A concert showcasing the depth of local original music has raised $7,500 for the Red Cross NZ Disaster Relief Fund in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Organisers are so thrilled with the success of the Bay Originals Benefit Concert that they want to do it again.

'The Bay of Plenty community of musicians and music lovers came out in force on March 2,” says event co-organiser Nick Newman. 'We're so proud of everyone who participated and attended.”

About 200 people fill Totara Street for the Bay Originals Benefit Concert. Photo: Jade Manyweathers.

A crowd of over 150 people came to the Totara St music venue in Mount Maunganui to watch 11 acts perform three-song sets of their own original music.

'I think a lot of people would be surprised by the incredible talent here in the Bay,” says Nick.

Regan Perry and Matty Buxton performing at the Bay Originals Benefit Concert.Photo: Jade Manyweathers.

'The line up featured Fran Kora from the iconic New Zealand band KORA, Sophie-Maude whose recent song ‘Take Me Away' hit number one on the NZ hot singles, and husband and wife duo, Joseph & Maia who have a huge following in Europe.”

Just one of the couple's songs, ‘Sleep', has racked up more than 23 million plays on Spotify.

Bay Originals is a music platform started five years ago by local musician Adam McLean, who co-organised the event with Nick.

'To make a living as a musician, we generally need to perform covers at gigs because it's what the audience knows,” says Adam.

'These events are special because they shine a light on local talent and give them a chance to play their own songs alongside their peers. We always have a diverse range of music and the artists' very best material.”

Singer songwriter Sophie-Maude performs with Ash Rogers at the Bay Originals Benefit Concert. Photo: Jade Manyweathers.

All the artists and crew at the Bay Originals Benefit Concert donated their time, and Totara Street provided the venue free of charge for the not-for-profit event. Fourteen businesses sponsored the gig, each artist having a logo displayed behind them during their set.

'Everyone's heartbroken to see the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, so it felt amazing to be able to get everyone together, raise money and have a fantastic night of music,” says Nick.

Donate to the Red Cross NZ Disaster Relief Fund online at: www.redcross.org.nz/support-us/our-current-appeals/new-zealand-disaster-fund/

Follow Bay Originals on Facebook for the next concert date.

- Debbie Griffith