Little Town, Big Gig hits Greymouth

Hang on, it’s June already? Friday night saw Greymouth’s Regent Theatre host the official closing gig of NZ Music Month 2008 with playing the Little Town, Big Gig show to a capacity crowd of 800 punters including one very happy competition winner in the form of David Daglish.

All the free tickets made available to the public last Wednesday had been snapped up within minutes, so the band and gig organisers were prepared for an enthusiastic welcome upon arrival in Greymouth after a spectacular journey by rail from Christchurch on the TranzAlpine. But with a kapa haka performance at the railway station taking everybody by surprise it was obvious that this was going to be a very special day – something confirmed by the warm welcome from Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn, the hospitality shown by the fine folks at the Monteith’s Brewery, and the general feeling of excitement around town.

A crowd formed early waiting for doors to open before being treated to sets by two local bands (Taboo, from South Westland Area School and Westland High School, and 5th Element, from Greymouth High School and Grey Main School) and then New Zealand’s band of the moment. Opshop treated the excited crowd to a taste of what people all over the country can expect on their upcoming Telecom-sponsored Big Energy In A Can Theatre Tour which kicks off late June, with enormous songs backed by massive production blowing the crowd away.

Inspiring and humbling for everyone involved, Little Town, Big Gig couldn’t have been a more fitting end to NZ Music Month 2008. Big thanks go out to Telecom for making this all possible, Trans Scenic for the spectacular journey on the TranzAlpine, Monteith’s for the brewery tour and fine hospitality, and everyone in Greymouth who came out and enjoyed the show.

You all helped to make this a special time for everyone involved – thanks so much!