Following up last week's celebrity news from the Bay we are happy to report that the rich, fabulous and famous have been out and about again
in Tauranga.
Seminal chanteuse Shona Laing is back in town having recently returned from touring the country's wineries with singer-songwriter Monique Rhodes. She now heads back into the studio for more work on her new album Vagrant Heart. Eminently respected musicians from around New Zealand are expected to arrive at the beginning of the new year to put the final icing on the cake.
Meanwhile, diners at Mills Reef winery last Sunday received an unexpected treat in the form of an impromptu performance by Rocky Horror Show creator (and, lest we forget, originator of the world's sleaziest butler, Riff-Raff) Richard O'Brien.

Leaping gracefully from a table amongst the lunch crowd, Richard – backed by Kokomo bassman Nigel Masters – delighted diners with a rock ‘n' roll version of 'Silent Night” before performing a short set of obscure classics that included Buddy Holly's 'Raining in My Heart” and 'Hurt” from the marvellously named Timi Yuro (also covered by Elvis).
Mobile phones were clicking wildly and one lucky luncheoner sent us the accompanying pic.
Meanwhile, the boom in Sunday music has led to the reunion of blues duo Blue Smoke. Last seen in Tauranga a couple of Jazz Festivals ago, we like these guys a lot and enjoyed their (so far) only album.
The duo comprises Peri Grant from Rotorua on vocals and blues harp, along with guitarist Derrin Richards, who seems to be becoming more of a multi-instrumentalist every time you see him. He has now added mandolin and banjo to his arsenal and is even threatening to break out a lap steel guitar.
The duo have played mainly in Rotorua, where they had a residence for a couple of years at the Pheasant Plucker, so to have them over here is a rare treat. They'll be at No.1 The Strand this Sunday from 3pm.