Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology music students are putting on a public concert next week, giving people the chance to see what the next generation of Bay musos can do.

Derrin Richards is one of the mature students on the course and will be performing as one half of duo The Poor Boys, with Fraser Browne.

'I'm an acoustic guitar player primarily, and Fraser bounces between guitar and keyboard,” says Derrin.

Each of the 11 acts will perform around four or five songs each.

'The occasional act might choose to do a cover, but it will be mainly originals,” says Derrin.

It will be the third performance of the year for the students, who balance several classes a week with music practice and recording time.

'Right from the get-go we've had to focus on original music, which is a bit of a luxury,” says Derrin, who is an experienced musician himself. He came back from overseas to find job prospects limited so enrolled in Toi Ohomai's Diploma in Music course.

He says he's enjoyed using the state-of-the-art facilities at the Windermere campus.

'Part of the course requirement is to come up with your own portfolio of music too, and direct your own video.”

He says people should expect a great show, with bands such as Dead Recipe having rocked Bay Dreams earlier in the year. Internationally-renowned local reggae artist Regan Perry will also be joining reggae pop trio Zensemilla.

Other acts on the night include Chika, Sin Nombre, Righteous Rhythms, Kebab Sandwich, GoodbyE PolarZ, No Heroes Allowed, and Izzy Bones.

Toi Ohomai Music Students Showcase will take place at 11 Totara St, Mount Maunganui, on Thursday, June 29 at 7.30pm. Entry is $5.