Batucada Sound Machine to rock Taupō for free New Year's Eve concert

Taupō’s Unison Amphitheatre in Riverside Park will be rocking once again this New Year’s Eve for the free NYE Concert, featuring 10 piece original funk powerhouse Batucada Sound Machine (BSM) and popular covers band The Monroes, as well as a laser light show and a special video tribute to 2011.

The NYE event starts at 6.00pm with fun for the entire family including a bouncy castle, face-painting and food and beverage stalls. The live music kicks off at 8.00pm with some local talent, before BSM takes the stage at 9.00pm. The Monroes will perform from 10.45pm and will keep crowds dancing until it is time to welcome in 2012, which will be done in style with a spectacular laser light show.

Batucada Sound Machine’s reputation is unquestionably in their live performance. The Auckland-based band thrives in a festive atmosphere and is renowned for getting crowds moving. The band’s percussion-heavy rhythm section, blazing horns, chunky guitars and soulful vocals all fuse effortlessly - to intertwine Brazilian, funk, hip-hop, afro-beat and Pacific-soul influences.

While still based in New Zealand, BSM have captivated audiences at countless well-respected events around the world including Womad (UK) and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, to name a few. In 2010 and 2011 the band toured Europe, performing over 50 shows in 8 countries. At home, they have performed at NZ’s biggest events, including Splore, Parihaka, Rhythm & Vines, Big Day Out and many more.

Their debut album ‘Rhythm and Rhyme’ (2007) was produced by renowned music creator Neil Sparkes and mixed at the legendary Avatar Studios and quickly climbed to the top of the Independent NZ Music charts. Their new album ‘Don’t Keep Silent’ is fresh off the press – mixed by Bob ‘Bassy’ Brockman, and is due for release in NZ in early 2012.

District Events Manager, Nick Reader, says attracting a talent like BSM is proof that Taupō’s reputation for hosting top-class events is growing. “BSM are amazing live, you cannot afford to miss seeing this band for free and on such an special occasion. This year’s NYE concert is set to be the best yet”

Four piece cover band The Monroes are a favourite amongst Taupō pub-goers as a regular feature at Finn MacCuhal’s Irish Pub. Their explosive energy and massive repertoire from the 1960’s through to the latest radio hits will get you on your feet and dancing the New Year in.

Reader says, “The Monroes bring excitement, entertainment and energy to any gig. You won’t be able to not dance to these guys. We’re really excited to have them for our NYE concert.”

The night will also feature a locally produced video review of the year that was 2011. Food and drink will be available, but families are welcome to bring a picnic. No alcohol please, this is an alcohol free event.

For more information on the bands check out their websites; www.batucadasoundmachine.com and www.themonroes.co.nz.