Fifteen Dunedin bands playing songs by other Dunedin acts, both past and present, presents a challenge not only for the performers but also the organisers of Dunedin Circle Jerk 2014.
And Andy Parsons faces a double challenge. A guitarist and singer in Dunedin act the Maine Coons, he has also been involved in staging the last two annual events.
''I think this is the fourth year it has run. I heard Tono [former Dunedin songwriter Anthonie Tonnon] got the idea from overseas and brought it to Dunedin. It has just got bigger and bigger.''
Parsons has got a little bit tougher with the rules for tonight's concert at Sammy's, stipulating that each band allows for only one original per 20-minute set.
''Previously, bands haven't really stuck to playing many covers, probably because some musicians playing original music tend to be a bit slack and only learn one song. So I've introduced a rule that allows for only one original.''
Though bands preferred to keep their selections under wraps until the gig, Parsons is expecting ''some classics''. Still, he was prepared to provide a little insight into the Maine Coons set.
''Last year, we covered a Manthyng song. This year we plan to do a Dr Glam [aka Ian Chapman] song. It's not Ghost Train; it's something else. We'll do our own special arrangement of it.
''Previously, we've had bands playing the Verlaines, all sorts of stuff.
''Last year, the stages were set up at opposing ends, which meant the crowd had to go from one end to the other every half-hour. This year, the stages will be side to side. Ian Sweetman is doing sound, but it is a minimal crew.''
Though Parsons hopes the move to shorter 20-minute sets per band will encourage acts to perform more covers, the split-stage format also gives groups time to set up and pack down, ''although everyone has to be packing light and not planning to bring a grand piano''.
• Mama Yeva, the brainchild of Jono Bono (guitars and vocals), pays tribute to the music of flamenco legend Paco De Lucia at the Inch Bar, Gardens Corner, tonight.
De Lucia, a virtuoso guitarist and composer, died in February but ''I feel strongly some of his threads living on in me'', Bono says. Comprising Bono, James Ung (sax/flute/cornet) and Jonathan Holloway (cajon/percussion), the trio will delve into a soulful mix of flamenco, Arabic, West African and world jazz stylings.
''There is, of course, a likelihood that other Mama Yevarians Jesse Meek, Kira Hundleby, Ben Yahmin Flint and Stevie Rice will also join in the spirit of the homage with some notes aiming into the ethereal realms,'' Bono says.
Playing Dunedin Circle Jerk 2014: Dunedin bands covering Dunedin bands.
Featuring The Maine Coons, Bikk, Late Night Drive, Machina Rex, Sunley Band, Ciaran McMeeken, War Saw, Summer Thieves, Ded Sparrows, Live Like Lions, The Fu King, Prophet Hens, Some Other Creature, Tone Temple Pirates and Tahu & The Takahes. Sammy's, tonight ($10 before 10pm, $15 after).
Mama Yeva pays tribute to Paco De Lucia. Inch Bar, Garden's Corner, tonight, from 8pm. Free entry (gold coin koha).
