Keep having fun until you are tired of having funIt sounds easy, and that’s how this whole guide started. I was having so much fun that I wanted to share it with my friends, and I’m a million miles off getting tired. This is the 73rd issue (and it’s a bumper), 3rd distinct format change and now we’ve reached the last issue for 2007. I’ve had the most fun I think that’s humanly possible this year. I’ve met hundreds of fantastic people and experienced a multitude of unique situations. I thank you for regularly reading this (or just looking at the pictures) and I hope to party with all 8,000 of you, some time or other, during 2008. A special thank you goes out to Harry, aka Andrew Ferguson, my IT/design wizard who aides me each week in getting this out to you and making it look so sharp. Cheers buddy :)If you haven’t been to the site for a while, this is definitely the time to go and have a good look around. There’s a heap of great photo galleries and my weekly review is chocker full of stories this week. Just click here and check it all out. And you are not going to believe the amazing collection of prizes we’ve got on offer this week - but it is Christmas after all. Get amongst it! |
These People Won Last Weeks PrizesKatrina Schmahl won the double tickets to the 3 day music extravaganza Jambalaya.Charles Fryers picked up himself a double VIP pass to the Summadayze dance party. Dan Rawlings got the 2 tickets to Groove In The Vines at Isola Estate. Tracey Thomson and her guest lapped up the luxury at the Lindauer Twilight Races. Gerry Mills and Laura Juricevich each won a double pass to Soniktonik at Ink. Anna Thompson-Ford will be bopping with a friend at Groove in the Park in February. |
WOWZERS! Look at all this Weeks Wild Things to Win1 x Samsung 7.1 megapixel digital camera, with a 2.5 inch screen. It’s a beauty and comes with all the bells and whistles. I love having fun and taking photos and those out there that do also, party and snap away. Send me your best party pic of the holiday season and the non-biased boys at Samsung HQ will pick the winner, then courier this gem of a camera with all the accessories out to the lucky winner. Please send the pic to me with “Samsung” as the header. You have until January 8th to send in your photos.1 x VIP double pass to Summadayze at The Vector Arena on January 4th. It’s very rare that the world’s finest electronic music makers hit town for 1 monster night of organized chaos. Even if you are jaded still from NYE, this is an event that you should be at. Name one of the overseas acts that are performing and put it in the subject line when you mail me back. 3 x Double passes to the 14hr Global Summer Dance Festival. It features the UK’s #1 dance club Slinky and their associated DJ’s. The ones to watch are Stonebridge, for their continuous anthem-like sets and The Warp Brothers, for their manic stage presence. It’s held at Ellerslie Racecourse on January 11th. If you think you can handle 14 hours of partying then put “Global Summer Dance” in the subject box and email me now. 1 x Double pass to Groove in the Park, held at Western Springs on Feb 6th next year. It will be a ginormous occasion of celebration. Name one of the main acts advertised, and put it in the subject box when you email me. Got to www.groveinthepark.co.nz for the answer. 1 x Double pass to Salvation NYE dance extravaganza at Galatos, 3 levels of mind blowing music nurtured by a pack of NZ super human DJ’s. See the only full colour laser on show this NYE at Salvation. Write “Salvation” in the email header and email me back if you’d like to attend. 1 x Double pass to Destination ‘08 at 4:20. If live energy-hard dance is your thing then come to this. Tara Reynolds returns after a 2 year hiatus to headline. Future Resonance, Fuzzy Logik, Kyle Donegan and others back her up with ballistic sets. For 12 hours of uplifting beats mail me with “Destination” in the subject box. 1 x Double pass to Oxygen NYE 08. It’s a fab venue, but the main enticement for me here will be the 25,000w sound rig. WOW! With this, blinding visuals, and top line trance DJ’s Fred Baker, Danjo & Styles and Mike Nichol, you will not go wrong choosing this place to see in the New Year. To possibly win this put “Oxygen” in the subject box and email me back asap. 2 x Double passes to the Electric Christmas Party at Coherent on K’ Rd this Friday. All the guys that really know how to make you effortlessly dance while smiling will be in the mix, namely Tim Richards, Greg Churchill and Dick Johnson. It will be a boomer. Write “Electric” as the header for the email that you’ll send me if you’d like to attend. 1 x Double pass to Incline-Events’s Xmas Party at Zanzibar. Incline have put on more parties in ’07 than any other promotions company and now it’s time to let your hair down with Jared and his merry crew. It’ll be electronic, trance and a great warm-up for the rest of your weekend. Insert “Incline Events” into the subject box and email me if you’d like to check this party out. 1 x 1 month membership at Les Mills gym in Takapuna, situated right on top of Shore City Mall. It’s a flash and friendly place. If you indulge over Christmas then why not work it off in January. It’s worth $150 odd, so if you’d like to win email me with “Les Mills Takapuna” in the subject box. 1 x Double pass to my favourite Christchurch party establishment, Base, for their Xmas Eve special that features the soon to be married (to Christchurch’s own Kelly Rennie) Phil Reynolds who is doing an electro set. This prize also includes a bottle of bubbles (to be shared with me ). I know we have quite a few CHCH subscribers, so email me now with “Base” as the header and you’ll be in the draw. |
