Compiled by GRAHAM REID
* Unless you were caving for a week or have just come out of a coma you probably already know that London-based American comedian Ruby Wax was in town recently winding up interviewers (because she was an interviewer playing interviewee).
She appeared to have a thoroughly enjoyable, extraordinarily high-profile time. Simply everywhere, darling.
The reason? Because she is coming back to present her one-woman stand-up show, Ruby Wax - Stressed.
The irreverent Ruby opens her first New Zealand tour at the Bruce Mason Theatre, Takapuna on Sunday July 16. Tickets from the theatre.
* This column has previously warned you of the hilariously fine time you might have to enjoy when Canada's garageband punks the Smugglers play dates around the North Island next week (see Listing).
Now we offer a similar consumer warning about the Spanish outfit Dr Explosion who play in mid June.
The first Spanish rock band to play these shores (it seems unnecessary to say "first Spanish garageband punk rock'n'roll band"), they play the Kings Arms on Friday June 16 with US punks Good Clean Fun.
And we sincerely hope it is.
Also confirmed as we rumoured last week: British band Gomez, whose two albums redefined Britpop by adopting a US country rock accent, are to play an Auckland show on Friday August 11, the venue to be confirmed and tickets not on sale yet.
* Coming Up: Fashion meets hip-hop culture and music at the Year of the Dragon: The Seed - Nga Kakano show at the Classic, Queen St on Tuesday.
Auckland's top and hot electronica label Kog celebrates the release of their Algorhythm 2 album with a DJ and dance event at the Mandalay, Newmarket on Friday with the usual Kog suspects.
The art of being a singer-songwriter comes under the spotlight in a showcase series at Alberts Restaurant in the Aotea Centre over Queens Birthday Weekend.
The APRA Songwriters Cafe, as it is billed, starts on Saturday June 3 at 1pm and performers include Graham Brazier, Jordan Luck, Hammond Gamble, Mahinarangi Tocker, Donna Hoha, Steve Simpson and Larry Killip.
The event is an opportunity to hear works in progress, classic band songs rendered solo and the craft of songwriting in all its nakedness.
And the best news? It's all free.
* Noisy Neighbours: For those who prefer what it sounds like to what's being played, the big Sound 2000: Music Expo of audio equipment and instruments will be held at the Aotea Centre over the weekend of June 17 and 18. One for audiophiles, DJs, musicians, and people like Jonah who want to hear it GOOD'N'LOUD.
<i>Fan Fare:</i>Shows, tickets and tours
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