Well, happy birthday to us – 10 years ain't a bad start!
To mark this momentous occasion I'm picking 10 things from the past decade that have popped my musical cork. There are many more.

So, in no particular order:
1. The National Jazz Festival. Over the past decade it has becomes the biggest jazz celebration in New Zealand. Few events can truly be called iconic but this is getting pretty close. The list of superb Kiwi artists is too long to attempt and is now added to by top international acts.
2. Richard O'Brien. Over the past decade the Rocky Horror creator has been spending more and more time here, bringing his wit and wisdom and a healthy dose of glamour. Also, AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is still in town between world tours and, although his studio has been quiet, his generosity is as legendary as his drumming skills and lifestyle.
3. Katikati Folk Club. There are many music groups in The Bay, from the Jazz Society and Acoustic Music Club to Tauranga Musica, but the gem in the crown is Katikati's Folk Club which hosts the best of Kiwi folk and a surprising slate of top international folkies. Andy Irvine has been there (twice!) and Eric Bogle is coming in November.
4. The Tauranga Big Band. Under Leith Milson and more recently Murray Mason the band continues to go from strength to strength. After nearly 50 years that's pretty damn fine.
5. Brewers Bar. Venues come and go but the Brewers Bar at the Mount has weathered the storms and brought bands of every shade to the Bay while providing a proper venue for local rock outfits.
6. Stan Walker. Let's hear it for the Mount Maunganui boy who won Australian Idol! It's too early to tell where it will lead but here's wishing equal success to his extended singing whanau who can be found throughout the Bay's music scene.
7. The Arts Festival. The first couple were shaky but under the guidance of Philip Temewen and Greg Latham this has become a treasure chest of great and eclectic music, made even better by hearing much of it in the fabulous Crystal Palace on The Strand.
8. The Waitangi Day Concerts. There are several annual events, from the Blues Brews & BBQs to Mills Reef Stars Under the Stars, but for at least three years the Waitangi Day concert at The Mount was something special, showcasing a hugely diverse array of Bay talent while gently pointing the way towards a more harmonious New Zealand.
9. The Studios. Many fine home recordings now exist but the two main commercial studios, Colourfield and The Boatshed (this year celebrating 20 years), set the standard. Both have done outstanding work in recent times.
10. The albums. It's hard to pick a few key albums, and I'm going to miss many. Here are some milestones:
Marion Arts – Songs of the Rings. Colourfield's first really notable album which set new standards for Bay recording.
Tracie de Jong – Turning In. Proving that Bay musicians don't have to record here, this mixes local players with a top session crew recorded in Nashville.
Shona Laing – Pass The Whisper. The most famous person to record in the Bay and The Boatshed rose to the challenge to produce an introspective late-career masterpiece.
Liam Ryan – Mississippi 2 Mauao – Proving you don't need a studio, Liam mixed jazzy grooves and created an enduring summer celebration, all recorded at his home.
Kokomo – À Gogo. Following from the live album of the same name, Kokomo produced the Bay's first DVD, a full-length concert film of the band in action at Baycourt.
Luke Thompson – Here on the Ground. Several Tauranga artists get National Radio play but Luke finally cracked the commercial radio barrier with his single 'Perfect Drive”.
Brilleaux – Decade. They've been together 10 years and produced their best album yet. Possibly NZ's finest R&B record.
John Michaelz – Walk on Water. Tauranga's first gospel rock album. Expect to see it amongst the finalists of this year's Vodaphone Music Awards.
Matt Bodman – Burn. More on this next week. Matt is playing support for Don McGlashan at the end of September and this album is more than enough reason why.