Taranaki’s Big Blues Banger Brings the Heat this October
Ōakura’s Butlers Reef is about to shake, rattle, and roll with the Taranaki Big Blues Banger – Taranaki’s biggest blues event of the decade.
Brought to the region by Three Sisters Brewery, this all-ages, full-day celebration of blues and blues-adjacent sounds will feature ten powerhouse bands, local brews, classic cars & bikes, and a sizzling new sausage crafted just for the event. It’s a grassroots revival of rhythm and soul, curated by local musicians along with the Taranaki Blues Society, and championed by the Bell St Blues Show crew from Most FM, Taranaki’s indie radio station.
The 2025 Taranaki Big Blues Banger Features:
Bullfrog Rata
A legend in New Zealand’s blues scene, Bullfrog Rata brings his signature raw, chunky, rootsy groove and wailing blues bends to the stage. Expect a high-energy set that blends classic blues standards with fresh, relatable originals – a true masterclass in blues storytelling.
Hudson & Lurman
International bluesman Roy Hudson teams up with electrifying award-winning guitarist Sean Lurman for a set that promises firepower and finesse. Their emotive, guitar-driven sound recently wowed crowds opening for Aussie blues rockers 19-Twenty – and now they’re ready to light up Ōakura.
Blues Buffet featuring Erna Ferry
Whanganui’s blues royalty rolls into town with a soul-soaked set of blues and rock ’n’ roll. Erna Ferry’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s seasoned swagger make Blues Buffet a must-see act for lovers of groove and grit.
Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie
Fierce, poetic, and unapologetically powerful – this band brings the fire. With emotionally charged lyrics and a commanding stage presence, Courtnay and crew are set to deliver one of the most visceral performances of the day.
MsAlignment
Fearless and genre-bending, MsAlignment are local rockers on a mission to drench the dancefloor. Their version of ‘groovy rock fusion’ is guaranteed to get you moving.
Karen Clarke Blues Woman
Taranaki’s own indie blues queen Karen Clarke serves up cruisy, upbeat blues with a twist of crank. Her laid-back charm and infectious rhythms are perfect for soaking up the coastal vibes.
Radio Wah Wah
Tight, funky, and full of textured blues rock grooves, Radio Wah Wah are the good-time specialists. Their set will be packed with classics and crowd-pleasers – the perfect soundtrack for a sunny afternoon.
Hoo’s Blues
Take a trip down the Mississippi with Hoo’s Blues. Their gritty, old-school Delta vibes and original compositions channel the heart of traditional blues with a fresh, local twist.
Betsy & The Reckless
Sweet rebellion meets retro soul in Betsy & The Reckless’s latest incarnation. With smouldering vocals and an R&B twist on Kiwi roots, this band brings a sultry, soulful energy that’s impossible to resist.
The Peanut Butter Blues Band
Newly minted South Taranaki crew The Peanut Butter Blues Band are all about eclectic fun. Their playful, genre-hopping style is the perfect accompaniment for the event.
PLUS: Most FM’s Bell St Blues Show DJs
Spinning tracks between sets, the DJs from Most FM’s Bell St Blues Show will keep the energy flowing with everything from nostalgic gems through to today’s hottest blues tracks. They’ll also share stories from Taranaki’s rich blues history from the past 50 years – a tribute to the region’s musical roots.
AND: Three Sisters Brewery & Ōakura Butcher add flavour to the day
Three Sisters Brewery is also crafting a special edition Big Blues Banger Beer, and Ōakura Butcher is firing up the grill with a custom-made Blues Banger Sausage. Add classic cars & bikes, merch stalls, and even more kai – and you’ve got a festival that’s as tasty as it is tuneful.
Start your morning on New Plymouth’s Devon Street with a visit to Vinyl Countdown Records and browse through their essential blues collection. Follow this up with lunch at Three Sisters Brewery, accompanied by their Big Blues Banger Beer. After that, hop on the $5 festival bus to Ōakura’s Butlers Reef, where a full day of rollicking blues awaits.
THE 2025 TARANAKI BIG BLUES BANGER
Presented by the Taranaki Blues Society
SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER @ BUTLERS REEF, ŌAKURA
1pm – 10:30pm
BULLFROG RATA * HUDSON & LURMAN * BLUES BUFFET FEAT ERNA FERRY
COURTNAY & THE UNHOLY REVERIE * MSALIGNMENT * RADIO WAH WAH
KAREN CLARKE BLUES WOMAN * THE PEANUT BUTTER BLUES BAND * HOOS BLUES
BETSY & THE RECKLESS * THE MOST FM BELL ST BLUES SHOW DJS
Tickets are now available from Eventfinda
Check out the Facebook Event Page for updates and full transport details
Whether you’re a diehard rhythm blueshound or brand new to the groove, the Taranaki Big Blues Banger is your ticket to rhythm, soul, good vibes, and one banger of a good time.
See you there, Taranaki!