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Wednesday December 19thWicked WednesdaysDenim Bar, 207 Parnell Rd, Parnell No Charge. 6pm – Close Denim has changed its tunes; and is about to open up the front grill so you can drink inside and out. Gone are the continuous techno beats (those are reserved for special occasions), now you’ll hear the classic sounds of all the old songs you love to sing along to. This style suits the bar much better, and it’s going to do well in 2008. And/Or Musical Mayhem Gold Bar, 212 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby No Charge. 8pm – 1am Thane and Dave wreck havoc at this styley bar. They play their choice of tracks from yester-year in a very appealing way. You won’t be able to NOT smile and shake ya tush. And/Or The Feelers, Elemeno P & Atlas The Brownzy Tavern, 775 Beach Rd, Browns Bay Tickets $40 from www.ticketek.co.nz. 8 – 11pm 3 great Kiwi bands assemble at this odd venue as part of their summer NZ tour. They are all very talented unique musicians, and for $40 this is a good treat for you and a few friends on a festive Wednesday. |
Thursday December 20thThe Low Rollers Christmas Charity GigThe Carpark, 1 Lower Hobson St, Auckland’s Viaduct Entry by gold coin, tinned food or boxed toys. 6pm – 3am I don’t pretend to know much about D&B, but I have it on good authority (cheers Tui) that the line-up for this gig is one of the best you can get. You’ll also have the chance to make a difference to those less fortunate. After the gig the Low Rollers boys will be taking the donated items to The Auckland City Mission and making Xmas hampers for the needy. And/Or Comedy Showcase The Classic, 321 Queen St, Auckland Central Tickets $20 - $25 on the door (do call and book first though on (09) 373 4321). 8.30 – 10.30pm Jeremy Corbett MC’s the night of 1000 laughs that he, Brendhan Lovegrove, Justin ‘Gish’ Hansen and Michele A’Court will provide. All very seasoned comics so it’ll be a cracking show. And/Or Annabel Fay Sings Live The Chapel Bar, 147 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby No Charge. 8 – 10pm She’s a little stunner and in for the last showing in ’07 of her original brand of soul-pop and R&B fused music. Tonight Annabel plays covers and tunes from her recently released album. |
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Friday December 21stThe Mint ChicksThe Transmission Room, Cnr Mayoral Dr & Queen St, Auckland Central Tickets $20 from Real Groovy. 8 – 11pm Disasteradio warm-up for this iconic 3 membered experimental new wave group from Auckland. The trio is on the way up and have a massive following, just ask their 9000 friends on MySpace. Expect one hell of a powerful rock concert, at one of their recent gigs part of the roof gave way. And/Or The Electric Xmas Party Coherent, 264 K’Rd, Newton Tickets $15 from Real Groovy or text “Electric” to 858. 10pm – 6am Auckland’s best electro house night gets festive. The first 100 get a limited edition Electric CD, but if you are running late don’t worry it’ll be broadcast live on George FM from 10pm. And/Or The Turnaround Xmas Party The Khuja Lounge, Level 3, 563 Queen St, Newton Entry $15 on the door. 10pm – Late This band of merry men have had a sterling year. DJ’s Cian, Submariner and Manuel Bundy all unite once more in 2007 at Khuja. The funky downtempo vibe will be chilled yet electric. |
Saturday December 22ndA Very Crow ChristmasCrow Bar, 26 Wyndham St, Auckland central No Charge before 11pm. $10 on the door after. 10pm – 5am It’s an old school 80’s themed party with 5 DJ’s. 169 people on Facebook reckon it’s a winner so check out this dimly lit haven for the trendsetters of Auckland. And/Or Mint – The Xmas Edition Flight Lounge, Fort Lane, Downtown Auckland No Charge. 10pm – 7am Essential House music for all. It’s the first time the Mint men have tried Flight, it’s smaller than they are used to so come early or be prepared to queue outside. This event will pack out. And/Or Beatstreet: Poker Flat Release Party Ink, 268 K’Rd, Newton Entry $10 on the door. 10pm – Late It’s no mean feat to get a record signed on Germany’s Poker Flat Recordings so Simon Flower has invited 16 of his DJ mates to come along, mix and get intoxicated. I think this will be a mean bash. |
