I’m still amazed at how this publication has grown. What started out as me just trying to keep my minimal band of friends together, by offering them the option to stay at home or try something new, has risen from a couple of paragraphs using Yahoo’s colourful fonts to people paying me to wear their brand of shoes, and me out at functions 7 days a week.

Blaze hair salon, in Newmarket, had their grand opening last Wednesday. I got there after a semi embarrassing, non-invited wander into a Stella McCartney launch at Adidas (nice champagne though, thank you guys). With a warm glow on I dove into the Herald Theatre for some clever improvised comedy, then shimmied to the Powerstation to see Salmonella Dub impress a crowd that included Mr Dizzee “the” Rascal himself.

More unique comedy with Michael Jones started Thursday night. Chapel’s LBD (little black dress) party pulled a nice number but waiting 30min to get served a drink moved me on quickly to Pasha (gee this place has blossomed since Roimata took over as Manager) for their Insideout monthly get together. Highlife Deluxe at Pontoon was the main event, and when I arrived it appeared that this was the case for most of Auckland. A slickly run event at a fantastic venue, that attracted an attractive crowd. I spoke to the organiser upon exiting saying “Man, you’ve done it again, nice chunk of spending money when you hit Thailand on the weekend”. He just smiled and agreed.

ANZAC day’s a curly one, it’s very necessary to remember, but can the bars please stay open. Judging by the crowd pleading to get in outside, Pony Club was the only decent place with the lights on. Avoiding this I was taken in through the keg loading portal and feeling quite important I walked in through the bar service zone. The commotion outside could have been due to the public holiday that had begun 4 hours prior, but a more realistic explanation was that the band Korn, rapper Dizzee Rascal and 50 Cent’s entourage were in the house.

Fragile Friday came and went but not before I attended my first dance party held to remember those that fell in battle at Gallipolli. Poppies and camouflage ruled this roost. Half had thoughtfully dressed for the occasion, and the two dance areas kept pounding away well after I departed.

I know a lot of people, so my real friends are varied. I was in bed Saturday morning and decided to have a few over that afternoon. I sent 93 texts and 22 emails, of which I got 85 responses with 19 saying they would pop over (note to self, give people more than 8 hours warning if you decide to have a gathering at your place). At the height of the soiree there were 14 people in my living room, many meeting for the first time. A retired cheerleader, an exotic car enthusiast, a real estate agent, a graphic designer, a travel agent, an alcohol national brand manager etc. Numbers were exchanged and deals were struck, it was quite a colourful few hours.

We convoyed to The Kingslander to see DJ Karn Hall and Sample Gee mix. Gathering momentum we swooped by a house party to gather troops. Had a pit-stop at The Sanctuary to bid Jolyon farewell, then bopped till we dropped at Forte witnessing Dougal Swift’s maiden headlining dj set.

Again SpyBar’s pull was too great and I was down there with the usual crew. And like usual I somehow managed to destroy my camera. On the bright side I didn’t lose it, so I have some pix to show this week.

Deciding to save $20 I ran to the after party. The rain didn’t bother me, but the early morning jogger passing me did. I caught up, and challenged him to a race to the bridge (some 80 metres away). My legs were like the road runner’s and I won by a whisker. I peeled off laughing and hid out of sight behind a large pole gasping for breath.

I made it to the after party and the next one, before I was rescued by a noble cousin and taken home for pizza and a movie.

I felt OK the following day so went along to Juice TV Live at SkyCity, a genius piece of event management. From 5 – 11pm a host of top line NZ bands performed for 30 minutes a piece. For the 15 minute slot allowed for each to set up the audience exited the auditorium, were encouraged to drink, and were treated to another group (or solo artist) in the foyer. Anika Moa stood out for me, her honesty, comedy and of course wondrous voice left me stunned. The band Goldenhorse did too, their obvious distaste for having to play evident and they left before time.

So here we have it, issue 97 complete. Keep spreading the word about this guide and get out there, join me, and have some pure fun!