Last week I was looking at some of the acts in the upcoming Tauranga Arts Festival, and a fine selection there is too.

I've actually been surprised since then at the number of people I've talked to who still aren't really aware of what's happening at the festival. Fair enough. It doesn't start till 22 October. But with most of the music taking place in the TVNZ Crystal Palace, the beautiful ready-made tent that will again inhabit Masonic Park, it means tickets to many things are limited. Grab a programme from Baycourt or elsewhere around town, or visit www.taurangafestival.co.nz.
In the meantime, a few more of my picks…
One of the things I like about the Arts Festival programme is the way they have included a slew of shorter concerts at unusual times. There is a series of shows kicking off at 5.00pm that only run for an hour. Like a little taster for the artist. These shows also appeal as they are very reasonably priced at $10 for advance sales ($8 TECT members) with any remaining tickets going for $5 on the door. So, assuming they don't sell out - which is probably a bit of a punt – you could just rock up to the Crystal Palace and enjoy an hour of high-class music for a mere $5. Can't ask for much more than that.
This is the section of the festival that includes a couple of local acts, so I'll go to them first.
The Mellow Drops have the 5pm slot on 24 October, and are the only Tauranga rock band selected this year. In case you haven't heard them the Mellows are a four-piece playing melodic rock with very British overtones. I've often described them as Pink Floyd meets Coldplay and they have a vibe of seriousness that often accompanies prog rock. Not to say they fall into that category – their songs are more focused on melody and lyrics than instrumental exploration – but the leanings are there.
For their one-off at the Arts fest they will be augmented by backing singers, and by additional audio-visual treats courtesy of Chris Trail and Jacob Kelly (producers of 'JC/PC” from this years 48-hour Film Festival).
Before that the band are playing a stripped-down unplugged gig at No.1 The Strand (September 24) as a single release party for new song 'Nurture”, limited edition copies of which will be available on the night. It will also be a chance to hear some of their newest material before it gets a full outing at the festival.
The other local at the Arts Fest is Trevor Braunias, along with his jazz trio which also comprises drummer Simon Graham and Glen Portier on bass.
The programme describes Trev as one of the finest guitarists around and I'd have to concur. Trevor has been a legend amongst Tauranga musicians for decades now and his tasteful jazz stylings are always a treat.
There are also acts dropping in from elsewhere in the country to strut their hour upon the stage. Paul McLaney is part of the SJD band but also noted for his solo acoustic shows. His first album, Edin, was nominated for a Tui in the Best Male category in 2007 and the follow-up, Diamond Side, recorded in Los Angeles during two sessions of live performances under the watchful eye of producer Michael Frondelli (Crowded House, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones), has been widely praised.
You can hear Paul's music at www.myspace.com/paulmclaneymusic.
Anna Coddington is another of New Zealand's rising singer/songwriters, hailing originally from Raglan. She first came to attention in the schools' Smokefreerockquest with her band Handsome Geoffery and later as a member of Duchess, and has been heard singing backing vocals on well-known tunes by artists like Bic Runga, Anika Moa, SJD, and Dimmer. Her debut solo album The Lake was released in the middle of last year. She plays a midday concert (October 25) and you can hear more of her at www.myspace.com/annacoddington.
The other Kiwi band doing a 5pm show is Rosy Tin Teacaddy, a somewhat eccentric indie folk act out of Wellington. I've heard a few of their things on national Radio and they sound most entertaining. Certainly for the price I'm willing to give them a go, along with all the others mentioned here.
watusi@thesun.co.nz