Youth ready to rock Nelson

Nelson’s long-running youth music concert returns to the Theatre Royal this weekend.

Rock the City is a non-competitive band showcase that is all about supporting Nelson and Tasman’s young musicians.

Organiser Andy Meldrum says the event is a great chance for youth musicians to “flex their muscles” before entering competitions such as Smokefree Rockquest, which takes place next month.

“It gives our young people the opportunity to perform on a larger stage, in a professional space.”

Eight bands will take the stage on Saturday night.

Each will get a 10-minute stint to showcase their talents, so around two or three songs.

Andy says the event, which is supported by Nelson City Council, is aimed at musicians under the age of 18.

The young rockstars get to have a go with professional equipment and experience a soundcheck and professional stage lighting.

“Some of them are used to playing on big stages, but for some, this is the biggest gig of their lives so far,” he says.

Andy says most of the bands will play rock music, but there will be a bit of pop, electronica, and funk thrown in the mix, too.

“It will be a mixture of covers and original songs.”

One band playing is Parallel Park, who recently opened for Kiwi legends, The Beths during their New Zealand tour.

The band have just released their self-recorded-and-produced debut EP, Parallel Park Vol. 1.

Guitarist Kahu Sanson-Burnett says it’s the second time they have played at the event and they can’t wait to get on the stage with the other bands.

“There are not many opportunities in Nelson, outside of Rockquest, to play in a professional environment.”

Vocalist Florence McNabb, agrees.

“The first time we played at the event we were in Year 10, and it was cool to make connections with the older bands to get inspiration,” she says.

“Now, being Year 13, it’s great for us to see all the new bands coming in. It is such a great environment backstage - everyone is there for the same reason.”

Also on the bill is Smokefree Rockquest 2022 national semi-finalist JOLA BURNS.

They recently performed at New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park, Taste Tasman, and Tahuna Summer Sounds.

Ruled By Venus, whose influences include No Doubt and The Killers, are also on the night’s line-up.

The De Campos Club, a seven-strong, all-originals funk band will also be playing.

Free snacks and refreshments will be available - this is an alcohol-free event.

Rock the City is on Saturday 29 April, 6pm - 8pm at the Theatre Royal. Tickets are $10 including all fees (or $12 on the door) and can be purchased online from www.theatreroyal.co.nz