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A few weeks ago I wrote that not much happens in September. That wasn’t quite true.
While it may be a little quieter than the following months, and perhaps because they have the advantage of improving weather and the imminent arrival of daylight saving, there’s still a bunch of music happening right now.
By way of example, let’s look forward to next weekend when a veritable feast of Latin American culture is upon us as well as other tasty non-Latin treats.
But first, if you need a quick entree, there’s a Brazilian day tomorrow, September 12, at 1920 Cucina and Grill on The Strand. They’re calling it Roda de Samba & Brasilidades which, if I were to take a punt, means a celebration of Samba dancing and all things Brazilian, including food, drinks and vibes. Popular Auckland Samba band Ziriguidum lead the dancing at 5pm followed by a Brazilian DJ through the night.
A warm-up
But that’s just a warm-up to the full Latin experience the following weekend. Brazil, of course, is a little different than much of South America. For a start, they speak Portuguese. You’ll hear a lot more Spanish on September 19 at Memorial Park at The Latin American Spring Festival.
This will be the fourth year for the festival after starting as a relatively small celebration of Chilean culture. Now it is huge and running from 11am for 12 hours, featuring bands, dancing, storytelling, arts and crafts, a veritable banquet of different regional foods, and more than 25 stalls selling eclectic Latin items.
Let’s segue a little ... if a whole day out sounds a little energetic, the night before at The Tauranga Club on Devonport Rd, they are featuring Iara, a Brazilian family band featuring Paulo Brayner on guitar, Claudia on lead vocals and percussion, and Davi on drums. All three also sing.
The family have lived in New Zealand for more than a decade and take great pleasure in sharing Brazil’s musical heritage, drawing from Samba, Forró, Baião and Brazilian Jazz.
Cherry blossom festival
Back to September 19, there’s another event that I want to mention, because it’s one of my favourites and great to see back again. The Greerton Cherry Blossom Festival is returning, with a hot rod parade on Chadwick Rd, live music, Circus in a Flash performances, rides, games and market stalls.
This year they’re pairing up with the Greerton Village School Gala so there should be outpourings of community everywhere you look. To be honest, I never have any idea what’s actually happening but I always go along. It starts 10am, and as usual I’ll bowl up and buy a steampunk hat and enjoy the sunshine. Cool.
And I should finish with music. On September 19 at Totara Street, tribute band Lounge Apes is putting on a night of somewhat American-leaning punk covers, while at The Jam Factory, emerging pop sensation Emerson, winner of the Smokefree Rockquest Solo-Duo Award in 2024, showcases the stream of songs that have subsequently brought her nationwide attention.
Hear Winston’s latest Playlist : https://tinyurl.com/mv9trs84