KEY POINTS:
HIP-HOP
If big Snoop Dogg makes it through customs (he's had trouble in Australia in the past) then he'll be with us in a few days. Although not playing in Auckland, many fans are making the trip to his Wellington show this Monday night. From his early work
with NWA through to his extensive solo output, Snoop has become an icon not only within hip-hop but in wider popular culture. Plus Ice Cube and Bone Thugs - massive.
Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - TSB Arena, Wellington, October 27
ROCK
It's been a busy eight years since Evermore first slipped into the New Zealand music scene through their success at Rockquest back in 2000. The brothers from Feilding are now based in Melbourne, but they are returning to give their fans a special performance in Hastings this Labour weekend. It's certain to be a gig to remember at the picturesque Trinity Hill Winery.
Evermore - Trinity Hill Winery, Hastings, October 25
DANCE
If Tiki Taane's performance to open the New Zealand Music Awards whet your musical appetite, this weekend offers a chance to catch him live. Trek down to the Coroglen Tavern in the Coromandel this Saturday night to experience Tiki with his band (half of Shapeshifter) and support from the super-funky Auckland band Tahuna Breaks.
Tiki Live & Tahuna Breaks - Coroglen Tavern, Whitianga, October 25
HIP-HOP/R&B
The woman with the most number one hits this decade for a female solo artist plays two shows next week in Auckland. Rihanna won the world over in 2007 enticing us to stand under her umbrella, 'ella, 'ella , 'ella in her worldwide smash Umbrella. She is joined in concert by teen sensation Chris Brown, who at 19 has already sold millions of albums worldwide.
Rihanna & Chris Brown - Vector Arena, Auckland October 27, 28; TSB Arena, Wellington, October 29
FOLK/COUNTRY
Arizona-based musician Howe Gelb is touring New Zealand to promote the album Provisions by the musical collective he leads, Giant Sand. The website www.popmatters.com calls Gelb a southwestern mystic, "like Van Morrison summoning forth mirages in the American Desert". Many credit him as a pioneering force behind the alt-country genre. His Auckland show at 4.20 will take fans to that darker side of the country genre he is known for.
Howe Gelb - 4.20, Auckland, October 25
SOUL/JAZZ ROCK
Pioneering American musician Roy Ayers visits New Zealand this week to perform one show at new Auckland venue Sale St. Ayers has influenced the worlds of disco, jazz and R & B over the past 30 years. Many DJs are bound to have a few of his anthems in their collections and Ayers is perhaps best known for his 1976 smash hit Everybody Loves The Sunshine. He plays here with a full band and is supported by local DJs Manuel Bundy and Gene Rivers.
Roy Ayers, Sale St, 7 Sale St, October 25, 8pm
ROCK
The indie kids will be out in force at the Monte Cristo Room this Friday with local rockers The Checks, The Coshercot Honeys and The DHDFDs set to get the crowd jumping. Internationally acclaimed Devonport band The Checks are fresh from a European tour. The DHDFDs bring their funky punk noise to the party, as do bFM Top 10 favourites the Coshercot Honeys.
The Checks, The DHDFDs, The Coshercot Honeys - Monte Cristo Room, Nelson St, Auckland, October 24
THEATRE
It's hard to miss the half-naked figure of Auckland actor Charlie McDermott on central Auckland billboards for the Silo Theatre production The Little Dog Laughed. Rumour has it that the risque play also features full nudity - not for the kids then! McDermott is joined by actors Paolo Rotondo, Sophie Henderson and Alison Bruce in this tale about the seedy underbelly of A-list lifestyle.
The Little Dog Laughed, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland Central, October 24-November 15, ph (09) 357 3355