A Dunedin beat box artist hopes to take a step towards a professional music career when he makes his debut at the Regent Theatre next week.
Otago Boys' High School year 12 pupil Levine Lale was invited to perform at the Raw Dance Company production "Bang Crash Tap" after he auditioned for television talent programme New Zealand's Got Talent at the Regent Theatre in July.
The Australian company is touring New Zealand with a show for teenagers and young adults comprising tap dance, drums, beat box and music.
"Beat boxing is pretty cool fun to do. A lot of people try to do it, but not many can do it well," Levine said this week.
"Some people call it a human orchestra or mouth percussion. Some people just do the drums, but I like to try to do a few different instruments.
"I started doing it about a year ago, but I've never done it live on stage before. This concert is such a good opportunity to get experience on stage. It's not every day you get to perform at the Regent. A lot of my mates and family are coming along."
The 16-year-old also sings with a band, Albion Place.
"Singing helps with beat boxing, because there's a lot of breathing involved." Levine's five-minute set will include Oompa Loompa and Don't Worry, Be Happy.
"Some songs work well and some don't. Some songs you can just pick up a beat." The concert will also feature a performance by Dunedin's RASA Dance Company.
"Bang Crash Tap" is on at the Regent Theatre at 7.30pm next Wednesday and the Oamaru Opera House at 7.30pm the following day.
