Two exciting American blues acts have announced upcoming shows in New Zealand this week. First up are The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, a colourful trio from Brown County, Indiana, who will bring their punk-fuelled, rock-infused ragtime, folk, country and blues to the Tuning Fork on Friday February 26.
They mix a washboard, and a drumkit that includes a bucket, with a selection of guitars built in the 1930s on which the Reverend displays his six-string virtuosity - a unique style of fingerpicking inspired by his Delta blues heroes.
Also heading to the Tuning Fork is Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist Blind Boy Paxton. He'll be here on Thursday March 10 to show off his diverse skills on banjo, piano, violin, and vocals, with a sound rooted in early blues from the 1920's and 30s, but given a modern New York twist, and combined with his wry humour and candid storytelling.
In local tour news, Christchurch electro-psych-pop act Doprah, who spent much of 2015 touring internationally, are heading out on a four-date tour of the country to celebrate the release of their highly anticipated debut album Wasting, due out in late February.
They'll be playing at ValHalla in Wellington on Friday February 26, Golden Dawn in Auckland on Saturday February 27, the Christchurch Art Gallery on Friday March 4, and the Chicks Hotel (which is sadly soon to close its doors) on Saturday March 5.
And some delightful news for Auckland music fans: Real Groovy Records has now reopened in its new space (across the road from its old haunt), and is throwing a "fete" this Saturday to celebrate. Head along to 369 Queen St (the old Salvation Army building) from 9am to 6.30pm for food and drinks, free club cards, spot prizes, and live performances from Thomas Oliver, Rackets, LarzRanda, Lydia Cole, Paquin, and an array of special guest DJs.