KEY POINTS:
Surely its not May already? Alas it is.
Those of you anticipating the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder as the days get chillier, cheer up, there is some good news.
New Zealand Music Month begins today and there is a host of gigs, events and even the odd TV show for you to check out, so get out your diaries and mark them in.
Here are some of the events happening during the first week of the month alone:
* Auckland based music channel Alt TV launches 24-hour live streaming of the channel online on May 1. More details here.
* George FM hosts special show Good Afternoon Aotearoa! today where guests play live in store at Auckland's Real Groovy Records as well as being broadcast on air. The line up includes Minuit, Module, The Shades and Kolab.
* National Radio show Music 101 focuses on the role of NZMM now that local airplay has increased since it's inception seven years ago. Saturday 3rd, 2:00pm until 5:00pm.
* Rockers The Bleeders wrap up a tour supporting their new album at the Kings Arms on Friday 2nd with Missing Teeth, Los Muertos. Expect fast paced Rock 'n' Roll with gut-busting guitar riffs.
* Whangamata's famous Beach Hop is on this weekend. The festival celebrating the best bits of the 50's and 60's - that is cars, music and hairdos - has a great line up of Kiwi Rock'n'Roll musicians. The Beach Hop runs from today until Sunday.
* Dawn Raid rapper Mareko has Auckland three shows lined up this music month Pick up his new album White Sunday 2: The Book Of Mark and get along and support. Tomorrow night, Zen, Auckland; Saturday, Bar 220, Manurewa. Also May 24, Zen.
* Opshop have been named to play the Little Town, Big Gig - the official closing show of NZ Music Month. Where? It hasn't been decided yet! Telecom is giving the public to vote now. Visit Telecom.co.nz/opshop, to make your suggestion about where and why the gig should take place by Friday May 23rd.
* Auckland bar Galatos is one of the busiest venues this music month. Almost any night of the week in May you'll find some of Aotearoa's finest musicians performing. From the soul funk of the Opensouls and Recloose, to the punk and rock of the City Newton Bombers and The Have, to the hip-hop of Scribe and P-Money, there is a lot to choose from. In fact, far too many to list here. Check out 5am.co.nz for details.
* From Monday, May 12, C4 begins counting down 100 NZ music milestones on Rocked the Nation, presented by Karyn Hay. The six-episode series will screen Mondays at 8.30pm.
* Some of our top talent will perform at SkyCity this month, including Bic Runga, Hollie Smith, Sarah Brown (tonight) and Nathan Haines (Sunday). Visit the Sky City website for more details.
For more listings, visit the NZ Music Month website.
