Jazz maestro Kamasi Washington and his crack band light up the Powerstation tomorrow night before heading off to play Womad. And even if you're not a jazz purist you should seriously consider going. Washington, who made his name in LA's creative scene guesting on records by artists like Thundercat and Kendrick Lamar amongst others, infuses his jazz with elements of funk, soul and hip hop. This provides a familiar anchor for genre newbies to grab hold of while the famed saxman blasts through a largely improvised set that showcases his serious jazz chops.
Kamasi Washington, Powerstation, Friday, 7pm
In a 25-year career, Mahinarangi Tocker wrote some 1000 songs – from folk to classical - and was compared to international stars Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman. Tocker's own star dimmed far too early when, aged 52, she died after a severe asthma attack. Now Auckland Arts Festival brings together the likes of Anika Moa, Nadia Reid, Shona Laing, Moana Maniapoto, Annie Crummer, Don McGlashan, Emma Paki, Maree Sheehan, Charlotte Yates, Anahera Higgins and Hinewehi Mohi to celebrate the memory and music of one of our great Maori musicians. There are just two chances to see this tribute concert.
Love Me As I Am: the music of Mahinarangi Tocker, Great Hall at the Auckland Town Hall, Friday and Saturday
It's Friday evening, you really want to go out but you're a tad tired. What to do? How about a concert where you can sleep? Max Richter is one of the world's most popular contemporary classical composers and musicians; now he brings to town two shows for the Auckland Arts Festival this weekend including Sleep where you get to close your eyes and surrender to an "immersive sonic dreamscape". It's an uninterrupted 31 pieces of music, combining classical and electronica, designed to encourage pause and rest. You're allowed to sleep! Or drift in and out of consciousness in a communal nocturnal concert.