KEY POINTS:
PUNK
Old punks will be moulding what's left of their hair into mohawks this week in preparation for AK79 this weekend. The gig is on for two nights at the Monte Cristo Rooms, and it pulls together a gaggle (what is the name for a group of punk
bands? An anger?) of punk bands. AK9 was first released as an album documenting Auckland's punk music scene of the late 1970s.
AK79 Live. The Scavengers/Terrorways/Proud Scum/Spelling Mistakes/X-Features - Monte Cristo Room, November 21, 22
ELECTRONIC
A band that helped to spark the beginning of dance music as we know it play their first New Zealand show since their memorable Big Day Out in 2003. The famously unemotional Germans Kraftwerk perform at the Auckland Town Hall this coming Wednesday, a show that's a must-see for any serious electronic music fan. In 2008, their music has definite retro appeal, but imagine this in the 70s - so futuristic.
Kraftwerk - Auckland Town Hall, November 26
DJ/DANCE
With exams officially over for university students this week, there's a whole lot of steam to blow off. Deep, Hard and Funky (DHF) organisers know this, and the second DHF to happen at the Vector Arena is this Saturday night. At June's event 6000 people danced the night away and you can expect similar numbers this time. Be sure to catch headliners Vandalism; the two DJs and their vocalist Cassie know how to get people fired up.
DHF - Vector Arena, Auckland, November 22
JAZZ
Jazz lovers in West Auckland will converge on the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere this Saturday night. Trust Waitakere Brass, the brass band formerly known as the New Zealand and Australian Champion Brass Band, will perform with guest soloist John McGough. He's a fixture on New Zealand's entertainment scene, gigging throughout the North Island regularly, and he will sing and play trumpet and flugelhorn on the night.
Jazz Mania - Trust Stadium Waitakere City, November 22
DANCE/DJ
It's a big week for electronic music in Auckland city, with Kraftwerk about and Deep, Hard and Funky at Vector. And on Friday Booka Shade are coming to town. Booka Shade are a German duo who produce deep, melodic techno and tech-house. They are also behind Get Physical, a high-selling dance music label. The group will play as a six-piece band at the newly reopened and refurbished Studio on K Road with 10 local DJs in support. Let's Tanz!
Booka Shade - Studio, K Rd, November 21
PARTY
This Friday night sees the return of Tiger Translate, the annual gig that incorporates music, art and interactive entertainment into one night - with a difference. This year there's music from French hip-hop producer Onra,#local indie rockers Naked and Famous, lo-fi electro-hop duo Coco Solid, and more. Artists include the graffiti styled work of Trust Me, Flox, Enforce One, Component (The Cut Collective), Kool and City, Cherry Sprinkles and Fuman.
Tiger Translate - Zen, Albert St, November 21
ROCK/POP
Luke Buda and Cassette are on an album preview tour, giving fans a glimpse of the sounds from both their new albums, Buda's My Imminent Demise and Cassette's Our Dream. From the organiser: "Cassette will play Luke Buda songs and Luke Buda will play Cassette songs. Two sets in harmony. Ebony and ivory." Nice. They hit Auckland and Leigh this weekend.
Luke Buda and Cassette - Dog's Bollix, 2 Newton Rd, Newton, November 21; Leigh Sawmill Cafe, November 22
VARIETY
The Star Jam concept gives young disabled people the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd, often teaming them with a well-known entertainer. Star Jam's Simply The Best show this Saturday at the TelstraClear Pacific Stadium will see 100 young Star Jammers on stage with inspirational mentors who include Adeaze, Dame Susan Devoy, Ben Lummis, Helen Medlyn, Oscar Kightley, and Yulia.
Star Jam: Simply the Best - TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, Manukau, November 22