The Bay of Plenty regional heat of the Smokefreerockquest has revealed the top solo/duo acts, who now have the chance to progress to the national final, as well as the top 12 bands chosen for the regional final on June 13.

The regional winners of Smokefree Tangata Beats and the Rockshop Best Use of Electronic Assistance award were also announced.

On Sunday, May 25, Baycourt Theatre hosted the regional heat of Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, showcasing the region’s up-and-coming musical talent.

The programme, now in its 37th year, was held nationwide with events in venues in 21 regions from Whangarei to Invercargill – hosting thousands of young musicians.

The regional final next month will determine the top two bands. These – alongside the region’s top solo/duo acts and the Smokefree Tangata Beats award winners – will then submit their performances for national finalist consideration.

The event will take place on June 13 at Totara Street, with the doors opening at 6.30pm and the first band taking the stage at 7pm.

Tickets are $15 for school students or $25 for adults through Ticketmaster or at the door.

RQP co-founder and co-director Glenn Common said the next stage of the programme offered new opportunities for development, building on what the entrants have already experienced.

“Preparing their performance helps develop their musicianship, songwriting and performance skills.

“For bands and duos, it’s a collaborative effort that builds teamwork and important life skills, like communication.

“All entrants are learning valuable lessons in setting goals and experiencing the sense of achievement that comes from creating something and showcasing it.”

At the Bay of Plenty final there will be awards for the top three bands, a Musicianship Award, a Smokefree Best Vocals Award, a ZM Best Song Award and an APRA Lyric Award.

The winning regional acts move forward to compete for a place in the national finals through video submissions.

Determined at the regional heat –

Smokefreerockquest 1st place solo-duo: Three Man Tent – Mount Maunganui College

Smokefreerockquest 2nd place solo-duo: Heather Rose – Tauranga Girls’ College

Smokefree Tangata Beats regional winning band: The Brownies – Trident High School

The Top 12 bands performing at the regional final are:

Bath Salts – Mount Maunganui College

Sketch – Mount Maunganui College

Spud – Mount Maunganui College

Sewerside Rats – Te Kura Pounamu, Katikati College, Ōtūmoetai College

The B-Sides – Ōtūmoetai College

The Banddotcom – Mercury Bay Area School

Asylum – Papamoa College, Mount Maunganui College

INDIGO – Papamoa College

Punkuation – Te Puke High School

Why The Face – Whakatane High School

Go Getter – Bethlehem College

Upside Down Donut Hole – Whakatane High School

The tour continues through May and June with nationwide regional events, leading to the Smokefreerockquest national final on September 20, after the Smokefree Tangata Beats national final on September 13, both to be hosted in Auckland.