New Zealand Music Month: What’s Happening in Auckland in May?
The easing of Covid-19 restrictions couldn’t have come at a better time, with May marking New Zealand Music Month and Kiwis celebrating the return of concerts across the country.
Now in its 22nd year, New Zealand Music Month has grown from encouraging radio stations to support local artists to a celebration of local music across Aotearoa.
Rodney Fisher of the New Zealand Music Commission said it was “incredible” to see the amount of activity going on across the country.
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From raves to easy-listening jazz, there’s a range of New Zealand Music Month concerts for Kiwis.
Rodney Fisher/Supplied
Rodney Fisher of the NZ Music Commission says there are still “many exciting things to come” this New Zealand Music Month.
Base FM takes to the streets
Base FM, a music station that gives DJs 100% control over the playlist, is taking its primetime sets to the community to celebrate New Zealand Music Month 2022.
Every Wednesday the breakfast show will air from outside the Atomic Cafe in Kingsland from 8am-10am, and on Friday the drive show DJs will be outside the Kingslander from 4pm-6pm .
Base FM said fans can expect live performances from the community’s favorite artists, as well as guest interviews from “local movers, shakers and community leaders.”
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Auckland City Hall is a stop on a tour of the supercity’s iconic music venues.
RICKY WILSON/Stuff
Now that Covid-19 restrictions have eased, Aucklanders can enjoy packed concerts this New Zealand Music Month.
music through the ages
On Thursdays and Sundays in May, Kiwis can book tickets to explore some of the supercity’s most iconic concert venues.
Award-winning author and historian Gareth Shute will delve into the history and lasting legacies of these special places, which include Mainstreet, Whammy Bar, Masonic Hall, Polynesian Club, Auckland Town Hall, Neck of the Woods and many more.
Stretching from Karangahape Rd to Aotea Square, this tour will tell the stories of music from the early 1900s, through jazz and rock of the 1950s, to dance music today.
Better late than never
Better Late Than Never will bring their own “jazz-infused, musically sophisticated and alluring” beats to the Ponsonby Social Club on May 12, for those who like nothing more than “easy listening”.
The band consists of Mike Booth on trumpet, Dixon Nacey on guitar, Nick Taylor on bass, Hannah de Koster on drums and Skylar Orr on keyboard.
New Zealanders who enjoy “sometimes funky, sometimes Latin-flavored” grooves, this is the gig for you.
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The DJ Kiwi duo behind Lee Mvtthews have extended their expertise to brewing their own beer, available in May.
Beats and beers
One of New Zealand’s favorite DJ duos, Graham Matthews and Tom Lee – better known to dance music fans as Lee Mvttbrews – are using New Zealand Music Month to launch their own beer: Lee Mvttbrews .
The 5% pilsner was brewed at Auckland’s party venue, Sweatshop Brew Kitchen.
Lee Mvtthews will host a session on Sunday, May 15 at the home of his new brew, and attendees will be among the first to try it.