What’s on in O¯ tautahi Christchurch
John Butler
John Butler, Australia’s highest selling independent artist of all time, has announced two New Zealand shows. He will perform at the Isaac Theatre Royal tomorrow before heading to Auckland’s Powerstation. Butler was to have headlined Bluesfest at Byron Bay this year, but Covid-19 was a fun sponge. The multi award-winning John Butler Trio’s seventh album Home hit the Aria Charts at number 1 upon release. ‘‘I’m in and out unfortunately so not much time to do much sightseeing,’’ Butler said of his New Zealand visit. ‘‘For me, just actually performing again... It’s very freeing. I will give my take on myself, the world and art.’’
Open Christchurch Weekend
Presented by Te Pu¯ tahi Centre for Architecture & City Making, Open Christchurch is a celebration of our architecture. Discover new spaces or find our more about buildings you love, for free, on tomorrow and Sunday. Look inside 46 buildings, take part in two guided central city walks or check out lots of activities including children’s workshops to performances and expert talks and tours. See https://openchch.nz/ for information.
Armageddon Expo
Armageddon Expo returns to Christchurch this month, and is at Canterbury Arena on May 29 and 30 for two days of virtual celebrity panels, gaming, comics, collectables and more. Gaming displays, Cosplay, trading card tournaments and start training now for the fire chilli eating contest – $1000 prize up for grabs. It will offer gaming displays including the Oppo League of Legends Wild Rift area, virtual reality and PC/console gaming areas, Just Dance arena and a rocket amusement ride as well as the Mini Christchurch Brick show display. Celebrities making a virtual appearance include stars from The Mandalorian, Supergirl, Batwoman, Lucifer, Friday the 13th, Supernatural, and Angel.
Player of the day...
The Crusaders v Brumbies at Orangetheory Stadium features Netsky is on Saturday. Netsky will play from 6pm ahead of the 7.05pm kick-off. The west stand will be a general admission standing area. After Netsky’s set fans will go to their seats in the east stand for the match. Tickets for Netsky and the match are $50.
Tim Minchin
Tim Minchin will return to New Zealand for an encore of BACK, playing Christchurch Town Hall on June 25. He’ll play ‘‘old songs, new songs, f... you songs’’. Tickets to go on sale next week.
NZ Music Month
■ The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Tiki Taane, MC Tali, Big Sima and more present O¯ tautahi Proud at the Christchurch Town Hall on May 21.
■ Opshop ‘‘Man Down’’ Benefit Concert with Gorilla Biscuit at The Good Home, May 21.
■ ITR Live presents… The Warratahs and Friends at Isaac Theatre Royal on May 22.
■ Nadia Reid and her band has just announced a show at James Hay Theatre on May 28.
Shapeshifter
Following up on headlining tours of Aotearoa and a summer of sold-out festivals, Shapeshifter has announced a tour and will perform tracks from their latest album Rituals, alongside classics from their Soulstice, The System Is A Vampire, Delta and Stars albums. Their 7th studio album is set for release in July. They play at Christchurch Town Hall on July 30.
Little Andromeda Theatre
Te Rongomaiwhiti is at Little Andromeda Theatre today, tomorrow, Thursday and May 21 and 22, 7pm to 8pm. Four mokopuna descended from four Atua Ma¯ ori are sent to the sacred school of learning – Te Wa¯ nanga o nga¯ Atua. There they are to learn how to harness their ‘mauri’ – inner power and one day carry out the important roles of their grandparents as guardians of Te Ao and Te Po¯.
Kiwi Grooves
Kiwi Grooves, featuring Ardijah, Herbs, Annie Crummer, Che Fu and Jamey Ferguson (formerly of Katchafire) and Riddim Cartel at The Good Home, Ferrymead, today. Note the change of venue. See www.ticketspace.co.nz
Taylor Swift party
Consider this an advisory – whether you want to attend or actively avoid. A party for Swifties is being held at Engineers Bar tomorrow with an entire night of Taylor Swift songs courtesy of DJs Betty and Inez. The event, presented by ‘‘The Superficial team’’, is being held at multiple locations across Australasia to celebrate Taylor Swift’s album Evermore and her Grammy Award win for Folklore. Final tickets, $20, from www.Moshtix.co.nz
Night Train
The McLeans Island Miniature Trains group is hosting a night run tomorrow from 4pm to 9pm featuring the miniature train rides, $2pp per ride – cash only. Pack a picnic and make it a family night. Just quietly the miniature train rides are a hoot for adults too.