Winning prizes, canoeing in the rain, dancing for no reason and cold beverages after strenuous exercise: these are a few of my favourite thingsI did them all, so I had a fairly good week. Easter has to be up there in the stakes for the coolest time of year. It creates 2 back-2-back short weeks, the weather’s generally sweet, there’s always lots to do and the bountiful chocolate is a definite bonus.The Nite:Life awards were held at The Auckland Town Hall. It was a ceremony as part of the major Our House dance party taking place at the same time. I knew I was up for the “Best Scene Personality” award, but when I was asked out on to the stage I was awe struck. I hadn’t received a major award for the best part of a decade, so the thrill was indescribable and it still bubbles within. To read my full weekly review, click here – then get busy with the bumper selection of prizes and events below. |
Lucky Sods from the Last GuideChris Redditt got the Denim Bar voucher.Kimberley McLean won the Metropole $100 tab. Kahu Pekepo and Bryan Inglis got the double passes to Mint dance party on April 5th. Seralyn Keen picked up the Hed Kandi dance party passes for Asta on March 29th. Jay Govind and Kimberley McLean (yes again) got double passes for the Smashing Pumpkins after party gig at Ink bar. Lauren Thomas won the double pass to the Comedy Showcase at The Classic. |
Feeling Lucky? (only enter if you can attend)2 x Double passes to Mint dance party being held at Seba on April 5th. The legend returns for more uplifting housey good times. Put “Mint” as the header and mail me now if you want to win.1 x $50 bar-tab for Cocktails by the Hour at Denim Bar. It’s for this Friday after work. Come along and enjoy this quaint funky bar. Write “Denim Bar” in the subject box and mail be to be in the draw. Please include your phone number. 1 x Mr Vintage t’shirt. You get to go into their Falcon St store in Parnell and select any t’shirt you like. Their garments are very funky and service is always with a smile. Put “Mr Vintage” as the header of your email when you mail me back. 1 x Single entry to Oxygen at the Transmission Room. Big names fly in from all over to spin for our benefit, including my pal Ehren Stowers. Meet me there for a drink or 3. Email me back with “Oxygen” as the title to be in the draw. 1 x $50 bar-tab for Metropole in Parnell. It’s a favourite haunt for Remuera/Parnell lusty ladies, so the men follow. Lovely cocktails and comfy atmosphere. Put “Metropole” as the header when you email me back if you’d like to win this. Please include your phone number. 1 x $50 bouquet of flowers from Claire at www.rosesarered.co.nz. If you’re in trouble with the other half, or just want to surprise them enter this prize draw. Write “Roses Are Red” in the subject box and send me an email. 1 x Double pass to A’trackd on at Club 4:20 (373 K’ Rd) on April 5th. A wild tribute to electronic music, art and the culture we exist in today. Sounds interesting doesn’t it. Put “Atrackd” as the heading for your email when you mail me to be in to win this. 2 x Doubles to see DJ Recloose and Dam Native at Club 4:20 this Friday. An all-star collection of some of NZ's most inspired musicians, playing the sort of party-style tropical techno-funk that they might not otherwise play. A winner this Friday for sure. If it sounds good then type “Recloose V Dam Native” in the subject box and email me asap. Please include your phone number. |
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Wednesday March 26thDuran Duran concertVector Arena, 34 Mahuhu Cres, Auckland Central Tickets $99 - $119 from www.ticketmaster.co.nz. 8pm – 12am Fusing pop music, art and fashion with their own unique style and confidence, Duran Duran has remained an unstoppable global pop phenomenon. They’ve collaborated recently with top producers Timbaland and Nate “Danja” Hills, as well as the current king of pop, Justin Timberlake, so their new album “Red Carpet Massacre” proves they are still a force to be reckoned with. Mixing dance-inducing rhythms and experimental electronics, Duran Duran lay claim to some of the most infectious pop tunes ever. And/Or DJ Tim Woodley Denim Bar 207 Parnell Rd, Parnell No Charge. 9pm – 1am It’s got to be one of the most consistent bars in Parnell. Come along for some very reasonable cocktails before 10pm and stay for the happy hour from then till midnight, with groovy songs to bop and croon to. Go up the road for a breather and check out Vanilla Bar for a change of scene. |
Thursday March 27thMaster Hypnotist Guy CaterThe Kingslander Bar (Upstairs), 470 New North Rd, Kingsland No Charge. 8 – 10.30pm He rattled Orientation Week at Uni this year, now he’s going to make the volunteers at The Kingslander go bananas. You can’t help but laugh and be amazed. And/Or Local – Where Friends Meet Malt Bar, 442 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn No Charge. 9pm – 1am A funky bar with funky sounds, filled with funky friendly people. |
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Friday March 28th (My 32nd Birthday)Music In The Parks feat. SJD & One Million DollarsTe Wero Island, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central No Charge. 5.30 – 9pm Go to the Viaduct zone, pick a bar and take in the amazing sounds. Audible from most parts, you don’t have to be at the lip of the stage to enjoy the electronic, soul, pop-funky beats. And/Or Recloose Live Band with Dam Native Club 4:20 (Upstairs), 373 K’ Rd, Newton Tickets $20 on the door. 9pm – 3am Disco, electronic funk and hip-hop party sounds boom from 4:20. I’m a fan of both these acts and will even take my conservative sister for an educational cultural look at some brilliant NZ talent. And/Or UPFM’s 6th Birthday Fu Bar, 17 Albert St, Auckland Central Tickets $15 on the door. 10pm – Very Late This techno outfit’s been there, or thereabouts, since conception. A social bunch who regularly party hard to all techno genres. Tonight all genres are celebrated and laid down by some 25 DJs. They’ll be going all weekend I’d say, so worth a look. |
