On the music front it continues to be insanely busy in the Bay.

I've been trying to find the time to write about the sort of divertingly tangential stuff that skews closer to Rogers Rabbits than an entertainment column. But music keeps intruding...

Jan Preston's Boogie Circus.

This week I'll just look at next weekend. Again, insanely busy. Even if it's impossible to sample all the musical treats on offer, at least there is, as they say, something for everyone.

My pick of the bunch, and this is completely, absolutely, 100 per cent subjective, is Jan Preston's Boogie Circus, which rolls into town on Friday, March 20 for one night at Baycourt.

Extensive and impressive

You see, I dig boogie woogie piano. And Jan, albeit resident in Sydney for a number of years, is New Zealand's finest exponent of it.

Since I've written about her before I'm not sure how much I need to say about Jan but, given her extensive and impressive musical history, a little recap is probably in order.
Jan's won a pile of music awards, including Australia's Best Blues Artist, which took her over to perform in America. Most regularly she plays festivals and concerts throughout Europe and Australasia and writes music for films and television, such as the music to her sister Gaylene Preston's lauded World War II film Home By Christmas.

Before settling into her boogie shoes Jan had compiled an eclectic musical résumé, including a classical piano degree from Auckland university, a stint with the infamous Red Mole Theatre Troupe, touring New Zealand with Spilt Enz, being musical director for the legendary and enormously popular Red Mole Cabaret shows in Wellington, and - along with Hello Sailor's Harry Lyon - forming NZ band Coup D'Etat who had a No 1 hit with ‘Doctor I Like Your Medicine'.

But these days it's the pleasures of blues, boogie, and ragtime on offer and, at Baycourt, Jan has guests joining the Circus. As well as a sterling rhythm section she's enlisted the help of ex-Hot Club Sandwich guitar-man Andrew London, a well-known and always welcome figure on any stage.

Things kick off at 7.30pm, with $35 tickets available from Baycourt, either on-line or from the box office.

Of course, Baycourt and boogie woogie may not be the bag you're into.
If that's the case, one or more of these might be up your alley.

Wild food and sounds

On the same night March 20 at 7.30pm Americana duo Hungrytown, comprising singer songwriters Ken Anderson and Rebecca Hall, make a second visit to the Katikati Folk Club with support from Katikati College's Zuhana. It's at the Katikati Bowling Club, Park Rd, entry $20, members $15, children free. For more info see the Folk Club website.

Then the following day March 21 sees a big bash at the Papamoa Tavern – Marchfest – a family day featuring wild foods on the barbie and sounds in the shape of Brilleaux's patented brand of rhythm blues, popular country music from the Big River Boys, and solo entertainment from rising Mount Maunganui singer Josh Pow. Things run from 2-9pm and tickets are $20 from Eventfinder or the Tavern. More info at www.taurangamusic.com

Good value for money

A little later the same day, if you head to Brewers Bar in Newton Road at the Mount there's a very good four-pack of Bay bands that come in various shades of alternative, all for the very reasonable price of $5 on the door. Jackal, Ant Wars, MK-Ultra, and Jim Jones and The Peoples Temple will be running from 8pm till midnight. (Late breaking rumour: Jackal, the mixed Auckland/Tauranga band, may have to pull out due to injury. The gig will go ahead nonetheless.)

And one last event. The following day on March 22 blues and roots favourites Kokomo return to the Omokoroa Boat Club for the first time in a couple of years. With support from young guitar wiz Josh Durning, the band will be doing an afternoon show kicking off at 2pm, featuring songs from their recent ‘Bigger Than Brando' album as well as new tunes, old blues, and mucho jamming. For more information see the band's website or www.taurangamusic.com. Tickets are $22.50 from Eventfinder or the Boat Club.

Like I say – busy times!

Let's hope there's less coming up soon so I can write about something truly irrelevant ...