Mavis Staples – ASB Theatre April 19, 2017
Mavis Staples, aged 77, proved why she is one of the most important voices of the past century, keeping the work of her father Pops Staples, alive and making it relevant to today’s audience during her show at Auckland’s ASB Theatre.
Santana & The Doobie Brothers – Vector Arena April 18, 2017
The classic rock continues at Auckland’s Vector Arena. The previous night it was a trip to the late 70s and 80s with Blondie and Cyndi Lauper. Now we travel back another decade to revisit the music of Santana and The Doobie Brothers.
Blondie & Cyndi Lauper – Vector Arena April 17, 2017
Perhaps there really is a fountain of youth. Recent veteran performers now in their 60s and 70s (Springsteen, Raitt) seem to be improving with age, rather than deteriorating. That certainly can be said for Blondie’s performance at Auckland’s Vector Arena last night.
Tony Joe White – Tuning Fork April 9, 2017
The ol’ Swamp Fox returned to Auckland last night weaving tales of gators, garters and rattlesnakes. Tony Joe White held a sold out crowd spellbound as he and his drummer locked in to a Louisiana groove.
Nadia Reid – Tuning Fork April 8, 2017
For those fans waiting to hear Nadia Reid perform tunes from her new album with a full band, well, they’ll have to wait a little longer. After playing only three songs, Nadia was forced to halt her show due to ill health.
Snarky Puppy – Powerstation April 6, 2017
“Have you heard Snarky Puppy? You’ve gotta see them!” So I was told by several music-loving friends. Having actually never heard them, I checked out their set at The Powerstation, the band’s first-ever Auckland gig.
Bonnie Raitt – Civic Theatre April 1, 2017
No foolin’, like Bruce Springsteen just weeks before her, Bonnie Raitt proved 67 just might be the prime age for a rocker, putting on a show at Auckland’s Civic Theatre that showed off instrumental prowess, boundless energy and most impressive, an ability to connect emotionally to songs she’s been singing for over 40 years.
Lake South – Wine Cellar March 30, 2017
Former Urbantramper Lake celebrates the release of his first album under the name Lake South, titled If You’re Born On An Island The Ocean Heals You, with a show at Auckland’s Wine Cellar.
Kendall Elise – Wine Cellar March 25, 2017
With her newly-minted EP on display at the merch table, Kendall Elise and her band celebrated the release of I Didn’t Stand A Chance with a show at Auckland’s Wine Cellar.
Don Henley & Jewel – TSB Arena March 25, 2017
With a three night stint in Aoteroa, Don Henley rounded off his four-decade time machine in the Capital with much ado and little fanfare.
Adele – Mt Smart Stadium March 23, 2017
For sheer entertainment value, Adele proved last night at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium that those hundreds of dollars shelled out by adoring fans were, indeed, well spent.
Don Henley & Jewel – Vector Arena March 23, 2017
On just one night in Auckland, it could be said that the city’s musical cup runneth over with the creative talents of songwriters and performers Adele, Don Henley and Jewel all on offer.
Respect: Annie Crummer, Esther Stephens, Bella Kalolo, Aaradhna – Spiegeltent March 22, 2017
Four of New Zealand’s premier soul singers take on Aretha’s canon and generate plenty of respect.
WOMAD 2017: Day 3 – Photos & Review
Here are The 13th Floor’s Tim Gruar with words and Michael Flynn with pictures to let you know how Day 3 of WOMAD 2017 went down… Final day. Sunday started a little later after a good sleep in. It was a bit blustery overnight and there were initial concerns of high winds for the campsite […]
WOMAD 2017 – Day 2: Photos and Review
Here’s the 13th Floor coverage of Day 2 of WOMAD 2017. There are scores of new photos from Michael Flynn and words by Tim Gruar… Saturday started with a perfect salmon-coloured sunrise. I clamoured up to the top of the stand to a view of the campsite which covered the entire racecourse. This is by […]
Justin Bieber – Mt Smart Stadium March 18, 2017
The 13th Floor’s Kate Powell on Justin Bieber’s Auckland show… Justin, Justin, Justin. Oh. Justin Justin, Justin, No. Where do I even begin?
WOMAD 2017 – Day 1: Photos & Review
13th Floor ace photographer Michael Flynn is in New Plymouth and already he’s coming up with some stunning images from Day 1 of this year’s WOMAD Festival. Additionally, Tim Gruar is on the ground and reporting back with his reviews from each night. Here is Tim’s report from Day 1 followed by Michael’s photos.
Midge Ure – Powerstation March 17, 2017
St Patrick’s Day at Auckland’s Powerstation brings Scottish musician and former Ultravox frontman Midge Ure to town…his second of a seven-date New Zealand tour.
Mexrrissey – Spiegeltent March 16, 2017 Auckland Arts Festival
Mexrrissey, for those who aren’t familiar, play their own Mexican versions of songs by Morrissey and The Smiths. They hail from Mexico, and sing in Spanish. If you’re in any doubt as to how this might work, take a listen to their version of ‘Suedehead’ and you’ll get the idea. These aren’t just covers, they’ve […]
Gorguts & Marduk – Kings Arms March 11, 2017
Let’s start with some personal context: Gorguts are a very big deal for me. They’re one of Those Bands, the ones your mates know will always come up eventually in drunken music discussions or late night YouTube searches. Their album Obscura changed my whole perception of extreme metal, and it’s hard to say if I’d […]