Dobbyn tours new album

Usually summer is the season of touring for Dave Dobbyn. But he has a new album, Available Light, out on June 13 and with it comes a winter hinterland tour. Which means you fullas in the big smoke miss out, unless you fancy a drive out of town.

"Many of these towns I have never visited, let alone played in," says Dobbyn. "I like that grassroots thing, the intimacy, the provincial town feel. You've got your feet on the ground but you are soaring. It's really exciting."

Dobbyn returns from Morocco, where he is filming an Intrepid Journey programme, to start the tour in the Russell Town Hall on June 22. Then it's almost a show a night for the next 16. Gisborne is the biggest centre he's playing. He will be backed by drummer Ross Burge and bassist Bones Hillman, who are both on the album.

Dates are: Dargaville Town Hall, June 23; Kati Kati Memorial Hall, June 26; Eltham Town Hall, June 28; Fielding Civic Centre, June 29; Blenheim's Brancott Theatre, June 30; Kaikoura Memorial Hall, July 1; Rangiora Town Hall, July 2; Akaroa's Gaiety Hall, July 2; Cambridge Town Hall, July 6; Opotiki's Deluxe Theatre, July 7; Gisborne War Memorial Hall, July 8; Dannevirke Town Hall, July 9; Featherston Anzac Hall, July 10. Tickets available from Ticketek.