An evening with Corben Simpson & Simon Graham

Held at Tauranga Citz Club restaurant(upstairs). July 12th, 5-8 pm. $20. Tickets available now at reception.

Corben Simpson
Wrapped up in the heart and soul of music is Corben Simpson. Having had a colourful relationship with music, Corben has recently found a new niche for himself, and that includes pairing up with drummer Simon Graham. These two are like yin and yang, darkness and light - together they merge into one beautiful balance of sound... like poetry in motion.
Corben is often remembered from his days with band BLERTA.
BLERTA was a unique musical and social phenomenon, and ensured news coverage with every new territory it conquered. It was Corben’s on-stage prescence, his songwriting skills and entrepreneurial efforts that were very much part of the BLERTA energy. Their performances were a complete sound and light show, mixing the group’s original songs with theatrical skits and filmed backdrops. It was also a brilliant exposition of the hippy lifestyle: a large community of artists on the road in a psychedelic bus, complete with wives and children.

From mid 1972 ‘Dance all around the World’ was getting strong airplay around the country. It reached No. 13. in the New Zealand music charts and was voted as the 18th-best New Zealand song of all time. It’s a song with a difference and has a melody that one never forgets.

In 1973 Corben performed at the Great Ngaruawahia Music Festival. He was the opening act and grabbed the headlines with a naked romp, albeit his guitar, on stage. Having been coaxed into a strip by the audience due to the 37 degrees heat.

In 2019 Corben was invited to perform at the Silver Scroll songwriter awards. Very much proof this talented musician has still got what it takes... as one rock historian would say, “Corben has one of the most stupendous voices ever, he uses his voice as an instrument, his lyrics became liquid poetry.”

Corben says he still prefers to play music that makes people happy, and that’s what he will be doing on July 12th 2020. The Entertainers Club are so honoured to be bringing you this special concert. You can expect an intimate journey through many years of music with two of the best.

Simon Graham
Simon Graham was born with a drumstick in his hand... or so his family would tell you.
His career spans several decades and this is reflected by the versatility and skill of someone who has lived and breathed drumming their entire life.
He has drummed his way around many genres and many memorable gigs. Having just recently been invited to jam with a highly respected jazz line up in Prague. They couldn’t get enough of this talented adaptable Kiwi lad from NZ!
After returning to NZ from living in Australia for some years, Simon was asked to join The Tauranga Big Band who he went on to perform with for the next 3 years.
Simon’s number one passion has always been jazz, and for many years he played the local circuit alongside guitar virtuoso Trevor Braunius. He has now joined forces with Blerta’s Corben Simpson, and together they have found a sound and style that is theirs and theirs alone. “It’s kinda moody and cruise,” says Simon.
“He’s one of the best drummers I’ve played with”, says Corben Simpson, “and I’ve performed with a few..!”
These two have something really special happening here... something incredibly good.

Fiona Cosgrove
Known for her soulful tone, and great performance, Fiona sings a mix of blues, soul, jazz and funk.