Five Places to Enjoy New Zealand Music this May

It is that time of year again. Just as the weather is cooling down and those lively summer nights are only but a distant memory; New Zealand Music Month arrives to warm you right back up. Now in it's 13th year, New Zealand Music Month makes an invaluable contribution to the country's music industry on an annual basis, providing a showcase for those little, unknown gems to be discovered, as well as celebrating great acts of the past.

And what we have done for you is narrow down five Auckland venues that are doing their thing for the month of May, kindly putting together an exciting array of musical deliciousness for us music fans. So it is now up to you to get up and about to soak up the sounds of Aotearoa's finest.

1. bStreet

Where:Karangahape Road, Newton
When: Auckland. Thursday, 2 May 2013

The annual New Zealand Music Month kick-starter, bStreet, is back, this time concentrated in the upper reaches of town. This has made it easier than ever to witness some fantastic New Zealand talent.

With an array of entertainment on offer, not limited to music, bFM has long been a supporter of our homegrown artists, so return the favour and head along for this party held across 8 venues, with over 20 bands. Make sure you grab a bCard, to make access (and life) even easier.

2. Tyler Street Garage

Where: 120 Quay Street, Britomart, Auckland
When: Every Wednesday and Thursday during May

The Britomart precinct will be bustling this music month with scheduled performances littered around the area, with Tyler Street Garage possessing its traditionally solid line-up of artists. Kicking off with Louis Baker, leading the way for Hometown hip-hoppers @Peace, the grooves of Electric Wire Hustle, the eclectic Julien Dyne and legend Che-Fu will all be resonating at Tyler Street. As well as Wednesday night performances from Wellingtonians Mazdef and Ghost Wave, respectively.

3. Cassette Nine

Where: 9 Vulcan Lane, Auckland
When: Every Friday throughout May

Cassette’s notorious club night MUM has joined the Music Month bandwagon. If Thursday nights aren’t your thing, then Friday's are the perfect serving to satisfy your Music Month cravings. With a host of acts performing every Friday, including Julien Dyne, Opossom, The Ruby Suns, The Eversons and Xuri Xruz, Cassette is the prime place to see some real, raw New Zealand talent.

4. 1885

Where: Galway Street Central, Auckland
When: Every Thursday throughout May

If the big guns at the other venues aren’t your thing, the Music & People series continues at 1885 to experience some of New Zealand's freshest talent, up close and personal with a Q&A and live stripped back performance. Mali Mali are the first to strut their stuff, followed by a new act each week, and not to mention the industry showcase event titled New Music Friday held on Friday, May 3 2013.

5. Freeman & Grey

Where: 120 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
When: Every Thursday (starting May 9)

Ponsonby's most recent addition will be in for it's first taste of New Zealand Music Month. Freeman & Grey is set to host the Upstairs At Freeman this Music Month with a delightful lineup of artists. Laughton Kora (yes,of Kora), Haki and Dan Aux kick things off, followed by Aaron Tokona (Ahoribuzz), Sunshine Soundsystem & P Diggs, and Aroha the following week. The third week welcomes Eden Mulholland to the fray, with the worldly Weird Together and Uncle Barnie wrapping festivities up on the final Thursday of May.