Whanganui gigs to fund Reset's trip to Queenstown Jazzfest
NEW SOUND: Reset are, from left, Daniel Waho, Matt Mareikura, Charlie Peina, Maynard Mason and WHS Instrumental Music Tutor, Fred Loveridge.
Photo / Supplied.
After 20 years away from Whanganui playing music professionally, Daniel Waho has returned to his hometown with plans to give back.
The singer and saxophonist is part of newly-formed Whanganui band Reset which is playing two gigs later this month as a fundraiser.
Proceeds will go to getting them to the Queenstown Jazzfest which they are on the lineup for.
"We play everything. Jazz, contemporary music, top 40," Waho said.
"We've got a lot of gigs coming up throughout the summer."
Waho has formed Reset with Matt Mareikura, Charlie Peina, Maynard Mason and Fred Loveridge and said it had all come together quickly.
"There's a wealth of knowledge within the five of us."
But beyond this summer Waho is planning to run a jazz and blues festival in Whanganui next November.
"I think Whanganui deserves to have an event like that," he said.
"It's just about organisation and patience and the want to do it."
Ratana-born Waho has made a living playing music since he left town, based firstly out of Whangarei and then the Gold Coast for the past 15 years.
He has toured with Ardijah and House of Shem and shared a stage with James Brown in Auckland in 1996.
"Music can take you places if you want it. I'm grateful to have had that opportunity."
Now back home, Waho also wants to help mentor young Whanganui musicians.
"There's always one in a million that's going to stand out from the rest. They just need direction and the right resources," he said.
"I was bought up on music since I was a kid playing in the big band at Ratana but I think understanding what I wanted to do with it was the hardest part."
*Reset play the Savage Club Hall on September 29 with The Replicants from 7pm. $20 on the door. On September 30 they play at Frank Bar from 8pm for a $10 door charge.
By Zaryd Wilson
Wanganui Chronicle 23/9/17