Last month, Wellington and Nelson played host to the first two Women of Rock concerts.
Did the first line-ups impress? According to happily vocal crowds they did. Two fantastic rock bands from Christchurch, Moonflower and Hypnumb, were joined by Wellington’s own high energy rock outfit, Merrin, and saturated the venues with thumping riffs and brassy, often sultry, but always entertaining rock. Both evenings were spiced further with fun performances from top burlesque acts. The energy followed the mood of the music which ranged from emotive sultry teasers to palpably electric with high energy dance numbers.
The format of rock interspersed with strong female acts, such as burlesque, seems to be a winning one. The audience and organisers have been left wanting for more so expect a series of Women of Rock events showcasing local talent to start popping up round the country. The first one is set for New Plymouth with Radio Therapy and the fabulous fresh-faced winners of the smoke-free rock quest, Olympus Jeopardy, plus another opportunity to see Moonflower on 27 October at The Mayfair. Further events are planned for Napier and Hamilton in November with plans to kick off 2020 in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland and a return to Wellington.
The Women of Rock campaign was started up by musicians Bex Barrett and Nicole Schaap who wanted to showcase the many talented and unrepresented female rock bands from around the country, creating gigs with more female energy about them in every step of the process. If you’re a female musician, dancer, comedian, performer and keen to be involved or want to join the buzz check out www.facebook.com/womenofrocknz.
Dates: The Mayfair, New Plymouth, 27 October 8pm
Nivara Lounge, Hamilton: 14 November 8pm
Paisley Stage, Napier: 16 November 7.30pm