KEY POINTS:
FESTIVAL
Those who rue the day buskers were banned from the front of Foodtown Grey Lynn can get a comprehensive fix of street entertainment over the next week or so. The Auckland International Buskers' Festival returns to Auckland's inner city with varied forms of footpath fun starting next Wednesday. Many international buskers will appear including Magic Brian from the US and pavement artist Debbie Robinson.
Auckland International Buskers' Festival 2009 - Central Auckland footpaths, February 4-8
SOUL/FUNK
When she last visited New Zealand she played a super funky show at Opium with her seriously tight band. This weekend British singer Alice Russell returns, playing at the popular inner-city spot Sale St this Saturday night. Expect the pint-sized woman with the stadium-sized voice to get the dance floor grooving once again with tunes from her new album Pot Of Gold rubbing shoulders with classics.
Alice Russell and Five Piece Band - Sale St Brewery, 7 Sale St, Freemans Bay, January 31, 7pm
REGGAE
Always a good option for a cheeky inner-city swim, Point Chevalier beach will be busy this weekend as Auckland City's Summer Sounds concert takes over Coyle Park right by the beach. Headlining the event, which starts in the late afternoon, are summer favourites Katchafire, who got Rhythm and Vines absolutely jumping. Joining them on the bill is dDub and the jazzy Caitlin Smith Group. Pack a picnic and enjoy.
Telecom Summer Sounds - Coyle Park, 528 Pt Chevalier Rd, January 31, 2pm
ROCK/POP
One of the more prolific musicians from the world of indie rock and alt-country returns to New Zealand this weekend. American singer, guitarist and songwriter Ryan Adams has released 11 albums since 2000. He plays Auckland's Powerstation on Wednesday and with his most recent album, Cardinology receiving critical acclaim as some of his finest work, prepare to be rocked.
Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Powerstation, 33-35 Mt Eden Rd, Eden Terrace, February 4, 8pm
FILM
You've seen the billboards with Tom Cruise's eye-patched face: now see him and the film in a more appropriate setting. Valkyrie is released in February but premieres this Friday night at Motat, where guests will enjoy a selection of speakers and celebrities in the open air aviation site. In Valkyrie Cruise plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, the ringleader in Operation Valkyrie, an attempt to assassinate Hitler.
Valkyrie: The Premiere - Motat, Western Springs, January 30, gates 6pm, screening 8.30pm
ROCK/AMBIENT
Fresh from an intriguing Boiler Room slot at the Big Day Out, Auckland band An Emerald City headline their own gig at Auckland's Monte Cristo Room this Saturday. Their epic instrumental soundscapes can go from ambient, mellow emptiness to firing rock in the space of a few bars, and it's all punctuated by the use of kooky instruments like the sitar. Fingers crossed they utilise the dancing eyeball-head man they had at the Big Day Out.
An Emerald City - Monte Cristo Rooms, Nelson St, January 31
POP/CLASSICAL
Peter Urlich joins the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra this weekend at the Vine Songs gig on Waiheke Island. Urlich is one of four singers teaming up with the Orchestra for the concert at Cable Bay Vineyards on Saturday. Also performing is regular APO guest Helen Medlyn, actor and singer Shane Cortese and young pop-classical singer Elizabeth Marvelly.
Vine Songs with Peter Urlich, Elizabeth Marvelly, Shane Cortese, Helen Medlyn - Cable Bay Vineyard, Waiheke, January 31, 7pm
ROCK/POP
The Zoo Music series has become a must-do for summer. Hosting everyone from Katchafire to Liam Finn, the band rotunda has attracted people in their thousands to enjoy music among the exotic animals. The series starts with a hiss and a roar this weekend with six-piece band SJD supported by Steve Abel. All concerts in the series will be raising funds for key conservation projects.
Zoo Music with SJD - Auckland Zoo Band Rotunda, February 7, 6-9pm
