You are invited to join us for the 2017 Tauranga Arts Festival programme launch. Baycourt's Addison Theatre will host the 2017 launch on Thursday, 10 August 2017. Save the date and join us for bite-sized insights of the performances that will make up this years Festival, which is being held from 19-29 October. We have a delightful smorgasbord of world-class local and international Dance, Theatre, Comedy, Cabaret, Circus, Writers, Discussions, Exhibitions and Music - shows for all ages, stages and tastes!

LADY RIZO in Red, White and Indigo. Lady Rizo, of Oregon birth and shaped by love and life in New York City, stole our hearts on Wednesday 5 April with her coruscating show, Red, White and Indigo. Part conversation on the political discourse of modern day America, part show-stopping, jaw-dropping performances of originals and covers, all interspersed with comedienne games, burlesque and storytelling antics - the show was woven together into 70 minutes of unforgettable production. The lashes, the dresses (and saucy shadowed changes between them), the sequins, that voice - elements of a Diva at her best, experienced right here in Tauranga from the new comfy seats of Baycourt Theatre. Thank you to all that braved the storm to join us for New York's finest chanteuse and to Baycourt Theatre for assisting her visit to our beautiful city. Lady Rizo is releasing her new album "Indigo": via Indiegogo.

Thank you to our Gold sponsor Hollister-Jones Lellman

Practice Manager Anne-Marie McCall says, "We are delighted to be working again alongside Jo Bond and the Festival team for another year as a Gold sponsor, and we love that they share our offices and the occasional morning tea with us. We can't wait to see what visual, vibrant and creative treasures and pleasures the Festival team have planned for us all in October! At HJL, we believe in being involved with the local community as evidenced by having our very own Managing Partner, Kathryn Lellman, involved on the Festival board - currently in the role of Chair. HJL have been associated with the Festival as a sponsor and supporter since 2003".

Warm your Fridays each fortnight with Cult Cinema Club

Launched at the newly renovated Village Cinema at the Historic Village in 17th Ave Tauranga, Cult Cinema Club is a fortnightly screening of cult, classic, local, arthouse and indie films. Pop-up bar, street food, and music start each event from 5:30pm, with the film commencing at 7:30pm. Next scheduled films include kiwi classic Goodbye Pork Pie on Friday, 21st April and Tim Burton's kooky gothic tale, Edward Scissorhands on Friday, 5 May. Films are accompanied by short films produced by local filmmakers from B.O.P Film. See the full schedule and get your tickets at cultcinemaclub.com/buy-tickets/