Toe-tapping tunes at country fest
Country music artists are en route to Taranaki for the annual Country Music Festival next month. The festival is in its fifth year, and organiser Jocelyn Tuahine says it keeps getting bigger.
The Country Music Festival, organised by Jocelyn and her husband George and their team, will feature more than 40 artists, both local and from around the country.
“It’s a celebration of New Zealand’s country music.”
Country fans Jocelyn and George also run the Riverside Country Music Group. “We love country music.” Jocelyn says the festival features two showcases, packed with toe-tapping tunes by talented artists.
“We have a Friday and Saturday night showcase. The Kahu Sisters from Taupo¯ are performing, they have an awesome harmony. On Friday night we have an Elvis impersonator performing which will be entertaining.”
The country music festival is headlined by Roger Tibbs.
“Roger is a well-known New Zealand yodeller. He’s taken a break from music but he’s back
and ready to perform.”
As well as enjoying the music, the audience has the chance to get on stage themselves.
“We have a number of openmic sessions over the weekend. It’s a great chance for the audience to get up and give it a go.”
The past events have been a sell-out and Jocelyn says people need to get in quick to secure their spot.
“We have four-day motorhome parking available at the school across from the venue. The money from the parking is given back to the school.”
People are required to have a My Vaccine Pass to attend
the event.
“There will be sign-in sheets and mask-wearing is recommended.”
She says with the move to Red, the committee has a backup plan if the festival is
unable to go ahead as planned.
"We will decide the week of the festival. If we are in Red still that week, the festival will be moved. If we are in Orange it can still go ahead.