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Sunday December 23rdCelebrity Christmas Cricket PartyEden Park, Kingsland Entry by gold coin donation. 11am – 4pm See NZ cricket legends and current top players join forces and play a twenty20 match against a swag of NZ celebrities. It’ll be a fun family day with as much happening on the periphery as in the middle. And/Or George FM pres. Free Parking Tahaki Reserve, Mt Eden No Charge. 1 – 6pm I’ve no idea what the ‘free parking’ bit is about but this is my pick as your only option for today if it’s fine weather. It’s going to be huge. There will be upbeat groovy beats for you to bounce to or just people watch. Bring a picnic and all the comforts of home. And/Or Bacardi Summer Sessions Malt Bar, 442 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn No Charge. 4 – 9pm-ish Live music whatever the weather. This regular session is getting popular. Great chilled BBQ-style sounds on the back deck. Get a pint of Monteiths beer and while away the hours nattering about your upcoming festivities. |
Monday December 24th (Christmas Eve)Misfits Of ScienceAotea Square, Queen St, Auckland Central No Charge. 12.30 – 1.30pm The lunchtime 12 days of Christmas festivities come to a close with the final free concert. It’s going to rock so take your white singlet and trainers to work for a lunchtime mosh. You can also combine some last second Christmas shopping as there will also be loads of Pacific Island arts and craft stalls. |
Tuesday December 25th (Christmas Day)Take the day off and get overly merry with family and friends. I sure intend to. |
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Up And Coming Fun TimesDecember 26th, Boxing Day Races, Ellerslie RacecourseDecember 26th, Black Caps V Bangladesh, Eden Park December 26th, George FM Beach Parties (begin), North Island December 27th, George FM Summer Party @ The Smashed Pipi, Mangawai December 30th, George FM Summer Party @ The Sand Bar, Waiheke Island January 3rd, Supergroove, Mangawai Tavern January 4th, Summadayze Dance Party, Vector Arena January 4th – 6th, Jambalaya Music Festival, Rotorua January 5th, Meyers Park 08 Music Festival, Meyers Park, Auckland Central January 7th – 12th, Heineken Tennis Open, ASB Tennis Centre January 6th, The Black Seeds, Poenamo Hotel, Northcote, Auckland January 9th, FIRST MARTY”S GUIDE for 2008 January 10th, NZ Breakers V The Gold Coast, North Shore Events Centre January 10th, Groove Academy, SpyBar, Auckland central January 11th, Global Summer Dance Festival, Ellerslie Racecourse January 11th, Our House Summer Sessions, Coyote Bar, Tauranga January 12th, Our House Summer Sessions, Embassy lounge, Whangamata January 12th, The Kings Of Leon, Vector Arena, Auckland Central January 15th, Billy Bragg, Leigh Sawmill January 19th, The Police, Western Springs January 20th, Evermore, Auckland Zoo January 25th, International Customs Day, Maritime Museum January 28th, Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, Waitemata Harbour January 28th, Holden Astra Summer Sounds, Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier January 31st – Feb 5th, Auckland International Buskers Festival, Auckland CBD February 1st, Liam Finn, Auckland Zoo February 6th, Groove In The Park, Western Springs February 6th, Movies In The Parks, Whale Rider, Tahaki Reserve February 8th – 10th, Splore Music Festival, Tapapakanga Regional Park February 13th, Movies In The Parks, Sione’s Wedding, Tahaki Reserve February 16th, Devonport Wine & Food Festival, Devonport February 16th, Sonic Youth, Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna February 16th, Tiger Beer Dragon Boat Festival, Viaduct Harbour February 17th, The Phoenix Foundation, Auckland Zoo February 18th & 19th, Rod Stewart, Vector Arena, Auckland Central February 20th, Movies In The Parks, Sleeping Dogs, Tahaki Reserve February 23rd, The Great NZ Beer Festival, Ellerslie Racecourse February 24th, Holden Astra Summer Sounds, Sturges Park, Otahuhu February 25th, Ween, The Powerstation, Mt Eden, Auckland February 27th, Movies In The Parks, Goodbye Pork Pie, Tahaki Reserve February 28th, The Chemical Bothers, Vector Arena, Auckland Central February 29th, Blues At Blockhouse Bay, Blockhouse Beach Reserve February 29th, Katchafire, Auckland Zoo |
New Years Eve RecommendationsDecember 31st, Salvation Dance Party, Galatos, Auckland CentralDecember 31st, Destination ’08, 4:20, Auckland Central December 31st, Oxygen Dance Party, Transmission Room, Auckland Central December 31st, Soul Shakin’, SpyBar, Auckland Central December 31st, Floorgasm, The Civic, Auckland Central December 31st, The Highlife NYE Experience, Stonyridge Vineyard, Waiheke Is December 31st, Mercury Rising, Ohuka Farm, Whitianga December 31st, Rhythm & Vines Music Festival, Waiohika Estate, Gisborne December 31st, Fevah Dance Party, Imerst, Wellington December 31st, The Big Drop Off, Shed 21, Wellington December 31st, Canaan Downs Festival, Takaka Hill, South Island December 31st, Kora Playing Live, Dux De Lux, Christchurch December 31st, Phat 08, Inangahua, South Island |