Make or break time for big summer shows

Jamie Morton | 9th February 2010

It may be crunch time for Masterton's twin summer shows but promoter Frankie Stevens is humming with confidence about getting the good turnouts needed to save them from the axe.

Masterton remains the only venue in the country still hosting the council-subsidised Summer Hummer and Summer Stunner concerts, which will respectively see Kiwi rockers Midnight Youth heat up the stage tonight The Lady Killers follow tomorrow at the Colin Pugh Sports Bowl.

Stevens was positive the popularity of Midnight Youth - which he called the "hottest band in the land" - and the Summer Hummer's meagre $5 gate charge would combine to draw big numbers.

"We're hoping the kids will take ownership of it and show Masterton District Council that they want it to stay.

"The council also wants the shows to stay, and so do I - but they'll be cancelled if they can't pay their way."

The concerts had been well promoted in newspapers and radio stations around the Wellington region, he said.

"We've done all we can do. It's now up to the weather gods and the punters with their five bucks."

"I don't want this to be another example of the regions losing something because they're not supported when they should be."

Council spokesman David Paris agreed the $5 charge was "very cheap" - especially considering Midnight Youth had just played a show at the Auckland Zoo where admission prices began at $32.

Although turnout numbers were traditionally dependent on weather, Mr Paris believed the band would attract big numbers "regardless" - it doesn't matter what the weather looks like".

Security guards would also be keeping a sharp eye out for fence jumpers.

Tonight's Summer Hummer kicks off at 5pm with a bill also featuring local act Not For The Feint Hearted, Wellington group the Thomas Oliver Band and former Fastcrew member Dane Rumble.

Tomorrow's Summer Stunner, also opening at 5pm but with a $10 gate charge, features support acts The Verandah Band and Diamond Divas.

Athletics at the sports bowl will be moved to Thursday night.