We’re already a week into June! The Queen had her birthday, some important people were honoured, while the rest of us did our winter weeding and burning in the back yard. And how fast did May go by. Another successful NZ Music Month been and gone, when local music was heard loud and clear on air, online and onstage.

The events didn’t seem to stand out so much this year, which testifies to the growing popularity of New Zealand music all year round, from summer’s Music in Parks to the Vodafone Music Awards in September. Not to mention the fine work of radio stations like 95bfm with the Fancy New Band showcase and KiwiFM uninhibited promotion of all good local produce.

In Auckland Libraries we celebrated with ukulele jams, concerts between the bookshelves, the premiere of a commissioned work, a panel discussion with important local music industry personalities. The discussion proved to be a fascinating conversation on important issues like the new NZ On Air ‘Making Tracks’ funding structure,, the legal issues of running a live music venue, and the ability to tour New Zealand without getting into much trouble.

At Onehunga Community Library, they partied their way through Youth Week with DJs and dancing out the front, while inside we jammed our way through Bruno Mars on fourteen ukuleles. Check out Onehunga’s Facebook page here, and their Youth Week photos here. Also, follow All things Musical at Auckland Libraries here.

So overall, May was a great success for Auckland music. Keep your eyes on the guides http://www.undertheradar.co.nz/ for what’s coming up. Otherwise, hunker down in your thermal socks and listen to some some good sounds to get you through winter. The new Fleet Foxes is pretty sweet.

Come one come all and find your inner Hawaiian! All you need are four fingers for four nylon strings and one day this might be you:

Whether you're in a mid-life crisis and can't afford a Fender Stratocaster, or you've been learning the recorder and would like to upgrade, this class is perfect for you.

So book your place and get to Auckland Central City Library tomorrow, Wednesday 11 May, at 1.30pm on Level 2, for an intensively fun session with our resident ukulele-qualified librarians.

All ukuleles will be supplied.

It’s May again, the month we dedicate to celebrating the successes of homegrown music! And as usual, there are a lot of amazing events happening around town, here are some highlights (click on the blue words to follow the links!):

The Whiskey has a huge series of gigs, including Andrew Keoghan, Anika Moa, Avalanche City, Bic Runga, Che Fu, Clap Clap Riot, Dave Dobbyn, Don McGlashan, Greg Fleming & The Trains, Greg Johnson, Hello Sailor, Motocade, Nairobi Trio, Nathan Haines, The Peter Urlich Sextet, Ruby Frost, and The Jordan Luck Band.

And on the classical side, the University of Auckland Music Theatre have a number of performances and seminars with important figures like Nick Bollinger, many of which are free!

In the Libraries we have a great variety of concerts, seminars and workshops, kicked off by the APO Young Achievers Concert which includes the premiere of a new composition by Callum Blackmore, inspired by the Auckland Art Gallery’s Warren Viscoe artwork.

Towards the end of the month, we will reflect on Auckland music’s recent past and future at High Frequency! This free panel discussion with local music luminaries, including Dave Parker, Gareth Shute, and members of Street Chant will be a fun night of stories, memories, hopes and thoughts on where Auckland independent music is headed. The talk will be followed by refreshments and a performance by Lisa Crawley.

Be sure to check our page for more details on what’s on! Book yourself into a ukulele class, come in to Central Library on your Thursday lunch break to hear some beautiful music, or see the amazing array of local artists in the community libraries around town.

Auckland Libraries NZ Music Month.

More info on NZ Music Month here.