“We celebrate NZ Music every day, but in May, we turn it up.”
NZ Music Month (Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa) celebrates the artists and music scenes from across our fair land. It’s our annual opportunity to turn up local sounds and have more of our music in more ears around the country.
It’s all about the music of Aotearoa and the people who make it – building connection, discovery and pride in our local sound. It’s a time to spotlight homegrown talent, amplify community voices, and bring more of our music to the front – to support local, stream local, see local and buy local.
The New Zealand Music Month website hosts a comprehensive gig guide for the full month. Here are some of the highlights:
The Free Family Fun Day Mash Up – 2 May, Waterview School (Auckland): A safe and fun-filled family event which fits well within everyone’s budget. Entertainment features Vaudeville musical comedy from Captain Festus McBoyle’s Travellin’ Variety Show, the Waterview School Kapa Haka and Pasifika Group plus chart topping rockers TABLEFOX.
The Funkadelics – 2 May, The Undercurrent (Wellington): The Funkadelics is a dynamic six-piece band bringing you the best of Motown and beyond, featuring creative arrangements and jazz-infused solos. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Jamie Musuva and backed by some of New Zealand’s finest musicians, you absolutely have to catch this band’s live show!
Troubadette – 8 May, Little Andromeda (Christchurch): Despite three years of expert camouflage in the Christchurch comedy scene, the jig is finally up – musical comedian Troubadette has been a singer/songwriter this whole time! This New Zealand Music Month, she’s ready to stop being funny on purpose – at least for a little while. This will be a casual setting in the Little Andromeda bar.
Crook Aotearoa Album Tour – 15 May, Last Place (Waikato): Following the release of their debut album Murderous Intent, Crook are undertaking a nine date national tour to make friends and influence people. Supported by art-punk trio Model from Auckland and punk/alternative trio Indecision from Cambridge. Go along for something a bit different (and loud!)
Radiate – 15 May, Workshop 26 (Auckland): Radiate is a free event shining a spotlight on POC musicians across Auckland. It’s a space for people to come together, discover new artists, and celebrate culture, creativity and community through live music. Supported by Arts Whau, the night invites everyone to relax, dance and connect through the richness of local talent.
Jazz at St Michael’s – 22 May, St Michael’s Anglican Church (Wellington): A jazz concert at the beautiful St Michael’s Anglican Church in Kelburn, with Ella Sophie on vocals, Ayrton Foote on piano, Lockie Bennett on guitar, and Elijah Mulheron on bass.
Drewtopia – 30 May, Drews Avenue (Whanganui): Drewtopia is taking over Drews Ave for one massive afternoon and evening of live music, good energy, and proper local connection. Three venues. One street. A stacked lineup of homegrown talent all celebrating NZ Music Month the way it should be – loud, diverse, and right in the heart of the city. From indie and alt to punk, experimental, hip hop, acoustic and everything in between, Drewtopia brings together some of the best artists from Whanganui and beyond.