Rockquest cranks up in Waikato
Waikato school bands line up this weekend for a shot at the big time in the Smokefreerockquest regionals, with the added lure this year that the nationals will be held in the new Claudelands Events Centre.
Hamilton bands will battle for the chance to rock out to a hometown crowd in a brand new concert arena when they compete this weekend in the Smokefreerockquest.
The competition for school bands is back in town for Waikato regionals on July 17. Rock bands from around the region will take to the Founders Theatre stage, aiming to wow a panel of judges to win one of eight places in the September national final at Claudelands Events Centre.
Among them will be year 13 five-piece punk-rock band Three Peso Thrills, one of eight bands from Hamilton Boys’ High School.“
[pullquote]Playing to our home crowd would be awesome.”[/pullquote]
Guitarist and songwriter Gregor Cunningham has always enjoyed playing and writing music, and says RockQuest is a valuable creative outlet.
“It’s a good opportunity to express ourselves and get our own sound out there.”
Gregor says the chance to play at the nationals in Hamilton’s new 6500-seat Claudelands Events Centre is a big incentive to work hard.
“If we make it that far, it’d be amazing to play there. We have heaps of friends and family who would come out and support us,” he said.
“Playing to our home crowd would be awesome.”
Gregor is no newcomer to pre-show nerves though.
“When you’re up there, you’re shaking. It’s the most adrenalin I’ve ever had,” Gregor said.
“And afterwards you’re shaking again, but it’s different, and everyone’s screaming for you.”
Smokefree rockquest is New Zealand’s only nationwide youth music event, with over $20,000 worth of music equipment and recording up for grabs.
“This year, all entrants will perform in a theatre with full lighting, sound system and a moshpit packed with fans,” said Pete Rainey, the events co-founder and director.
“We want parents and students to see that music careers, from production to performance, are a very valid option.”
Annually the event reaches over 24,000 spectators and last year attracted a record 800 bands, singers and songwriters.
All bands selected for nationals will compete at the Claudelands Events Centre on September 17.
Tickets for the 2011 Smokefreerockquest are $20 and are available by visiting www.ticketmaster.co.nz.
