Go away for a week and everything falls apart...

A couple of weeks ago it seemed a good idea to write two columns in advance before jetting off to sit beside a tropical swimming pool sipping cocktails involving small umbrellas and pineapples.

But, you go away for a week and everything falls apart...

So now that slurping intoxicating ambrosia in coconut shells is merely a distant memory, let's get to setting things right.

First of all, an apology to French Doors - a young local band whose gig I mentioned. Between writing and the newspaper being published, the band from Otumoetai College achieved great things, winning the Regional Finals of the Smokefreerockquest!

They are Emily Ardern on lead vocals, Grace Finnigan on keyboard, Jahvis Stantiall on guitar and backing vocals, Flynn McLaughlin on drums and Sloane McNamara on bass, and they all deserve a huge and hearty round of applause. We'll be following them at Auckland's National Finals in September.

Okay, next thing. I plugged mucho music at Croucher Basecamp on The Strand. Apologies to anyone who attempted to attend these gigs and found, as we all did, that Basecamp has closed its doors and shut up shop, which is a real shame.

Bye-bye Basecamp

I can't pretend for a minute to understand why one establishment floats while another sinks. The CBD resembling a long-term building site can't help, but who knows ultimately why Croucher's ‘Craft Beer with Craft Music' didn't take.

But I'd just like to doff the cap to them for a pile of interesting music. Unlike bars that settle for bland acts playing note-perfect backing-tracked covers, Basecamp took a different approach, with high-quality acoustic blues, Americana, original music and performers with real individual character.

Basecamp featured the likes of Mike Garner, Warren Houston, Josh Durning, Kam Kafai, John Michaelz, The Self-Righteous Brothers, Sonic Delusion, Eastside Slide, Sam Allen, Izzie and Moe and many more. There's still a Croucher Brew Bar in Rotorua if you need a fix of their beer. Meanwhile, thanks to their team for trying something a little different here. It will be missed.

As to last week's column - jam sessions and open mic nights - I've only had two complaints. So far. Both are from a 'regular correspondent”, but no worries.

I won't tell anyone who you are, Steve...

Now, moving right along, there's a concert tomorrow night, which in my book is Saturday July 21.

Backseat Drivers

Yes good people, I'm happy to report the return of Rosie, the indefatigable concert organiser whom you might remember fell foul of the No Fun Force at The Western Bay licensing authorities.

They deemed that an avocado shed used for concerts was a threat to Western civilisation and stomped on that one very quickly indeed, thank you very much.

Just as well. There was a high risk that unsuspecting members of the public might have found themselves inadvertently having fun without first purchasing an expensive permit.

Can't have that sort of thing round here.

But Rosie's putting on a show tomorrow: Martha and The Backseat Drivers, from Auckland.

It's at the Te Puna Quarry Park Gallery, which Rosie calls: 'A lovely venue with a great atmosphere.”

She says: 'I really enjoy Martha's singing and her song-writing. She is accompanied by a talented group of musicians, who are also stand-alone artists in their own right.”

So who are they? Martha Louise sings and plays dulcimer. It's that folk-country-blues mix they call Americana, with full harmonies and groovy soloing.

The Drivers are Paul Symons on guitar – who performed at the Katikati Folk Club recently – Cameron Bennett on Dobro and Weissenborn guitar, and acoustic five-string resonator bass player Stuart Grimshaw. As well as Martha's own songs, they dip into tunes from Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Gillian Welch and the like.

For more details, or to reserve a seat, email Rosie at: waharaurosie@gmail.com

There'll also be tickets on the door, priced at $25.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm.