If the name Tuna Colada makes you smile, wait until you hear the music. This Ōpōtiki-based country blues band are bringing their infectious energy and foot-tapping tunes to the Senior Citizens Hall this Saturday – and you won’t want to miss it.

The four-member crew includes Ross Palmer on drums and vocals, Chris Waters on guitar and vocals, Sandra Thomson on bass and violin, and Sheryl Waters on harmonica, four-string guitar, squeezebox, and vocals.

Together, they create a sound that’s as rich and eclectic as their instrumentation. Expect to hear some good foot-tapping music when they get together.

The band has been together for a couple of years, brought together through Ōpōtiki’s music scene.

“I met Chris because he hosted open mic, mostly at Crossroads,” said Palmer.

“We started to play together a little bit at open mic nights and I kind of convinced everyone we should get together and make this [the band].”

Each member brings something special to the table. Waters has a background in band performance, while Thomson – a classically trained violinist – taught herself the fiddle and bass. Sheryl adds her own flair with harmonica and squeezebox, giving their sound a distinctive texture.

Palmer describes Tuna Colada’s music as “a mishmash of folk, blues, and rock”.

“Some of the artists right off our playlists are Tom Waits, Wilco, Tom Petty, Ten Years After, and Hot Tuna,” he said.

“So, it is blues and folk influenced – what some might call Americana – with a couple of original tracks by Chris as well.”

Don’t expect every song to sound the same. “One song to the next, they won’t be in the same category,” Palmer said. “But we are careful to make even the unfamiliar ones feel like songs you’ve heard before – they are very catchy and accessible.”

The fiddle tends to win over the crowd. “The songs that showcase Sandra on the fiddle are some of our most popular. It brings that Americana, bluegrass feel – even though we’re not a bluegrass band.”

As for their unforgettable name? It’s a nod to one of their influences, the band Hot Tuna, and a humorous Chevy Chase line from Caddyshack.

Previously performing under the name Cast Adrift, the group adopted Tuna Colada – and the name stuck.

“It made us laugh, and we figured that reaction was good enough,” said Palmer.

For Tuna Colada, the joy of playing together is as important as the music itself, and their practices were often a social event, with spouses coming along.

“We enjoy each other’s company and as long as it is fun we are going to keep doing it.”