Local musician supports teenage New Zealand beach volleyball rep's bid to compete abroad
06.05.09
Auckland singer/songwriter Nick Hohepa will be performing at the Dogs Bollix in Newton on Thursday, 21 May to help raise money to send a teenage beach volleyball player to Turkey for an international competition.
Nick, who has played as the support act for well-known singers like John Rowles and Che Fu and has also performed his music on TV One's Good Morning.
To date, he has released two singles and videos - "Cosmic Girl" and "Baby Hold On" which have both received radio airplay. The music videos have appeared on television networks such as TV3, Juice TV and C4 and Nick's debut album is due for release next year.
The fundraising gig is also part of New Zealand Music Month and local band, The Recliner Rockers and newcomer act Ewan Gubbin will also be performing at the Dogs Bollix on the same night.
Originally from Napier, Nick grew up in a musical family with a mother who taught him to sing and play a range of instruments including piano, saxophone, clarinet and guitar.
Nick has been a full-time musician for the past ten years but his talents are not limited solely to music.
He also holds a black belt in karate which led to part-time work as a stuntman on the American made, locally filmed television series, Power Rangers.
Nick's long-time family friend, Liam Munday, has been selected to represent New Zealand in the under 19 category at the World Youth Beach Volleyball Championships in Alanya, Turkey in August. The 17-year-old Westlake Boys High School student is thrilled that Nick is helping him get to this international competition. In turn, Nick says it's an honour to be able to help someone like Liam.
"I've known Liam for 13 years and his family have always been supportive of my music," he says.
"Going to Turkey is an awesome opportunity for Liam. He's a great sportsman and I know he'll do his best to make New Zealand proud."
Also in the under 19 New Zealand team are Johan Timmer, Ryan Grubb and Paora Morung.
Nick Hohepa, The Recliner Rockers, Ewan Gubbin
Thursday, 21 May
The Dogs Bollix, Newton, 8pm. $10
