It strikes me that I write two types of column: stories and stuff. I actually prefer the “story” ones - columns with one main subject. Then you can have fun with a structure, by writing a column with a beginning, middle and an end, or do that... Read More

It's always nice to get good news, and a new festival announcement is always good news. Actually, it's not a new festival. It's the latest edition of a current festival, but every time I get an email from the main organiser, Jess Covell,... Read More

I hate to waste people's time, but that's what I did with part of last week's column.It turns out that one of the gigs I wrote about has been cancelled. The latest concert in Rosie's avocado shed in Te Puna on February 8 is off.Illness?... Read More

Last week was all about upcoming gigs, and this week is more of the same.Once again I'm looking at a few smaller things happening. There are more than a few big events about to arrive, but I figure they can look after themselves. Last week it was... Read More

Everything's coming thick and fast on the music scene right now – from festivals to open mic nights, it's happening in Tauranga. And it's going to continue for a while. Amazingly enough, after all these years, the Bay has finally... Read More

Welcome to 2018! Hope y'all made it through the celebrations in one piece. And, I guess I should say: “Welcome to the future, sorry it's not a bit more futuristic”. This comes up every so often at the Watusi Country Club around... Read More

A mere couple of days and we'll be saying goodbye to 2017. I assume you have resolutions prepared.To ease us into the New Year I've asked a few prominent local folk from various areas of the music scene here to offer their resolutions for... Read More

They say good things come in threes.  I don't know why.It's just as likely that bad, or even indifferent things would come in threes, unless it's a throwback to the times when everything referred to the Holy Trinity. If that seems... Read More

Ten more day to go. Ten shopping days. I know I'm screwed. It just seems to sneak up doesn't it? One minute there's snow on the Desert Road, the next they're playing ‘Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer' in Pak‘nSave.... Read More

Pat's back. A bit greyer and balder, but happy, chatty and with a new album. The Pat I'm talking about is Pat Hura. He's definitely back because I ran into him at a party. And that's where he pressed a CD into my hand called Infinity. I... Read More