KEY POINTS:
ROCK/POP
Kiwi songstress Anna Coddington has released her lovely new album The Lake, so why not play fifteen shows around New Zealand to celebrate? From Wanaka to Auckland, she hits the road in June with her band which includes members of Dimmer, Trinity Roots and Opensouls. If you enjoyed recent albums by Bic Runga and Anika Moa, this is in a similar musical vein.
Anna Coddington national tour - Classic Comedy Bar, Auckland, June 5, Flow, Hamilton, June 6; myspace.com/annacoddington for other dates
FESTIVAL
Think back to your childhood, and the books that were read to you. Was Hairy McClary your favourite? Or something by Roald Dahl? These books create a whole world in the imagination of kids, and the people who create these worlds are here for the Storylines Festival. Children and parents can meet special international guests, and Kiwi icons such as Margaret Mahy and Joy Cowley.
Storylines Festival various venues all over New Zealand - June 8-15, open day at Aotea Centre June 15, storylines.org.nz for details
DANCE/DJ
From a Grey Lynn bedroom in 1998, to Ponsonby Rd and Auckland-wide in 2008, George FM has come along way since it was switched on ten years ago. The station is having a ball this Friday to celebrate this ten-year milestone. Peter Urlich will sing with his lounge covers band, dance act House of Downtown will reform after a five-year hiatus to play live, and a clutch of stalwart DJs will spin tunes.
George FM 10th Birthday Ball Pontoon -Westhaven Marina, June 6, iticket.co.nz
MUSICAL
It seems New Zealanders really do love the nightlife. Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical is an absolute sensation. Playing at Auckland's Civic Theatre, 65,000 Kiwis will be heading along in the next month. Why? Well, the exhilarating soundtrack of hits such as I Will Survive and Shake Your Groove Thing combined with a thirty-strong cast, 500 costumes and a 10m bus probably have something to with it.
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical - Civic Theatre, Auckland, to July 6, tickets from the-edge.co.nz
FESTIVAL
Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur snapper who exhibits weekly on your Facebook page, there will something of interest to you in the Auckland Festival of Photography, on until June 22. There are 30 exhibitions so head to the website to find the ones you fancy. Aucklanders can enjoy everything from the Splore music festival photo competition to a touring festival of Iranian photography.
Auckland Festival Of Photography - various venues, to June 22, photographyfestival.org.nz
SOUL/FUNK
King Kapisi has been relatively quiet lately. He pops up this Saturday at a gig at Khuja Lounge but the focus will be on his singing voice rather than his raps. He plays with the Groovadelica Orchestra at the Groovadelica club night. DJ Jason Eli provides support, and the back room will be rocked by reggae selectors Tommy Flowers and the Jafa Mafia. Punters can also help themselves to authentic Jamaican food before they hit the dancefloor.
Groovadelica - Khuja, Queen St, June 7
DANCE/DJ
New Zealand music reaches out to the motherland this month, with premier electronic music producers joining forces. The Ends of the Earth tour will be promoting the album of the same name and features half New Zealand and half British breaks plus drum and bass tracks. Kiwi artists Antiform and Timmy Schumacher rub shoulders with the UK's Autobots on the tour, which starts at Auckland's FU tonight.
Ends Of The Earth tour - Auckland, June 7, myspace.com/tagpromotions for tour details
CLASSICAL/CHOIR
The South Auckland Choral Society Massed Choir will be in full voice this Saturday at the Auckland Town Hall. The choir will perform The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace by British composer Karl Jenkins. He was asked to create it to mark the millennium, and the theme is finding peaceful ways to resolve world conflict. The choir will be accompanied by the St Matthews Chamber Orchestra, and features eight soloists.
The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins - Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, June 7
