Cohen covers just the ticket

After many years following Leonard Cohen and learning his songs, Angus Macdonald is about to share his interpretation of the music legend's moving lyrics and beautiful arrangements with an audience.

The Te Awanga man has pared back some of his favourite Cohen tunes for the occasion and will present his version of the classics during a tribute performance tomorrow night at The Provincial Hotel in Napier.

"I am not trying to claim his songs, nor am I mimicking them," he said.

"I will reduce them to just my classical guitar and my voice, I think I'm more a poet than a singer.

"But the extraordinary thing is that every time I play his music, it's always an event."

Having played instrumentals for 36 years, Mr Macdonald only recently found his voice and slowly built up the strength and tone, practising often by busking on the streets of Napier.

People could get along from 6.30pm for an evening of music and dance. Tickets are $15 on the door.