High school bands to put talents to test

Press, 28 July 1989, Page 27

High school bands to put talents to test

High school bands will put their talents to the test at the Theatre Royal next Friday in the Yamaha Rock Quest ’B9 final. Fifteen groups will do battle for a first prize valued at more than $5OOO. The quest’s winner will receive equipment valued at $2OOO, $lOOO of studio recording time, $lOOO of video recording time and free backing for a year from Quantum Promotions. Music gear valued at $lOOO will go to the band’s school. The runners-up will receive goods to the value of $5OO. The top two groups will participate in "under-age-rages'’ at Christchurch venues, including the Palladium Nightclub. Twenty-five contenders will take part in heats closed to the public this week-end. Last year’s Rock Quest final was held at the James Hay Theatre. The organisers said that the theatre was not able to cope with the numbers, including parents, who wanted to see their school bands perform, and that the switch to the Theatre Royal would enable an additional 300 to be catered for. The judging panel for this year’s quest, a “Going for Goals” activity, will comprise Trevor Reekie, managing director of Pagan Records, Sue White, of the radio station, ZM-FM, Alan Parks, a Christchurch musician, Charlie Jemmett, a music shop owner, and Paul Kean, of The Bats. Tickets for the final are on sale at $lO. ♦ ♦ ♦ The pop singer, George Michael, surprised his fans at a concert in Malaga, Spain, by giving