KEY POINTS:
ROCK/FOLK
Poet, songwriter and performer Leonard Cohen will enthral his audience tonight at Auckland's Vector Arena. With fans such as Nick Cave, Lou Reed, Bono and Prince Charles, this is someone who can deservedly be bestowed with the label of musical legend. Since moving from the world of literature to music in the 1960s, Cohen has released an exceptional catalogue of albums. This is his first New Zealand visit in 24 years.
Leonard Cohen with Sam Hunt - Vector Arena, 34 Mahuhu Cres, January 22, 8pm
ROCK/POP
Does "hypnotic krautrock style, vintage analogue synths, surrealist 60s pop, and mind-ducking awesomeness" sound like you? If yes, then you will be pleased to know Stereolab are set to provide said soundscapes this coming Wednesday at the King's Arms. This British six-piece is 11 albums deep, and their most recent effort, Chemical Chords, was critically acclaimed by most major music magazines.
Stereolab - King's Arms, 59 France St, Newton, January 28, 8:30pm
FOLK/COUNTRY
Lovers of country and folk music will head to the wild west this weekend. The Auckland Folk Festival takes place at the Kumeu Showgrounds and will showcase all things country, folk and bluegrass over three days, starting tomorrow. Performers include Britain's Jez Lowe and Kate Bramley, Scotland's Sandy Brechin and Ronan Martin, and Australian act The Wheeze and Suck Band. This is a family-friendly event with daily children's entertainment on offer.
Auckland Folk Festival - Kumeu Showgrounds, January 23-26
DJ/DANCE
With no Groove In The Park this year, the Our House Summer Fest takes up the challenge of filling Western Springs this Saturday. German house producer Ian Pooley, French legend Fred Falke, Australian party starter Kid Kenobi and local hero P Money headline this one. Meanwhile, Fiesta Del Sol on Waiheke Island has American DJ Chuck Love and Recloose among others. Take your pick!
Our House Summer Fest - Western Springs, January 24, noon-9pm; Fiesta Del Sol - Stonyridge, Waiheke, January 24, 4pm
CELEBRATE
Auckland Anniversary weekend means plenty of action and entertainment for the whole family. The spectacular Fire and Light Show signals the start of the celebrations on Friday night, and families can head to the Viaduct Showcase on Sunday to enjoy live entertainment. On Monday, for the 169th time, the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta helps show why Auckland is known as the City Of Sails.
Auckland Anniversary Celebrations - Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD, January 23-26
FESTIVAL
Lovers of kai moana will be heading to Auckland's Viaduct this weekend to satisfy their seafood cravings. The Auckland Seafood Festival runs over three days starting Saturday. Highlights include the traditional blessing of the fleet; lowlights could include the "greasy pole walking" competition. Enter oyster shucking and fish filleting competitions and enjoy a variety of live music across the three days.
Auckland Seafood Festival - Halsey Street Wharf Extension, 12pm-9pm, January 23/24/25
ROCK
The fact that the Parachute Band scored the people's choice award at the New Zealand Music Awards is testament to the popularity of Christian music, and that fervour will see thousands flock to Mystery Creek this weekend for the annual Parachute Festival. Acts include US platinum-album sellers Casting Crowns, Dave Dobbyn, Portland rockers Kutless, Atlanta's Family Force Five and local rhymer Rapture Ruckus.
Parachute 09 - Mystery Creek, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Hamilton, January 23-26
HIP-HOP/SOUL
Ladi 6 is getting around the North Island promoting her fine debut album Time Is Not Much. The album, about to spawn the second single Dark Brown, was produced by Mu from Fat Freddy's Drop and Parks. Raglan locals can enjoy her show this Friday at the Yot Club before she heads north for a weekend at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe, giving you a couple of good chances to catch Aotearoa's answer to Erykah Badu live in concert.
Ladi6 - The Yot Club, Raglan, January 23; Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Leigh, January 24/25
