KEY POINTS:
In a bid to get more music to South Auckland's Franklin region, promotions company My New Favourite brought Greg Johnson to Pukekohe's Harrington Hall in October and now they follow it up in style. The pleasant theatre setting will host firm Kiwi favourites Goldenhorse as they play songs
from their most recent album Reporter, mixed with a few classics such as Maybe Tomorrow. In support is Nathan King.
Goldenhorse with Nathan King - Harrington Hall, Pukekohe, December 12
DJ/DANCE
Those who only know Tiki through his success with Salmonella Dub or recent solo hit Always On My Mind may be intrigued to see him with his other hat on - Tiki most definitely knows his way around the microphone at a drum and bass gig. He's worked with many artists in the genre, and this weekend joins prolific producer Bulletproof for a two-hour set
at Coherent to celebrate local label Cyanide Recordings' birthday.
Cyanide Recordings Birthday with Bulletproof and Tiki - Coherent,
December 13
COMEDY
Increase your silliness quota this silly season at the last big comedy event of 2008. The Comedy Christmas Gala sees some of New Zealand's funniest comedians rub shoulders with a few Aussie jokers, all for the benefit of the audience at SkyCity Theatre tonight and tomorrow. Chuckle along to your host for the evening, Te Radar plus a hand-picked collection of Kiwi comedians with visitors from across the ditch, Fiona
O'Loughlin, Tom Gleeson and Mickey D.
Comedy Christmas Gala - Skycity Theatre, December 11/12
POP/ROCK
Hits such as Piano Man, Uptown Girl and Tell Her About It will bring the house down at the Vector Arena this Sunday night because The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel, is in town.
This is a show that doesn't sell itself on fancy visuals, pyrotechnics or elaborate stage tricks - just sit this songwriting legend in front of a piano and watch him go. With a career that spans decades, it's clear that it's still rock and roll to him.
Billy Joel - Vector Arena, December 14
ROCK
American band The Mountain Goats revolve around the creative drive of
singer/songwriter John Darnielle, and he brings his band down to New Zealand this Wednesday.
In tow will be bandmate Peter Hughes and we'll also be treated to a
rare treat, with drummer Jon Wurster making the trip too. Darnielle is a bit of a wordsmith, and his distinctive vocals and between-songs banter make this a hot ticket.
The Mountain Goats with Sidekick Nick - King's Arms, December 17
WORLD
Colourful outfits and funky Eastern European tunes await at Gypsy Fever 5 at the King's Arms. The life of the travelling minstrel comes to a halt this Saturday with several bands playing, including The Mamaku Project, Club Manouche, and the Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band. The
latter band features lyrics in Russian, Serbian, Romani, Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew and more, and that gives you a taste of the eclectic and worldly musical flavours you can sample here.
Gypsy Fever 5 - King's Arms, December 15
CLASSICAL
While comedians celebrate Christmas up at SkyCity, classical music lovers also ring in the festive season this weekend. Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra celebrate Christmas at Parnell's Holy Trinity Cathedral this Friday night. Featuring soprano Madeleine Pierard, expect classical versions of The Nutcracker Suite, The First Noel, Ave
Maria and Silent Night.
The Lion Foundation and APO Celebrate Christmas - Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, December 12, 7.30pm
ROCK
Christchurch band the Bats have been performing their melodic folk rock for 25 years and, proving that time hasn't seen their passion for music fade, they have just released a new album. The band celebrate the release of The Guilty Office on Arch Hill Recordings with a gig at new Auckland venue Cassette Number Nine on Vulcan Lane. Be sure to check out all the old audio equipment decorating this new bar.
The Bats - Cassette Number Nine, Vulcan Lane, Auckland Central,
December 12