KEY POINTS:
ROCK
Pluto is no doubt keen to gig-test new material from their recently released third album Sunken Water, and they get the chance this Friday at the Kings Arms. Fellow rockers the Tutts can't be too far away from a debut album. If you've ever wanted to
hear more than their brilliant hit K, tomorrow night's gig could be a good place to start. Also on the bill is Collapsing Cities who, according to their MySpace page, sound like, "Let's get this party started".
* Pluto, the Tutts, Collapsing Cities - Kings Arms, Newton, Friday, 8pm
DUBSTEP
If you know anything about dubstep, you already know Caspa is in the country to play the Rising Sun this Friday. The 25-year-old Londoner is fresh from the release of the first ever dubstep edition of the Fabric Live DJ mix series. It speaks wonders about his status in the burgeoning scene that he - along with cohort Rusko - was asked to do it. Expect rib-rattling sub bass and a refreshingly different night on the tiles tomorrow night.
* Caspa with Jason Howson, Stinky Jim, Frosty Boy, Oogun, One Louder, Grind & MC Dapht One - Friday, Rising Sun, K Rd, $25 presales from Real Groovy and Beat Merchants
ROOTS
Auckland's Khuja Lounge plays host to many of the city's hottest soul, funk and hip-hop talent throughout the year. It says a lot then that when they organise their own Christmas party, it's Tyra and the Tornadoes they call on. The Tornadoes have had a big year, playing and recording with everyone from Hollie Smith to Nathan Haines, while Tyra toured internationally and is of course found singing straight soul on Scribe's single Say It Again. Get up to Khuja to get down this Saturday.
* Tyra and the Tornadoes - Khuja Lounge, Queen St, Saturday, $10 door sales
POP
As far as Abba tribute bands go, Melbourne's Bjorn Again are the money (money, money). They've performed in over 70 countries, and played private gigs for Bill Gates, Tom Jones and - slightly surprisingly - Russell Crowe. You can go along expecting to hear your favourite ABBA hits, all presented with the professional polish of a group in demand around the world.
* Bjorn Again - Regent Theatre, Palmerston North, tonight; Founder's Theatre, Hamilton, Friday; Aotea Centre, Saturday. Tickets $69.90 at Ticketek
SPORT/CHARITY
Two special Twenty20 cricket matches will be played this Sunday at Hamilton's Seddon Park to raise funds for World Vision's Cyclone Sidr relief effort in Bangladesh. According to New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan, Cyclone Sidr caused an incredible amount of damage, suffering and death in Bangladesh, and NZC is committed to raising funds with World Vision to assist in the aftermath. An invitational Masters XI will play the New Zealand under 19 side before a New Zealand XI play Bangladesh.
* Charity Cricket - Seddon Park, Hamilton, Sunday, 1pm, tickets $15 at Ticketek
ROCK
Whatever you make of music magazine NME, it has to say something that they anointed Kiwi band the Mint Chicks the "only band in the southern hemisphere." They have had a big year, with their album Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! earning them a swag of New Zealand Music Awards, and their art rock sound winning over mainstream audiences and radio programmers alike. Before they head off to conquer the world, they play two farewell shows at the Transmission Room this weekend.
* The Mint Chicks with Disasteradio - Transmission Room, Mayoral Drive, Fri & Sat, tickets $27.90 at Real Groovy
SHOW
Elvis geeks will be salivating at the arrival of impersonator Max Pellicano and his stage show. Pellicano commemorates 30 years since the death of The King with a special tribute show. Watch for the various costumes, one of which - the striking White Eagle jumpsuit - is worth $10,000 and is an exact replica designed by Elvis' own tailor. And tonight Shane Cortese has a Rock'n'Roll Christmas at the theatre, warming up nicely for Max's Elvis weekend.
* Elvis to the Max - SkyCity Theatre, Friday and Saturday, tickets from $59.90 at Ticketek; A Rock'n'Roll Christmas, tonight, SkyCity, tickets $59.90 at Ticketek
DANCE
That magical week between Christmas and New Year's Eve means great musical entertainment in seaside spots like the Coromandel. Th' Dudes are touring, as is Supergroove, but first in are the mighty masters of live electronica, Shapeshifter. They are set to decimate the crowd at the Coroglen Tavern with support from MC Tiki and DJ Manuel Bundy.
* Shapeshifter and MC Tiki with Manuel Bundy - Coroglen Tavern, Coromandel, Wednesday