Bays Watch

Entertiment and events around the Nelson region, November 18-25.

Monique Rhodes concert

A highly acclaimed songstress will swing by Nelson to play at Woollaston Estates next Wednesday night.

Monique Rhodes was born in New Zealand, but is now based in France. She is classically trained, but her acoustic rock sound has been described as a cross between Grammy award-winning artist Sheryl Crow and Canadian songstress Sarah McLachlan. The musician has supported rock'n'roll legend Chuck Berry on two European tours and has been writing and recording with members of Peter Gabriel's band in London. Rhodes was behind the production of the new Christmas CD that was launched at the end of September called Merry Christmas Baby featuring Christmas themed songs by many of New Zealand's well known musicians including Opshop, Nathan King, Jordan Luck, Hollie Smith, Annie Crummer, Jackie Clarke, Shona Laing, House of Shem, Kristen Morrell and Whirimako Black. All these musicians donated their time and the proceeds of the sale of the album go to Plunket.

The gig starts at 6.30pm at Woollaston Estates in Mahana. Tickets are $20. For more information phone 03542817.

Earlybirds play New Hub

Nelson's teens will be rapt to learn that up-and-coming Kiwi band The Earlybirds will play at the New Hub in Nelson next Tuesday night. The gig is part of the five-piece band's first headline tour of New Zealand, dubbed the Early Summer Tour. During the tour, the band is playing 17 gigs in 16 days. The all-ages show gets under way at 5pm and tickets are $7 at the door.

Dance party for over-30s

The Spring Fondue Session dance party will entice a crowd of over-30s on to the dancefloor at the Customhouse Hotel in Haven Rd this Saturday night. The dance party will feature three DJs who will mix up a "hot fondue of soulful funky house and club music". Wines, beer, cocktails and food platters will be on the menu during the evening which kicks off at 8pm at the Customhouse. Tickets are $20 and can be bought from the German Wurst Wagen on the corner of Trafalgar and Hardy Sts. For more information call 021556155.

School of Music on show

The students and teachers of the Nelson School of Music will stage an afternoon of music on Saturday. The concert is an opportunity for the community to hear what the students get up to during the year and experience a range of instruments and playing styles. The concert starts at 2pm and entry is a gold coin donation.

Hampden St Twilight gala

The Hampden Street School Twilight Gala will have a strong multicultural theme on Friday night. Students from 28 countries attend Hampden Street School and the diversity will be celebrated thorough a variety of international food stalls.

A curry house will sell chicken and beef korma and there will also be chilli con-carne nachos, sushi, lamb and pork spit-roasts and mussels on offer. Entertainment will be provided by the school choir, a ukulele performance, kapa haka and singers Aly Cook, Jenny Daniels and Cath Bee. Activities for children will include a bouncy castle, pony rides, games, face painting and a dedicated toddlers area. Santa will also make an appearance. Money raised will go towards school projects. The gala starts at 5pm at the school.

Hip-hop hero

A founding member of the disbanded American hip-hop group, Jurassic 5, will be at the Phat Club this Saturday night. Akil the MC will perform some of his new material as well as classic Jurassic 5 tunes which he penned for the group, including Concrete School Yard, Quality Control and The Thin Line.

Hailing from the west coast of the United States, Akil The MC has pursued a successful solo career, and is currently touring the globe on his Soundcheck tour.

Jurassic 5 were best known for old-school flavourful harmony and uplifting lyrical content. The group released its first record, Jurassic 5 EP, in 1997, cementing its position in the 1990s alternative hip-hop movement, alongside artists such as Company Flow and Kool Keith.

The group had its last gig in 2007. Akil the MC will perform at the Phat Club with his own DJ on Saturday night with support from Master Pilot.

Tickets are $20 from Everyman Records or $30 at the door from 10pm.

World music at Fairfield

This Sunday Octapella invite you to join them at Fairfield House in Nelson for an informal evening of music from around the world. The performance will be made up of three sets, each different in culture and mood, and includes medieval and modern, contemplative and jubilant songs from Africa to Aotearoa. There's even an imaginative re-working of one of Beethoven's greatest pieces. Bring friends along, buy a drink at the bar (proceeds to Fairfield House), and enjoy listening or even joining in. November 22 at 7.30pm. Tickets $10 at the door. Reservations 035483640.

Social discussion

Professor Andrew Bradstock (professor of theology and public policy, Otago University) will lead a discussion at Spirited Conversations, Cafe Yaza, Montgomery Square, Nelson, next Wednesday. Discussion will be on the subject: "New Zealand is one of the most economically unequal societies in the developed world." Yaza opens for dining/drinks 6pm; conversation 7.30-9.30pm; koha to cover expenses. Further Information phone Derek 035483663; Don 035479686, Penelope 035467447.

Free House poetry

Poetry fills the Free House in Collingwood St, Nelson next week. On Monday, the Nelson Live Poets take the floor (normally scheduled for every fourth Monday of the month). The public can arrive from 6pm for a 6.30 start. Open mic. On Tuesday, from 8pm, Kane Hogan, the Sunshine Poet Concept Junkie returns to The Free House by popular demand. Kane is a Nelson-based vocalist, lyricist and original songwriter.

• Bays Watch is a weekly guide to events in the Nelson region. To list an event, email entertainment@nelsonmail.co.nz or phone Geoff Collett, 03 546 2869. The deadline is 8am on the Wednesday before publication.

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