"So many gigs, so little time!"

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 643, 2 July 1996, Page 4 (Supplement)

"So many gigs, so little time!"

Gig G

By Paul Stieglbauer As expected in most ski towns Apres Ski is as important if not more importantthan the day 's sliding on the slopes. The Ruapehu District is no exception and visitors to the area can look forward to some great entertainment for the 1996 season. On the Whakapapa side Trails Tavern at the Chateau and Schnapps Hotel in National Park almost always have live entertainment (Thursday to Saturday). Schnapps Hotel often provides early to mid-week entertainment as well; as these are staff days off. Other venues to keep an eye on at Whakapapa include Lorenz's Bar and Cafe on the skifield and Eivens Cafe in National Park. Lorenz's Bar and Cafe in the school holidays in particular has some quite spectacular shows. Past performers include Headless Chickens, Kantuta, Ronnie Taylor and When the Cats Been Spayed. Ohakune provides the Ruapehu visitor with quite a few choices and you can be guaranteed that there is always something happening seven days a week. For live entertainment T uroa Lodge, the Holy Cow and the Powderkeg are your best bets. Turoa Lodge hasjusthad majorrenovations so you will see a lot more action there this winter. T uesday nights at the Lodge are an institution in Ohakune with live bands and good time atmosphere. The main band venue, The Holy Cow (formerly the Hot Lava), is focussing on diversity this season so as well as great bands, Overdrive on 12 July and Mama Said 19/20 July, you'll see a lot of crazy action there. "Monsta-hack" nights, total participation pool nights and rumours of a wild bungy raft night all make for an interesting season for this venue that is open until 3.00 am, 7 days. The Powderkeg on the skifield road

really needs no in look to be serving up a very runxy entertainment menu this winter. Pulp Fiction nights, Kantuta, When the Cats Been Spayed, Shack Party , Beach Party - something for everyone, or as the managei says "the total experience - food drink and a great time out". Bar Tribe in the Junction is really t little different again. A pasta bar with attitude. Very funky sounds if you like something a bit more progressive but noi screaming guitar music. Their Tuesday night Absolut Dance and party nite is fasi becoming popular with hot house, triphop and big dance themes the order of the night. They too seem to pop up with other interesting promotions so definitel) keep an eye of these chaps. Margarita's in the Junction is a fee good bar. Very laid back with a variety oi food a great fireplace and games galore A great place for the family or if you jus wanna kick back. It's not always laic back though if their snow dance party oi recent times was any guide. So keep ar eye on this venue for promotions also. The Summit Bar at the Ohakune Hote is a traditional haunt for locals and skifielc workers. Definitely a great place for snov gossip and "expert" weather predictions If you want more up to the minuti information on Apres ski activity asl your lodge/motel owner for a Ruapehi Gig Guide, a monthly information pacl detailing promotions in the area, put ou by yours truly. Last but not least remember the roadi are icy so drive safely or if you've beei drinking don ' t drive at all . We have grea taxi services in the Ruapehu District.