A perfect pairing of smooth blues music and tasty BBQ will form the first ever New Zealand Blues and BBQ Festival in Rotorua on November 25-27.

Making the most of the newly developed Rotorua Lakefront, the festival will be located at the Village Green and showcase top blues performers from all over New Zealand and Australia.

BOP Blues Club secretary Di Riddell is excited for the new-look festival and sharing her passion for Blues music with all who attend.

'We have already locked in a great line up of performers for the three days of the festival. All of the musicians love the concept of music and food paired for a fantastic weekend in Rotorua,” says Di.

Some of the great bands already lined up for the festival include the well-known local band, House Band, as well as Wizard and Oz, Rehaab, Lazy Fifty, Dirty Tones with Fat Max, Collision, Theory 89, Kerry Le Lieve, Midnight Soul, Bruce Bissett and Tauranga's Kokomo, with many more still to be announced.

Hailing from the sunny Bay of Plenty, blues 'n' roots band Kokomo has been together since the 1990s.

They are renowned for dynamic live shows and smart distinctive song-writing. The band has toured extensively throughout New Zealand, performing at major rock, blues, jazz and folk festivals.

Made up of Derek Jacombs (vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin), Grant Bullot (harmonica, washboard), Nigel Masters (electric and upright bass), Santiago Rebagliati (electric guitar) and Ian 'Beano” Gilpin (drums), Kokomo have performed with many top Blues musicians from around the world.

The mouth-watering BBQ side of the Blues and BBQ Festival will be managed by locals Shaun and Alia Branson of Black Label Barbecue.

'Our barbecue journey really started by entering competitions, so Shaun and I are stoked to be sharing this experience with our Rotorua community,” says Alia.

At the festival you will have the opportunity to check out New Zealand's best pitmasters as they compete in two internationally sanctioned BBQ competitions.

Winners receive a range of prizes including invitations to compete in BBQ competitions in USA.

While these teams are cooking purely for the judges, there will be many delicious vendors available while you enjoy the fantastic music.

For those wanting to up their own BBQ game there will be a range of BBQ related retailers ready with deals and a schedule of demonstrations, tastings & masterclasses will be available over the Festival weekend.

Grab and EarlyBird Ticket before they sell out www.moshtix.co.nz