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Things are piling up on the ‘To Do’ list, much as always happens at the end of January.
That’s the downside to New Zealander’s perennial habit of basically taking January off. Not everyone, of course, but a significant number of folk have been bach-hopping and holidaying, trying to pay as little attention as possible to the world around us.
Then there’s the wake-up call of February’s imminent arrival. Time to get your act back together: things to do.
Of course the first weekend of February is Waitangi weekend, and I don’t think any of you will be surprised when I say there’s a lot on.
On Waitangi Day itself, February 6, The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival is happening again at The Historic Village from 10am. Hosted by He Iwi Kotahi, it’s a free, family-friendly festival where you can enjoy live music, local kai (food) and crafts, workshops, games and more. Fingers crossed that fine weather will make it a lovely day at the village
Inclusivity, togetherness
I must confess – being an old fella with a long memory – that I miss Waitangi Day concerts on the beach at the Mount in the early-2000s. They were organised by ace guitarist Tihema (Tim) Cooper, now playing with internationally-touring reggae outfit 1814 and local trio H20 at Jack Dusty’s. They brought together fantastic music of every style from the Bay.
I know many consider that Waitangi Day should solely celebrate Māori culture but I found something heartening in the generous focus on inclusivity and togetherness.
It’s on Saturday, February 7, that things really kick off with not one but two festivals, both at The Mount.
At Soper Reserve, the open piece of land next to The Rising Tide on Newton St, from 11am is a day of metal. Big heavy metal. There are a dizzying array of tribute bands as well as original music from InTheirImage, Opposite Inverse and reliably spectacular headliners Kaosis.
Kaosis. Photo / Supplied
The bands receiving tributes include Pearl Jam, Slipknot, Nirvana, Green Day, System of a Down, Stone Temple Pilots, Deftones, and Faith No More, and there will be massed tattoo artists on-site should you want a permanent reminder of the day.
Serious reggae
Meanwhile, just down the road at The Bay Oval, singer Ali Campbell will be fronting whatever iteration of UB40 are in New Zealand this summer. There will be nine of them and from mid-afternoon onwards it’s going to be a day of serious reggae and grooving, what with Katchafire, The Black Seeds and Corrella also on the bill.
But if you’re not a fan of metal, reggae or crowds, there’s a little Irish music at The Jam Factory on Sunday, February 8, when two members of highly-regarded Aussie-Irish band The Barleyshakes are in town. Alan and Kristin Kelly are two founding members who bring upbeat sounds of Ireland on fiddle and spirited guitar. Alan was also the bodhran soloist featured on the ‘Lord of the Rings’ soundtrack so possibly expect anecdotes involving hobbits.
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