Touted as “possibly the best dance band ever to play the Mussel Inn” in 2011 by proprietor Andrew Dixon, the Wellington-based band are excited to be returning to the top of the South. Two of the players are local lads, lead vocalist Chris Winwood and guitarist/backing vocalist Tim Key were both born and raised in Nelson. The Rocksteady boys (yes, all twelve members are male) will begin their tour by jamming their way across Cook Strait on the Bluebridge Ferry (2nd January 8am sailing), then heading on to: the Free House, Nelson, January 2nd (8pm start, 10pm finish, so get there early!); Tim’s Place, Marahau, January 3rd; over the crystal mountain to the legendary Mussel Inn, Onekaka, Golden Bay, January 4, then, playing their passage again, back over the Strait on the Bluebridge Ferry (5th January, 2pm sailing). After one night's rest at home in Wellington the tour party parties on northwards! 

The 'Bottoms Up' Summer Tour is somewhat of a pilgrimage for Newtown Rocksteady, culminating in band-mate and trombonist Maz Hermon’s wedding in Whangarei on January 14. Along the way the band play gigs in Raglan, Whakatane, Tauranga, the Coromandel, Leigh, and Kaiwaka.

Newtown Rocksteady was established in Wellington, 2007, as a free Friday night dance band at the Newtown Community Centre. Since then, they have played literally hundreds of concerts throughout Wellington and beyond, transforming a collective of fun, inspired musicians into the capital’s go-to party band. Featuring members of Fly My Pretties, The Nudge, Hikoikoi, Roy G and the Bivinators, The Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band, Bella Cajon, and many more, Newtown Rocksteady showcases some of Wellington’s hardest working musicians at their irie grooving best.

Playing in support throughout the tour will be Fraser Ross and the Felt Tips. Fraser is an enigmatic singer-songwriter whose quick-witted lyricism and endearingly heartfelt singing will move you to laughter and/or tears. You will fall in love with Fraser, or at least your girlfriend will!

Upcoming performances:

Wellington to Picton on Friday 3rd February 8am Sailing and Picton to Wellington on Monday 6th February 2pm Sailing