What is it about live music in the libraries that appeals to Dunedin audiences?

 Is it the anarchic ability to make noise in these otherwise temples to silence? Or is it because for one month out of the year, Dunedinites get a chance to hear a hugely diverse range of top-quality musicians performing across musical genres for free?

Whatever the reason, New Zealand Music Month becomes more popular every year in Dunedin. 2016 was outstanding, with a new format – the Nook & Cranny Music Festival 2.0 – bringing in a record audience of over 1000 souls throughout the day on the opening Sunday. Our gig nights at the City Library are consistent favourites throughout the month, as are the solo musicians’, local schools’ and pre-schools’ daytime performances at community libraries.

For well over a decade, Dunedin Public Libraries have been host to bands, singers and musicians, playing everything from barbershop harmonies to wild jazz, on an amazing programme put together by Dunedinmusic.com, with the generous support from The Mentalist Collective,  Strawberry Sound Dunedin, and of course the many, many performers and song writers who share their incredible talent with us for free.

Every year, at least one of the musicians will set up, tune their instrument, and complete their sound check, before saying something sheepish along the lines of: “wow, can we really make noise in the library? Cool!” And most of them tell me how much they appreciate an audience that is truly listening to their songs, hearing their words and drinking in their melodies.

Why do we have music in the libraries? Because unique Dunedin music threads its way throughout our city. Music Month gigs are enjoyed by a great many people who don’t usually come to the library for books, but who, while they are here, discover that they can borrow CDs or sheet music, biographies of musicians and bands, music magazines and so much more. Like the Pied Piper of Hamlyn, New Zealand Music Month, leads people to us who can then discover what else libraries can offer them.

Yes, libraries are places of quiet contemplation, a chance to read in peace, and a haven from a hectic world. But across May our libraries will also play host to writers of a different stripe, who share their stories through the medium of music, and who have earned an equal place in Dunedin City of Literature.

NEW ZEALAND MUSIC MONTH 2017

JAZZY NERVES, ACHING FEET, AND FOXTROTS - NEW ZEALAND'S JAZZ AGE

To launch New Zealand Music Month 2017 you are invited to a talk on The Jazz Age in New Zealand, presented by Aleisha Ward PhD, Douglas Lilburn Research Fellow 2017 and Sir George Grey Researcher in Residence 2016-2017.

The 1920s were a period of musical, cultural, economic, and emotional turmoil around the world. Aleisha Ward explores the Jazz Age in New Zealand and its many facets, delving into jazz as dance, fashion, emotions, and culture and see how jazz shaped modern New Zealand society during this fascinating decade.

Brought to you with the kind support of the Lilburn Trust

• Monday 1st May, 5.30pm
  
• Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library
  

NZ MUSIC MONTH SHOWCASE

Free public performances by great Dunedin musicians featuring:

• The INTERSECTIONists
• The Doo Rays
• The Acoustic Paintings

• Thursday 4th May 5:30pm - 7pm
  
•  Dunedin City Library
  

THE NOOK & CRANNY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2.0

The ultimate music taster session!

50+ Dunedin artists performing between bookstacks, in elevators, on tables, in the Nooks and Crannies of the City Library.

Artists performing this year include:

• Boaz Anema
• Tom Csima (of The Swampy Summits)
• Bb6
• Southern Consort of Voices
• The Mentalist Collective
• Rainbow Rosalind
• The Generators: Good Deep Blues
• Concrete Grady
• Goeknil M Biner & Tom McGrath
• Barabajagal
• Valley Bluegrass
• The Acoustic Paintings
• The Bamboo
• Bill Martin Trio
• Idol Frets
• Cassandra Saunders
• Totes & The Vitals
• Mia
• Ashes
• darryl baser
• The Flukes. Fluking it in Dunedin since 2016
• Katharticus
• Seafog
• Black Boy Peaches
• The Kuffs
• Paul S Allen - Singer/Songwriter - Photographer
• Kelvin Cummings Music
• Shakes & The Swell Guys
• Madeleine Howard
• Whaea Soul
• William Henry Meung
• The Dunedin Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
• Hana Fahy
• Soaked Oats
• Both Sides of the Line
• Trent Hawthorne
• Certainty
• the INTERSECTIONists
• James Dignan music
• Fabz
• The Phil Corfield Band
• Person Will
• Robots In Love
• The Doo Rays
• Spinster
• Molly Devine
• Undecided
• Agent Ewok

Come and explore the amazing musical talent in Dunedin's backyard.

• Sunday 7th May 11am - 4pm
  
• City Library
  

GOING LOCAL

Ever wanted to know more about the music industry – how it works, who to talk to, what you need, why things happen and where you should look for help?

Going Local is an informal way for you to meet international delegates from Pandora and Media Arts Lawyers (Aus) as well as representatives from Independent Music NZ, The Music Managers Forum, the NZ Music Commission, APRA, Recorded Music NZ and NZ On Air.

• Thursday 11th May 5:30pm
  
• City Library
  

"OVER THE SHOULDER" MUSIC VIDEO SESSIONS WITH THE VAN GRAFS

Join The Van Grafs as they plan, prepare and film the music video for their latest single! Be a 'fly on the wall', bring your phone, your camera or just yourself and be a part of the filming process!

Come along and film using your camera, then donate your video to the artists. Don't miss the 31st of May showcase for the exciting video release!

• Wednesday 17th - Thursday 18th May 5:30pm - 8pm
  
• City Library
  

NZ MUSIC MONTH SHOWCASE

Free public performances by great Dunedin musicians featuring:

• Whaea Soul
• Black Boy Peaches
• Both Sides of The Line

• Thursday 25th May 5:30pm - 7pm
  
• City Library
  

NZ MUSIC MONTH SHOWCASE & VAN GRAFS MUSIC VIDEO RELEASE

Free public performances by great Dunedin musicians, followed by the release of the music video filmed on location earlier in NZ music month, using the library's impressive Gig Space!

Featured artists include:

• David Wang
• Flukes
• Van Grafs

• Wednesday 31st May 5:30pm - 7:30pm
  
• City Library
  

COMMUNITY LIBRARY PERFORMANCES

Check our website for details of further performances that will be posted there when they have been confirmed.

PORT CHALMERS LIBRARY

Local Dunedin musician Robert Scott will perform first followed by the Koputai Peoples Party. 

• Thursday 4th May 7pm
  

MOSGIEL LIBRARY

Fairfield School are bringing their Forte (name of choir), the Recorder Ensemble and the Marimba Band.

• Friday 25th May 1:30pm