Fanfare: Blink 182 to spring back for concert

SPRING HAS SPRUNG: And there is a seasonal flowering of live bands, DJs and even new venues. Tour announcements first up.

Cali-punk pop outfit Blink 182 make a welcome return visit in early November riding on the back of their Enema of the State album and with memories of their Big Day Out showing still resonating.

And they liked the ambience of Mt Smart so much they are going back there, or at least to a tent next door. Mark, Tom and Travis play the Supertop, Saturday, November 4. Tickets are on sale now from all the usual outlets.

New York-based punk trash thrashers Boss Hog - the family band for former Pussy Galore singer Christina Martinez ("right up there with the foxiest babes in rock" seems the be the critical on-line consensus) and her husband Jon Spencer of "Blues Explosion" fame - are confirmed to play the Powerstation on Monday, October 23.

And 28 Days join Pennywise on the bill at the North Shore Events Centre on Wednesday, November 15. 28 Days also hitch up with Sommerset to play Ward Lane in Hamilton the following night and Harvesters in Palmerston North on the Friday.

ROCK DJ: Elsewhere in these pages we tell you of DJ Stacey Pullen playing the renovated St James Theatre, which is opening for your entertainment pleasure.

New York DJ Eddie Matos gets there first, though, on Thursday with Bevan Keys and House of Downtown for the Kurve-Remix fashion show, which opens the venue.

Friday, October 6 has the St James pumping again for a return visit by Chicago DJ Derrick Carter. Bevan Keys is in support. Tickets are available from the new St James box office on Queen St or the usual outlets.

DIARY THESE: The Gatecrasher Global Sound System tour arrives at the Aotea Centre on Thursday, September 28 with DJs Tall Paul, Robbie Nelson, John "00" Fleming, Andy Day and Auntie S bringing the sounds of Ibiza and other exotic locales to our house. Tickets through Ticketek.

Detroit garageband punks White Stripes play the Kings Arms, Saturday, November 4.

A DOOR OPENS: Graham Brazier and Dave McArtney play an acoustic set at a new venue tonight. The Cheshire Cat is the old Rick's Cafe in Victoria Market.

KID ROCK: Finalists for the pepsismokefreerockquest have been announced. They are Kurios (from Bream Bay College), Rezin (Westlake Boys'/Rangitoto College), Abbatoir (Long Bay), Q Theory (Palmerston North Boys'), Aprillis (Westland High), Tundra (Kaiapoi High), Narda (Cashmere High) and No Post Mortem (James Hargest High). The national final is at the Auckland Town Hall on Saturday, September 23.