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Katikati is gearing up to have its socks rocked off on January 5 when the first of three Twilight Concerts takes centre stage at the Haiku Reserve from 6pm.

The first gig is being headlined by Tim Armstrong and The Kiwibandits, who are set to 'rock your socks off with familiar songs that you will be able to dance and sing along to,” says Katikati Twilight Concerts spokesperson Jenni Wilson.

Tim Armstrong and The Kiwibandits and set to headline Katikati's first 2014 Twilight Concert on January 5.

Forming in 1987, the Kiwibandits and spent the next few years travelling and playing in the USA and Europe before returning to New Zealand.

'You may have seen and heard them at the Whangamata Beach Hop; they have been performing there since 2000. They are a versatile group who have recorded a number of CDs and had numerous television appearances,” says Jenni.

Supporting them is Calista Nelmes from Tauranga, who is a finalist in the recent ‘New Zealand'sGot Talent' television series. 'You will be delighted to listen to this young lady, as she showcases her talents for us all to enjoy.”

Jenni says 2014's three concerts offer top quality entertainment in the beautiful Katikati Haiku Reserve, with many annual concertgoers knowing to bring their deck or camp chairs or a picnic blanket to sit back and relax while the entertaining sounds come your way.

Children, as do adults, have plenty of space to dance or play in the reserve not far from their parent's picnic blankets; and everyone can bring their own tasty treats to nibble on.

'Combine these with a summer sunset, and you have a recipe for three fabulous events that you won't want to miss.”

Jenni says the second Twilight Concert on January 26, 2014, at the same location is must for Elvis-lovers.

'If you love Elvis, Buddy Holly and Neil Diamond – we have one of the best Rock ‘n' Roll bands around coming to Katikati's Haiku Reserve. The Che Orton Band delivers a sensational, high energy show that offers an all round rock ‘n' roll experience,” says Jenni.

'They will have you dancing the night away to favourites such as ‘Shake Rattle and Roll', ‘Great Balls of Fire', ‘Twisting The Night Away' and many, many more hits.”

Jenni says Tony Wellington has been performing as Buddy Holly for more than four years and belts out all his favourite tunes.

Brett Wallace, as Neil Diamond, appeared in ‘Stars in their Eyes ‘several years ago and is sure to be a crowd pleaser, while Che Orton has been performing for 14 years and has travelled New Zealand and internationally with his Elvis Tribute Show.

'Supported by the Che Orton Band this is set to be a fantastic night of rock n roll.”

Last up, for concert of the season – set for February 16, 2014 – is a night of home-brewed talent, kicking off with the Katikati Brass Band.

Plus, Standing O, a group of friends from Tauranga with a common love of music and theatre, is sure to be a huge hit at this concert, says Jenni.

'They have put together an energetic portrayal of musical theatre that is full of fun and frivolity.”

Plus, a talented group of young, local performers at this concert include Danni Roberts, Lochlan Fowler and Seth Rackham – three musically gifted Katikati young people 'who a lot of concert goers will already be familiar with,” says Jenni.

'The other highlight of concert three is Zuhana; a band of four intermediate age students attending Katikati College. They are finalists in the recent Smokefree Rockquest competition and won the BOP People's Choice Award.

'Come along and see some of the talent our area has to offer, you won't be disappointed,” say Jenni.

Entry to each Concert cost $20 per ticket at the gate, or a season tickets (for entry to all three concerts), cost $45 from Katikati Information Centre. Children under 15 enter for free when accompanied by an adult. For information, call the Twilight Concerts hotline on 07 549 3549. Gates open 5pm and concerts begin 6pm.

Katikati's 2014 Twilight Concerts:

Sunday, January 5: Tim Armstrong and The Kiwibandits, supported by Calista Nelmes. Haiku Reserve, Katikati. Gates open 5pm and concerts begin 6pm.

Sunday, January 26: Elvis, Buddy Holly and Neil Diamond tribute show, with Che Orton as Elvis, Tony Wellington as Buddy Holly, Brett Wallace as Neil Diamond, supported by The Che Orton Band. Haiku Reserve, Katikati. Gates open 5pm and concerts begin 6pm.

Sunday, February 16: Home-brewed talent of the Katikati Brass Band, Standing O, the trio of Danni Roberts, Lochlan Fowler and Seth Rackham; and Zuhana. Haiku Reserve, Katikati. Gates open 5pm and concerts begin 6pm.