October on the music scene? Let me describe it in three words: busy, busy, busy.

Three? That’s how many gigs I wanted to mention happening next Saturday alone. Yes, it’s that bus thing again, and, again, they’re all coming at once...

First, let me return one last time to Richard O’Brien’s new show The Kingdom Of Bling, shortly touring the country, arriving at Baycourt on Wednesday, October 30.

It’s about to sell out.

If it makes any difference, I think it is brilliant. The school production here last year was a blast. It’s a political fairy tale, a new Wizard Of Oz, skewering the moral degeneracy of Donald Trump and his enablers.

Now it has a top-rate Kiwi cast – including Shorty’s Paul Barrett and the wonderful Rima Te Wiata - and the evening’s second half will feature a Q&A with Richard.

Richard O'Brien. Photo: Colin Lunt Photography.

Before heading for Auckland rehearsals on Monday Richard was excited and a little nervous, if nervous is the right word for such an experienced veteran. But it’s intimidating for anyone, launching a new show and meeting your new cast. Perhaps he was just shivering with anticipation...

I asked how he felt: “I am humbled by realisation that these talented people have ‘chosen’ to join in with me on this adventure. It’s a sincere vote of confidence that is uplifting, to say the least.” Expect the extraordinary!

Okay. October 19. Three gigs.

The irrepressible Jan Preston, resident in Sydney, currently touring New Zealand, is at the 17 Ave Musical Theatre. Jan Preston’s Boogie Circus to be precise, a trio led by Jan’s impeccable boogie piano, with Australian acoustic guitar wiz Nick Charles a special guest. Nick plays on Jan’s new album Pianoland, now available digitally and on CD.

The album is a splendid collection of original songs, with a local connection in that it includes songs co-written with Tauranga bluesmen Mike Garner and Derek Jacombs.

Meanwhile Jan Hellriegel is at The Jam Factory. This Jan has been a fixture on the New Zealand music scene since the 1990s. Skipping the early years I’d point you to 2019′s multi-media project, Sportsman Of The Year, which comprised a studio album, a book, and a series of podcasts. It is well worthwhile in all forms and the show promises a mixture of piano songs, comedy and stories. As an added treat, Kendall Elise is supporting.

Jan Hellriegel.

That same night rock power trio Somacaine, recently getting serious buzz for their live performances, release a debut three-track EP, Gluten Free Bedtime Stories, at The Hop House in Wharf St. It was recorded by past Somacaine member Paul Moran in the studio at the Toi Ohomai Tauranga campus and mixed by Nathan Sowter, who the band worked with on 2022′s debut single Those Girls.

Somacaine. Photo: Synzphoto.

They’re hitting the Hop House to celebrate the launch along with dynamic Katikati bass ‘n’ drums duo This Is How We Die and Ōtūmoetai College band Bloody Overalls, who last month performed in Auckland at the final of this year’s Smokefree Rockquest.

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