Saturday March 29thPhoenix Fest. 08Basque Park, Exmouth & Norwich St, Newton No Charge. 12 – 6pm With names like Kora and SJD headlining and loads of other funky DJ’s having a go this environmentally friendly gig will be a hive of goodness. It’s BYO everything, but of course in moderation. I can’t wait. See you there. And/Or Shore Sounds pres. Cornerstone Roots Centennial Park, Campbells Bay, North Shore No Charge. 1 – 6pm Another outdoor council funded event. The Midnights and Sonz of Zion support Cornerstone Roots who are a well-travelled 7-piece Raglan-based original roots reggae group. Although their music is deeply rooted in the Jamaican reggae, they put their own spin on the traditional sound and give it a distinctly infectious New Zealand feel. Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag, biff them away and profusely smile; this will soothe everything. And/Or Hed Kandi – Beach House Tour Asta Club & Lounge, 10 Victoria St, Auckland Central Entry is $10 before 12am, $15 after. 10pm – 6am As long hot days spent lapping up the sun give way to über cool nights on the town, this especially created beach tour delivers a perfectly soulful sun drenched collection of delicious beats, complete with shimmering vocals and the occasional Latin twist. With Jack McCord and Steve Divine from the UK and local support from Mark Emerson, Gavin S and Brent Jarnell, it’s set to be another top night. |
Sunday March 30th95BFM Summer SeriesFort Takapuna, Vauxall Rd, Devonport No Charge. 1 – 5pm The fifth and final BFM party for the summer season is upon us. Roll up your favourite picnic blanket and bring everything you’d need for a luscious day in the sun. See One Million Dollars, The Hot Grits and The Shades perform their crowd pleasing soulful funkadelicism. |
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Monday March 31stMovie Night – RamboMost Cinemas Tickets $9 - $15 John Rambo’s back after a 20 year holiday. Rambo has decided to live the quiet life, running a longboat on the Salween River in northern Thailand. He enjoys fishing and catching snakes, calmly ignoring the civil war that rages on the nearby Burmese border. But then, two weeks after taking some human rights missionaries up the river, he finds out that they've been captured and held hostage. When a priest comes to him asking for help, the super-soldier knows what he must do... Classic. |
Tuesday April 1stRabbit (begins)The Herald Theatre, The Edge, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland Central Tickets $20 - $35, from www.ticketek.co.nz, or on the night (if available). 8 – 10.30pm It’s been going for over a week now and most nights are sold-out. A must-see riveting, witty play about sex, success and self-knowledge. Guys and girls are lumped together at a birthday party from hell. They explore the inimitable lifeforce we have when we are young, and which, as we grow older, begins to elude us. Do your best to see this, you have until April 12th. |
Wednesday April 2ndTitirangi Festival Of Music – John Green Memorial ConcertTitirangi War Memorial Hall, South Titirangi Rd, Titirangi Tickets $25 from Real Groovy, or $30 on the door. 8 – 10pm It won’t be a ragey event by any means; it’s a fitting tribute to a much-loved and admired West Auckland personality. I met him once and was struck by his genuine interest in me and my life. He’s a unique and gifted ceramic artist, as well as a talented musician. Join well known singer songwriter Luke Hurley, jazz musician Dan Sperber, John’s Anawhata crew and many others for a special celebration of music. |
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Cool Events of the HorizonApril 3rd, Moonlight Movies - I Do, Killarney ReserveApril 4th, Autumn Home Show (begins), ASB Showgrounds April 4th, Metropole Bar’s Birthday, Parnell April 4th, Sensation dance party, Met Bar April 4th, Envy pres. Departure dance party, Moth Bar April 4th, Delicious Dance Party, Spy Bar April 5th, Mint Dance Party, Seba April 5th, A’trackd dance party, Ink Bar April 5th, Off Shore Boat Dance Party, Fullers Ferry terminal, Downtown Auckland April 5th, The Grand National, Aintree, Ireland April 6th, Daylight Savings Ends April 8th, Matchbox 20, Vector Arena April 8th, Comedian Steady Eddy, Pats Garage April 9th, Balloons Over Waikato (begins) April 11th, Starship Annual Appeal Day, Everywhere in NZ April 12th, WINGS’n’WHEELS, Marty’s 32nd Birthday Party, All Welcome, Forte April 17th, 5 Star Comedy Preview, SkyCity Theatre April 17th, The Edge Party Hard Mix Tour, Reef Bar April 18th, NZ International Comedy Festival 2008 begins, Central Auckland April 19th, Comedian Tony Lee, Sky City Theatre April 20th, King Of The Bays Ocean Swim, Milford Beach April 20th, Bacardi Sunday Sessions, Malt Bar April 24th, DJ Tom Novy, The Civic April 24th, Highlife Deluxe, Pontoon April 25th, Anzac Day April 25th, Floorplay dance party, Space Bar April 25th, 50 Cent & G Unit, Vector Arena April 26th, Vodafone Soundsplash, Wellington’s Waterfront May 1st, LoveLife Launches (weekly party night), Boogie Wonderland |