One of Napier's favourite gig venues is host to 3 bands who have successfully won through the application process to perform at City Showcase including:
Afternoon Raj - a band with Hawke's Bay roots. Expect dance rhythms with insightful messages; rich acoustic and electric tones, epic crescendos, and of course a damn good time.
Inverse Order - Inverse Order are teetering on the line that divides music's best-kept-secrets from the next-big-things. Their hook-laden, densely layered take on alternative rock has produced three
successful radio singles and an incendiary six track EP released in late 2008.
Supermodel - Formed in 2006 and collectively lead by the clear-voiced, half-showtune/half-crooner informed vocal delivery of their charismatic lead singer/songwriter Mark Hanify, Supermodel is the most invigorating new melodic rock act to emerge out of Wellington, New Zealand in recent times.
And exciting Australian band, Mayan Fox. Mayan Fox music is bouncing grooves, obese harmonies, hook-heavy melodies, witty lyricism and abundance of good time vibes. The name Mayan Fox is a nod towards Maria’s Central American heritage and it is this cultural influence, combined with the rest of the bands cultural heritage (Maori, Australian, Fijian etc.) that permeates the feel of the ‘Mayan Fox’ sound
New Zealand has been selected as the first country outside of the UK to host City Showcase – the London music festival that launched superstars Amy Winehouse, Keane and Razorlight and Napier is set to host the event.
New and emerging musicians will be given the opportunity to perform at gigs in and around Napier’s vibrant Art Deco city centre including in bars, cafes, boutiques and bookshops creating a musical village, with evening gigs moving to the well established concert venues which will be supported by headline acts.
The audience will be invited to vote for their favourite act and the Festival will culminate in a finale - Finding the Future - in front of a judging panel made up of leaders from the New Zealand music industry at the iconic Soundshell on Sunday afternoon.
Daytime events will be free but wristband holders will be eligible for promotions whilst the performance is taking place. Entry to evening gigs, Workshops & the Soundshell will be by wristband only, costing $30 for the whole weekend. Entry on a first come first served basis subject to age restrictions as some venues.
