national musicians. The first event is free entry, inviting all locals to enjoy original music written and produced by local musicians, according to organiser Karin Vincent from The Rogue Stage.

"The invite extends far and wide, to each and everyone who has an interest in performance art. Music brings people together, and adding a free entry part means those who could or would not ordinarily be able to attend a concert are welcome to come.

"It also adds an informal feel and allows for those who can not commit to the whole evening to join us for the first part too. It might entice visitors to stay for the evening after they've had a peek, as door sales are permitted for the second part."

The Finale! celebrates a range of genres, she said.

"From rock to funk, singer-songwriter to alternative indie and hip-hop, the line-up is a feast for young and old.

"We've put together a line-up to reflect what is happening in our local music scene - we know there is bountiful talent in our city and our task was not made easy by the amount of musicians living here - a phenomenal selection of talent in Rotorua!

"We have selected five local bands or groups to perform their most recent original work and who are committed to their own musical careers.

"They come from all walks of life, presenting their own journey and also what inspires them to create. As it is such a wide spread, the appeal would be to a wide audience, enjoying the multi diverse genres on show."

The ticketed event starts from 8pm. Music will be a mix from local and national musicians, including Lloyd Akroyd, Waiariki Students, and False Heights, a duo from Rotorua and Tokoroa.

The three guest artists are Trinity Roots bassist Rio Hemopo, Wellington jazz pianist Ed Zuccollo, and composer, teacher and multi-instrumentalist Justin Firefly Clarke, also from Wellington.

On Saturday morning, Rio Hemopo, Ed Zuccollo and Justin Firefly will facilitate a music industry workshop at Waiariki from 10am to 12pm, where they will talk about aspects of the trade and invite participants to an open jam.