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.
nigel.benson@odt.co.nz
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