KEY POINTS:
JAZZ/BLUES
Jazz and blues fans will flock to Mission Bay this Saturday. The ninth annual Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Streetfest sees Tamaki Drive closed to traffic, with musicians playing on the street. Twenty bands perform from 6pm until shy of midnight. Performers include Pugsley Buzzard, Graham Brazier and Dave McArtney (Hello Sailor) and Shayn "Hurricane" Wills.
Mission Bay Jazz and Blues Streetfest - Selwyn Reserve, Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, February 28, 6pm
REGGAE/SOUL
They're moving into the flats, buying the textbooks, and getting ready to learn - and party. That's right, most university students are heading back to class and there's orientation festivals aplenty. In Auckland, Unitec has Sounds in the Sun, featuring a stellar line-up of New Zealand music. Hollie Smith, P Money, Katchafire, plus Kora and the Recloose Live Band will make this a day to remember.
Sounds In The Sun'09 - Unitec, Gate 3, Rugby Fields, 139 Carrington Rd, Saturday, 12pm
COMEDY
Scottish comedian and actor, Billy Connolly holds a special place in the heart of most New Zealanders as a regular visitor to our shores. He's on a national tour, which, for the record, is his 12th since 1981. His inimitable style has seen him rise to become one of the world's most esteemed funnymen, and these shows are our first opportunity to catch up with him since his last visit five years ago.
Billy Connolly - Vector Arena, Auckland, February 28, March 1/2, 8pm
ROCK/REGGAE
The biannual Splore Music and Arts Festival, south of Auckland at Tapapakanga Regional Park, is a must-do for many New Zealand music fans. If February 2010 is feeling a little distant, the good people at Splore have decided to keep us hooked with a Splore teaser event this weekend in Ponsonby's Western Park. The Splore Living Lounge runs throughout the weekend with Michael Rose, The Cuban Brothers and Liam Finn, the notable performers.
Splore's Living Lounge - Ponsonby, February 28-March 1
FILM
If you prefer your films based in the real world, you'll be pleased to know DOCNZ: 09, the International Documentary Film Festival, is touring the country. The Auckland leg started at the Rialto in Newmarket this week and runs until Sunday. The festival includes New Zealand films about everything from transgender artists to a profile of falcon photographer George Chance.
DOCNZ 2009: International Documentary Film Festival - Rialto Cinema, 167-169 Broadway, Newmarket
FOLK/COUNTRY
If you're up for some good old-fashioned, knee-slapping alternative country music, look no further than the the Powerstation next Wednesday. Fans of bluegrass, folk and country with be turning out to watch Nashville's Old Crow Medicine Show perform. The band have played a bunch of major international festivals including Tennessee's Bonnaroo, and bring their polished live show to Auckland and Wellington this time around.
Old Crow Medicine Show - Powerstation, Mt Eden, March 4
DJ/DANCE
Straight out of Sydney and with their fingers on the pulse of dance and electronica, the Bagraiders play Auckland. It's the first edition of the OK OK club night, which is backed by Australian record label Modular - the home of Cut Copy, Ladyhawke and more. The hippest nightclub in town, Cassette Number Nine, will be pounding to the sound of the Bagraiders jubilant electro house bangers on Saturday.
OK OK with Bagraiders - Cassette Number Nine, 9 Vulcan Lane, Auckland, Saturday, 10pm
REGGAE/DUB
An excellent reason to head out of the city this weekend is the annual Music Mountain Matakana Bush Party. Launched last year with a rainy day performance by Fat Freddy's, this year the line-up is even more extensive. Kiwi favourites performing among the trees this Saturday include The Black Seeds, Salmonella Dub, Little Bushman, Batucada Sound Machine and dDub.
Music Mountain Matakana Bush Party 2009 - Whangaripo Hills, Govan Wilson Rd, Saturday, 12pm
