Deaf Lemon not to fall on deaf ears

The countdown is on for Wairarapa band Deaf Lemon, who are preparing for one of the biggest gigs of their career.

The Masterton band opens this month's Small Town Big Sounds concert at the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka, revving up the crowd ahead of New Zealand chart toppers Evermore and Supergroove. Deaf Lemon drummer Toby Mills is thrilled to be kick-starting the event in support of Supergroove, featuring Che Fu, and Evermore.

Evermore will have just finished touring with American singer Pink to play their one and only New Zealand gig at Mangatainoka.

"It's going to be great and I think the audience is going to be in for one high energy show," said Mills.

"Deaf Lemon is becoming renowned for their unique take on covers, having an interactive show and getting the crowd going, so I think it's going to a lot of fun for sure."

Deaf Lemon, comprising of lead vocalist Pip Hansen, guitarist Mike Rigg, bassist Peter Pauli and drummer Mills hav been steadily building their show since forming almost a year ago.

In that time they have created a debut EP Yellow is Good, and were picked to play at a number of high profile gigs including last month's Super 14 pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues at Mangatainoka, and an after-party at the recent IRB Sevens Rugby tournament in Wellington.

Mills said the band's catchy original songs and great covers often proved irresistible for music lovers.

The one-day Small Town Big Sounds Concert will also feature Wellington band The Beat Girls, reggae-rooted Masterton band Skaper and Cassius, which consists of two hard-working Tui staff.

Tui Brewery commercial manager, Nick Rogers, says the day will be family focused with people encouraged to make the most of summer  kicking back in the sun on the brewery lawn, listening to awesome music and chilling out under the brewery tower.

"This will be the second year we've run Small Town Big Sounds, but this year's celebration has an authentic family feel and focus," he says.

"The local community is again rallying behind the event and operating local food stalls on the day as a fundraising opportunity. Last year over 10 community groups raised over $20,000 with food stalls and cleaning up the bar." Tui Brewery is also partnering up with local bus companies Tranzit and Hawke's Bay bus company Nimons to offer packages via their website tranzit.co.nz for those from Hawke's Bay and Wellington attending the concert.

In addition there will be a free shuttle bus running from Pahiatua to the brewery and back again all day for locals.

Mr Rogers said he wants to offer safe and easy transport options for concert-goers so they can kick back and enjoy the show.

He said following the overwhelming success of last month's Super 14 pre-season game, which attracted just under 10,000 spectators, it was important buses be offered to avoid traffic jams and keep revellers safe.

- Wairarapa News