Retiree Ataaria Brown is hoping to bring a few more local musicians together to make some music, with her newly formed group Opo Stylez looking for a bass guitarist and drummer to complete its line-up.

Originally from Ōpape, Brown recently returned to Ōpōtiki after spending most of her life in Maketū, and is keen to get back into performing after a break from music.

“Although I haven’t performed for a while, since moving back, I really wanted to get back into it and have been putting the call out seeking musicians to start a band, as there didn’t seem to be any bands around to join,” she said.

Brown has since assembled a group of guitarists who meet every Sunday morning to practise, in a space kindly provided at the Whakatōhea building.

“I now have a few guitarists and we have been practising every Sunday, and now we are just looking ideally for a bass guitarist and a drummer to complete our act,” she said.

“I know there are a lot of talented people out there and I am really hoping to find some who have the time to join us. Everyone is so busy these days, I know it can be quite a commitment.”

Opo Stylez already has its first informal performance lined up, with the group scheduled to play at the Ōpōtiki Market on November 28.

Brown said she had also been encouraged by the interest from karaoke singers, suggesting there could be plenty of untapped musical talent around the district.

She was particularly impressed by the electric ukulele sound of musician Ngaio Knebel, a member of the Ōpōtiki Ukulele Club, and hopes others will be inspired to share their musical skills.

“We have had a lot of interest from karaoke singers also, of which there seems to be a lot of talented ones in town,” she said.

For now, the group is practising from 9am to noon every Sunday and welcomes enquiries from anyone interested in joining, particularly experienced bass guitarists and drummers.

Those interested in becoming part of Opo Stylez can contact Brown on 027 419 9445.