British punk band The Buzzcocks. Photo / Supplied

British punk band The Buzzcocks. Photo / Supplied

PUNK
Brought over to headline the Southern Amp Festival, Aucklanders have struck it lucky and scored a Buzzcocks sideshow, this Saturday at Studio. Old-school punk fans will remember them for classic hits of the genre, like Orgasm Addict, What Do I Get, Autonomy, Fast Cars, Get On Your Own, and the Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've). Enjoy punk pop from guys old enough to be your pop.

Buzzcocks - Studio, Newton, November 14

DUB/REGGAE
The Black Seeds recently returned from an American tour supporting US band John Brown's Body. The two bands obviously got on well because The Black Seeds have brought that band over here to return the favour. Reviews for the tour have been stellar and they rock Hamilton, Auckland, and Opononi over the next few days.

The Black Seeds & John Brown's Body - Altitude Bar, Hamilton, November 12; Powerstation, Auckland, November 13; Opononi Hotel, November 14

THEATRE
You might know actor/writer Kirk Torrance as cop Wayne Judd on Outrageous Fortune, but he has many talents - and a play he penned opens at the Aotea Centre. Flintlock Musket is set almost 200 years ago. Torrance says he has "always been interested in the period of New Zealand history of the early 1800s - the dynamics of the initial first contact between Maori and Pakeha".

Flintlock Musket - Lower NZI Room, Aotea Centre, November 17-28

COMEDY/HIP-HOP
Do not be fooled by their name, comedic musical act The Cuban Brothers actually call England home, but for the next week or so they are touring New Zealand. Anyone described as "David Lynch meets the Chippendales" intrigues us immediately, and many here will know them from past visits. Expect breakdancing, hip-hop, joke-cracking and more at the Juice Bar this Saturday.

The Cuban Brothers - The Juice Bar, Parnell, November 14

ROCK
Guitarist Ry Cooder headed out on tour for the first time in several years, and thankfully added Auckland and Wellington dates for his Kiwi fans. Cooder has been named one of the top 10 guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and has played with everyone from Eric Clapton to The Rolling Stones over the last few decades. Catch him at the majestic Civic in Auckland on Monday night.

Ry Cooder & Nick Lowe - Civic Theatre, November 16

ROCK
Despite being Kiwi in origin, The Veils, led by Finn Andrews, spend a fair bit of time overseas, so it's always good to catch them when they play here. The Veils live is an intense experience. They are supported by An Emerald City, except for the Juice Bar gig, where James Duncan steps in.