If you’re a music fan, then Auckland’s the place to head. There are a wide range of popular music venues open year round, including Powerstation, which has hosted the likes of Radiohead and the Ramones, Galatos, which has attracted big names like Lorde and Coldplay and of course the Vector Arena which, with its 12000 capacity, has brought in the crowds to see Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton and Paul Simon. This March, whatever your taste in music, there are a wealth of Auckland music events coming up which will delight. Here are the top Auckland music events in March.
Auckland Music Events in March
Jazz on Waiheke
Jazz lovers should hop on the ferry to Waiheke Island this Easter weekend as the place hosts its popular three-day international festival. The Waiheke Jazz Festival features a wealth of talented acts such as The Bakelite Broadcasters, Wellington City Shake-em-on-Downers and the Hipstamatics. Hang around to explore this laid back island. Just a stone’s throw from Auckland, it’s home to wineries and art galleries, pretty beaches and cool cafes, the perfect place to chill out.
Pasifika
Showcasing the musical diversity of New Zealand’s Pacific Island neighbours, Pasifika is a great introduction to the culture of the South Seas. The Cook Island and Samoan sound stages will be buzzing but amongst the eleven Pacific Island “villages” you’ll find tranquility at the Niue and Kiribati spots. It’s free to get in and great for all the family. There’s shopping markets to browse and food stalls to tempt. This year’s event takes place at Western Springs Park on 12th and 13th March.
Cook Island Dancers at the Auckland 2010 Pasifica Festival: Photo by Avenue / CC BY-SA 3.0Auckland Arts Festival
Running from the 2nd through to the 20th of the month, the Auckland Arts Festival is well worth dipping into. Encompassing every facet of the arts, music underpins the festival, with an eclectic mix of genres represented. One of the highlights is sure to be a visit from Sadler’s Wells all the way from London, celebrating the Argentinian tango with a production of Milonga.
St Patrick’s Day Celebrations
March 17th is St Patrick’s Day, of course and you can get a head start on the festivities by attending the St Patrick’s Festival in Auckland. There’s Irish music and dancing at the main event, a parade from Ponsonby Terrace to Hopetoun Street. This is followed by a Fleadh, pronounced flar, a chance for all the family to have fun, Irish-style.