This is awesome: Lawrence Arabia (formerly of Reduction Agents) getting his hipster on in Auckland city. Swimming at some North Shore mansion, dressed up sharp in a Crane Brothers suit, walking Queen St, taking the ferry, flicking through his iPhone in Myers Park, reading Sartre in Vulcan Lane... Is he having a go at us?
Lucky Christchurch City Libraries get to see him play live between the shelves this month.
It’s week 3 of NZ Music Month, and there’s still a whole lot more to come at Auckland Libraries.
In last week’s ukulele lesson, we worked our way through Iko Iko and Pokarekare Ana, and tried to come to terms with the D major chord.
For all our students who would like to learn more, check out these links:
And if you don’t yet have a uke, here are a few good ideas:
The Rock Shop has ukuleles from $35 to $1299.
Mr Hewitt at Hewitt's Fiddle Shop makes Kapono, some of the most beautiful ukuleles around. See his site here.
And of course there’s an interesting range of new and pre-loved ukuleles on Trademe.
So what’s coming up?
The Grey Lynn Ukuladies continue to tour, playing Grey Lynn Library on Friday 27, and Blockhouse Bay on Sunday 29!
This week Avondale Library has two musical storytimes on Thursday 19 and Saturday 21.
Tomorrow at 3.30pm in Glen Innes Library, local legend: Tony Paki with Julius bust out their favourite grooves.
Remuera Library continue to feature a fantastic range of classical performances, including St Kentigern Boys Soloists and Jazz Quartet on the 19th at 11.30, Remuera Intermediate School Orchestra and Ensemble on Friday 20, at 12.15, and the beautiful sounds of the Baradene Girls' Orchestra on Thursday 26 May at 11am.
Over on the island, Waiheke Library have Waiheke High School's all-girls choir, led by Sarah McNabb performing Canto Isola on Saturday 21 at 11am, and at the same time the following week, Little Sister – Four 'sisters' of big Sister Shout bring a full house with their a capella set.
To find out more check the What's On page!
Want to know the best carparks in town to get you to soundcheck on time?
Wondering why it always rains at Big Day Out?
Auckland Libraries High Frequency panel discussion has the answers.
Join us for an entertaining evening of sound thoughts, old arguments and true stories about the highs and lows of making music in Auckland.
Our esteemed panelists include writer/musician Gareth Shute, venue manager Rohan Evans, producer/engineer Dave Parker, record label boss/DJ Andrew Maitai and the infamous Street Chant.
Following talk and refreshments, Lisa Crawley will be at the grand piano to perform an intimate set of songs from her upcoming album.
Where: Level 2, Central City Library
When: Friday 20 May, 6.00pm
Cost: Free
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.
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.
