Queenstown news and more...

   Music maker: Chris Cope quit popular rockers eight to go it alone Auckland’s Chris Cope has few regrets about turning his back on the high life with one of New Zealand’s top chart bands. »»

  Blokes jokes: Tim Shadbolt and Gary McCormick Tim Shadbolt and Gary McCormick will campaign to “save the great Kiwi Bloke” at a gag-fest in Queenstown on Saturday night. »»

  Long road: Josephine Costain says playing to travellers will make a nice change from boozed students After 20 long years writing songs, Josephine Costain’s patience is finally being rewarded.  The Auckland-based singer has hit the road for a solo tour to pave the way for her debut single and album. »»

  'This is one of the first tours I’ve ever done straight. It’ll be scary', Mike King Funnyman Mike King admits that performing in Queenstown for the first time without being blitzed on drink and drugs will be “weird and scary. »»

   On fire: (from left) Summa Johnson, Jeremy Wynard and Peti Seiuli Reggae newcomers Jah Fire reckon they offer up double value for fans.  The Invercargill trio has crafted an on-stage wall of sound you’d expect from twice as many musos, they say. »»

  On fire: The Flaming Drivers, from left, are Glen Balfour, Mo Ackermann and Joel Rowlands Head-banging power trio The Flaming Drivers are on a mission to put the rock back into the Queenstown music scene. »»

  No wining: Kiwi favourites Bic Runga, Tim Finn (centre) and Dave Dobbyn are back to play at Millbrook About 2000 fans will flock to the Winery Tour at Millbrook on Monday – but promoters reveal the show was almost pulled. »»

  Going solo: Wellington-based Sacha Vee is returning for a gig in Queenstown with a focus on performing her own music Rising Kiwi songbird Sacha Vee is stoked to finally be flying solo – after years of collaborating with other musos. The Wellington-based vocalist is Queenstown-bound to showcase her self-titled debut EP. »»

      Sunshine brothers Kyle 'MC KPz' (left) and Stauny 'MC Switch' Popham     As some of New Zealand’s best music acts converge on the Southern Lakes this weekend, for one band it’s a chance to come home. »»

      Musical mob: Lynch Mob guitarist Ben Lynch.     It’s not quite Live Aid but local group The Lynch Mob headline a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake victims tomorrow. »»