Gig to aid Pike River families

Families of the men who died in the Pike River mine disaster will benefit from the fundraising concert held in the heart of Queenstown yesterday.

A line-up of Wakatipu musical talent performed original songs and popular cover versions free on the Village Green, from 1pm until about 8pm.

Young bands the Station Agents, the Artful Hustlers and the Fletcherz, followed by the Cartel, Pass the Sauce, the Skitzofrantiks and Ghetto Blaster, entertained the sun-soaking crowd of more than 200.

The fundraiser was hosted by Queenstown entertainment venue Revolver, in association with the Rock FM radio station and charitable trust RockFormation, which nurtures youth musicianship and performance.

Revolver co-owner John Stapleton said the intention was to follow up on the fundraising Rock 4 Haiti music festival, held on the green in January. There was no more worthwhile cause at present than Pike River, he said.

"Our thoughts go out to the families and if we can come to some assistance, it's a good chance for Queenstown to contribute," he said.

Volunteers with collection buckets roamed the area during the concert and barbecued food was sold.

Donations will be deposited in a Westpac trust for the families set up by Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn, Mr Stapleton said.

About $8000 was raised by Rock 4 Haiti for the New Zealand Red Cross.