The stage at Traders has hosted many musicians from the Cook Islands and overseas, people like Billy TK Jnr and Phil Madsen to name but two. Even the Finn brothers, Tim and Neil have graced the stage with Dave Dobbyn for an impromptu ditty or two [read more].

But the resident performers are no slouches either and provide a musical accompaniment for drinkers and diners on most nights.

During the week Garth ‘Mapu’ Young serenades customers on the piano and visitors and locals sometimes get in on the act providing vocal support. Garth has performed with a veritable who’s who of New Zealand music and his fingers certainly know their way around a keyboard, he can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

As the working week draws to a close things get a bit more raucous, on stage and off.

On Thursday nights the Skinz help ease you towards the weekend and on Fridays – when the bar is invariably bulging at the seams – the good old boys of Tropicana bang out the classic party tunes. Rangi Henry, Rere Kaiaruna and Takeu Samuel really know how to get the good times rolling and keep the dance floor packed. Good on ya guys.

On Saturday nights the youngsters get their go, performing a mix of contemporary rock and old school classics. Watch out for head barman Junior Kurariki [profile] grabbing the microphone and belting out a few reggae numbers with the lads.