NayCol bands have been turning the stage area near the canteen into the school’s coolest new venue with a series of concerts. One such band was the “Nelson Crime Family”, although the only thing they appear to have stolen was their enraptured audience. Student Journalist Finn Kerby-Pinguet reports.

On Tuesday 8 June, the extended Crime Family came along to listen to some high quality music and enjoy the experience with vocalist Tyler Russ, guitarists Will Roddick and Lennox Crowe, bassist Tully James-Young and drummer Ethan Frewin. They provided some excellent original songs from the stage near the canteen. 

Nayland bands have been in the spotlight recently, with many musicians working together achieving great success at the Nelson Smokefree Rockquest heats last month. The much-anticipated regional finals are on tonight at the Theatre Royal and Nayland College has five bands who have made it through: 'SoundLounge,' 'The Batteries,' 'Phat Daisy,' 'Muted' and 'Nelson Crime Family.' We wish each of them all the best! 

The concerts on the stage at Nayland is part of a wider initiative run by the student council. Lunchtime activities and events are occurring every day of the week, from films in Room 22 to a sports wero on Wednesday, with concerts, arts and crafts in-between. Tutor teachers should have a full timetable and poster of the events, and it is a great opportunity to give something a go if you have a free lunchtime. 

Previously performing at the stage last Tuesday was 'Muted,' another Rockquest finalist, made up of Peter Gray, Tyler Curtis and Jayden Day-Anthonise. The crowd were wowed by the way Peter, Tyler and Jayden  swapped instruments for different songs and showed us the breadth of their musical talent.

We look forward to seeing 'SoundLounge,' 'Phat Daisy' and 'The Batteries take the stage in the weeks to come. Once again, congratulations and good luck to all Nayland College bands performing in the Rockquest finals tonight! 

Visit https://www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/show/rockquest-nelson-finals/ to book tickets to come along and support our bands. Show starts at 7pm.