Intimate gigs in Auckland

Those who enjoyed the seated, cabaret-style set-up at the Martha Wainwright gig earlier this year are in for another, sophisticated treat. This time it's Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith performing in a similarly intimate setting at the Transmission Room on Sunday, September 24. Sexsmith, whose sensitive folk-pop has fans in Elton John, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams and Colplay, has released nine studio albums, including his latest, Time Being.

Also here next month are British 80s punk rockers, Peter and the Test Tube Babies. Since the 1982 release of their debut album Pissed and Proud, which featured the obnoxious Gary Glitter cover I'm The Leader of the Gang (I Am), they haven't stopped touring.

This is their first trip to New Zealand where they play Wellington's Bar Bodega on September 7, and the Kings Arms in Auckland on September 8.

Better late than never, eh Pete.