Last Call For Smokefreerockquest 2005 Entries

Last Call For Smokefreerockquest 2005 Entries

The countdown is on for this year's Smokefreerockquest - New Zealand's biggest youth music event. Teen bands have just a few days to get their entry forms in before the closing date of May 3rd.

Smokefreerockquest Co-director and judge Pete Rainey says the emphasis of the event is on encouraging original music.

"Our aim is to inspire raw Kiwi talent by getting as many students as possible writing and performing their own music, and by giving them a goal to focus on."

Pete Rainey says he expects the Smokefreerockquest 2005 to attract over 600 entries, from schools throughout the country. After heats and regional finals held in 22 town and cities over most weekends this winter, 12 bands go on to the finals.

In addition to the prize for winning band, there are separate awards that reinforce the key Smokefreerockquest aim of encouraging students to write and perform their own music. Individual prizes are awarded for best lyrics, best vocals, women's musicianship and the best song. A scholarship to the Tai Poutini contemporary music course is also awarded, along with selected bands being matched with past successes in a mentoring programme supported by the Ministry of Education.

The first heats of Smokefreerockquest 05 will be held in Auckland Central on Saturday May 7th followed by concerts every Friday and Saturday night, in the lead up to the National Finals of the Smokefreerockquest and its 'sister' event Smokefree Pacifica Beats at the Wellington Town Hall on September 2nd and 3rd.

Information and entry packs are available from schools and from NZ Rockshop or from the website www.theset.co.nz. Entries need to be returned by May 3rd.

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More info follows with contacts, dates and general info.

About Smokefree

Smokefree exists to encourage New Zealanders to adopt and maintain healthy attitudes and lifestyles and is a major supporter of key annual youth events at a national level. Events including Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Pacifica Beats, Smokefree WOWquest and STRIKE to schools are backed by Smokefree, ensuring that the positive Smokefree message reaches young people in their environment.

About Smokefreerockquest

Smokefreerockquest is the biggest and most influential nation-wide youth event held in New Zealand, attracting audience numbers in excess of 100,000 every year. Founded by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey in 1988 (now running Rockquest Promotions full time out of Nelson), it has become a New Zealand institution. Bands including The Datsuns, Anika Moa, Steriogram, Tadpole, the feelers, The Blackseeds, Nesian Mystic, Bic Runga, Fur Patrol, Betchadupa, King Kapisi, Zed and The Have have all participated in the event during its 17-year history. Smokefreerockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and encourage their peers to support 100% original New Zealand music. For more information visit www.theset.co.nz or email

help@smokefreerockquest.co.nz

Smokefreerockquest Dates for 2005

Sat 7 May Ak Central Heats

Sun 8 May North Shore Heats

Sat 14 May Napier heats

Sat 14 May Northland heats

Sun 15 May Nelson Heats

Sun 15 May Gisborne Heats

Sun 15 May Auckland East Heats

Fri 20 May Auckland Central Final

Fri 20 May Nelson Final

Sat 21 May Manukau Heats

Fri 27 May Gisborne Final

Fri 27 May North shore Final

Sat 28 May Napier Final

Sat 28 May Auckland east Final

Sun 29 May Manawatu Heats

Sat 11 June Chch Heats

Sat 11 June Taranaki Final

Sat 11 June Manukau Final

Sun 12 June Chch Heats

Sun 12 June Wanganui Heats

Sun 12 June Waikato Heats

Fri 17 June Manawatu Final

Sat 18 June Otago Heats

Sat 18 June Wellington /Hutt Heats

Sat 18 June Rotorua Heats

Sun 19 June Tauranga Heats

Sun 19 June Invercargill Heats

Fri 24 June Timaru Final

Fri 24 June Rotorua Final

Sat 25 June Canterbury Final

Sat 25 June Wanganui Final

Sat 25 June Tauranga Final

Fri 1 July Otago Final

Fri 1 July Hutt Final

Fri 1 July Waikato Final

Sat 2 July Wellington Final

Sat 2 July Northland Final

Fri 8 July West Coast Final

Fri 22 July Invercargill Final

Sat 23 July Wanaka Final

Fri 2 Sept Smokefree Pacifica Beats National Final-Wellington Town Hall

Sat 3 Sept Smokefreerockquest National Final -Wellington Town Hall

ENDS

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