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Sweet Echo is a five piece covers and original "polyfunk" band based in sunny Tokoroa. Four of the five members are siblings and of Cook Islands ancestry hence the "poly" in "polyfunk". All sing lead and backup vocals, while guitarist Craig skives off and plays guitar. Sweet Echo's original music is usually mapped out on acoustic guitar initially without trying for any particular genre, preferring just to write and record whatever sounds good to them. The songs are normally characterised by distinct vocal and guitar melodies. There is an emphasis on vocal harmonies also, something for which the band are well known.

Awhimai Fraser: Awhimai is a 15 year old of Maori and European descent. She is an excellent vocalist, having won many prizes at her College and drama Society. She is a representative for New Zealand at the World Championships for Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Awhimai is passionate about giving back to the community.

Angela Steele: 14 year old Tauhara College student Angela Steele has been seen busking regularly around Taupo since she was 7 years old. She has been a runner up in the UK Songwriting Competition twice and a finalist in this years National Secondary School Songwriting Competition.

Jayme Fitzgerald: Jayme is a singer- songwriter with a passion for life. Her songs will take you on whimsical journeys; through her thoughts and feelings, you will come out the other end feeling refreshed. For more on Jayme and to listen to her music check out www.myspace.com/jaymefitzgerald.

Voltron are a 4 piece band made up of Jeff Kildare on bass and vocals, Melissa Vanderspek on acoustic guitar and vocals, Morgan Lewis on electric guitar and vocals and Steve Kildare on drums. With strong vocals and impressive musicianship across the board, Voltron play a good mix of your old favourites and some of their favourite songs as well, all of which adds up to a good, entertaining live act. “We are really looking forward to playing in Taupo and getting to meet some new faces and also catch up with some old faces as well."

Marin Leusink, solo acoustic musician has been based in The Netherlands for the last 10 years and has now returned to Taupo live. His repertoire includes a mix of originals and his own groovy interpretations of some well known classic and contemporary numbers.

Louie Hawkins from Sons of Beaches will be doing a full on rocking duo. He has a wicked voice and certainly can wind the crowd up. Sons of Beaches are quite well know and opened for "Dragon" and "The Angels" and was a headline act in 2007 at the Blues Brews and BBQ's performing to around 17,000 people. Visit their website for more information.

Introducing the sweet soul sound of ISIS. All-girl vocal trio, made up of three prestigious singers from the Bay of Plenty. Formed in 2002, these girls have entertained as genre specialists throughout NZ and abroad. Each now in their own bands they still make time to re-form their expertise and fine blends of harmonies with clever arrangements from soul classics to today. These fun-loving girls sing with heart and soul and offer attractive visuals to please the eye and blow the roof off any venue.

A Bit Nigel are a four piece band from Taupo Nui a Tia College who play a range of genres, from indie rock to funk. They play covers from Kings of Leon, The Kooks and Fiction Plane and have written a couple of songs, one of which was selected as the Lowdown best song at the 2010 Smokefree Rockquest regional final.

She Jus Greedy is a combination of many different musical styles; rock, blues, funk, soul and reggae. They are prolific writers and this melting pot of styles can be heard in their music, each member brings weight and character to each song the result being something special and unique, they have been described as refreshing which is indeed high praise in today's musical climate. Prepare yourself for good music.

Triple J consists of Joel Shadbolt - Guitar/Vocals, Jeremy Harker - Bass Guitar/Vocals and Jason Crawford - Drums/Vocals. Individual highlights include playing in L.A. with top session musicians, supporting Dragon and The Angels, playing New Years Eve in Cathedral Square to around 30,000 people and touring with Luke Thompson. As a band they bring a wealth of experience, energy and fun. We also recently played at the Tauranga National Jazz Festival with a full Horn section from the New Zealand school of music which wowed audiences.

DV8 (Deviate), a Tauranga based covers band who stand out from the rest due to the incredibly strong and diverse song list. With songs from Rihanna, Pink, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon, Katy Perry and Fergie as well as great classic artists such as Bon Jovi, Doobie Brothers, C.C.R, U2, The Eagles, Pearl Jam, Bryan Adams, Fleetwood Mac and the best of kiwi music: Dave Dobbyn, Dragon, Crowded House, Split Enz and Op-shop. With a great live sound, excellent lighting and a fun atmosphere on stage a night with DV8 will be an unforgettable experience.

Music has been Lance's passion for over 35yrs. The highlight of Lance's music career has definitely been working alongside and with his best mate Craig Busch, The Lion Man. On their North Island / South Island tour with Lions and Tigers, Lance had the pleasure and excitement of being the MC for the shows and entertaining the crowds. Singing, while holding and playing with beautiful white lion and tiger cubs!

Soul Sisters is a relatively new Taupo group consisting of two well known professional musicians, Sue Brown (vocals) and Sarah Foreman (keyboards and vocals), performing familiar songs including blues, light jazz and popular music. Recently Soul Sisters performed both with Wizard and Oz, an Australian international touring duo who gave a concert in Taupo. The concert will be in two sections with the addition of swinging jazz pianist, Peter Foreman with Sarah on bass and Sue on vocals. This trio also plays with some of New Zealand’s top musicians.

Left Hand Break has currently been performing as a covers band.They have decided to take their music in a new direction and start writing, recording and performing their own original music. We hope that our fan base continue on this journey with us.

A terrific three piece band music to suit any taste, from Irish, Scottish and shadows instrumentals to country, rock and roll, 60s and 70s dance music and of course a great sense of humour thrown in for good luck.