<\/p>\n
Squeezed into an isthmus only a few kilometres wide at its narrowest point, Aotearoa’s largest city contains a spectacular diversity of South Pacific sounds and cultures, as regular UTR readers will of course be well aware. Sounds of T\u0101maki Makaurau<\/strong> is a brand new month-long initiative championing the invaluable, inextricable power of local music in our daily lives, hosting a huge variety of events and projects in sync with NZ Music Month \/ Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2026<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2014 all brought to you by Auckland Council<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Showcasing a multi-generational lineup of shining stars and future faves, gather the wh\u0101nau and get out and about this May. Check out selected highlights from Sounds of T\u0101maki Makaurau programme below and head over HERE<\/a> to peruse the full 40+ rundown of events…<\/p>\n “At its core, Sounds of T\u0101maki Makaurau is a commitment to our local artists. By bringing together grassroots performers and established artists in our community spaces and venues, we\u2019re creating a stage for everyone. And we invite Aucklanders to come along, discover a new favourite band or support a local legend and celebrate the calibre of talent that makes our city sing.”<\/em><\/p>\n SOUNDS OF T\u0100MAKI MAKAURAU
Emerging Artist Showcases (free)<\/a><\/strong> Saturday 9th May – Tupu Youth Library Thursday 14th May – Silo 6 Saturday 16th May – M\u0101ngere Arts Centre Ng\u0101 Tohu o Uenuku Saturday 16th May – Studio One Toi T\u016b
Thursday 21st May – Amy Daldy Park
Saturday 23rd May – Franklin Arts Centre
Thursday 28th May – Fort Street Pocket Park
NZ Music Month on Queens Wharf
XYZZY <\/a> Music & Merch
This Place Here
Ka Mua Ka Muri Live
\n
1st May to 31st May – various venue locations, Auckland
\n<\/strong>
For more info head along to ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz<\/a><\/p>\n
Experience the up-and-coming star power of our youth at community venues like Te Oro and Studio One Toi T\u016b, featuring artist alumni from Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO). SUSO is an Auckland Council initiative that provides an important pathway in development for rangatahi. It promotes song writing, musicianship and dance performance excellence and a culture of music in schools throughout the T\u0101maki Makaurau region.<\/p>\n
Jahrian Siliva, Jesse and Cyrus Holloway, CAZNA, Tarani Takai, LEVOL Y<\/strong><\/p>\n
Sophie Gilbert, Izzy Stoner, Jesse Scott, Amy Mason, Cam Beattie<\/strong><\/p>\n
Cyrus and Jesse Holloway, Tarani Takai, CAZNA, Jahrian Siliva, Tema<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Amy Mason, Jesse Scott, Izzy Stoner, Cam Beattie, Sophie Gilbert<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Sophie Gilbert, Finn Rory, Jesse Scott, JUGA, Cam Beattie, Tema<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Jesse and Cyrus Holloway, Amy Mason, Jahrian Siliva, Finn Rory, CAZNA, Tarani Takai<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Elias Mathison, Amy Mason, Jesse Scott, Cam Beattie, Tema, JUGA<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n<\/a>
Every Friday in May – Queens Wharf (12pm to 7pm, free)
\n<\/strong>
Celebrate NZ Music Month on Queens Wharf with a mix-tape of choice, homegrown and a 100% NZ line-up of DJs and intimate live sets.
\n
During the day, DJs Matt Crawley, Rose Alice, Sandy Mill and Stinky Jim will provide the sonic backdrop for your lunch break.
Once sun sets, grab an early dinner at the Queens Wharf container village and let DJ Grantis and TDK set the tone for your Thursday evenings or enjoy RepFMs Friday live sets with genres spanning hip-hop to reggae with a sprinkle of karaoke.<\/p>\n
Every Friday in May – Te Whatu Stardome | Observatory & Planetarium (8:30pm – 9:20pm)
\n<\/strong>
Created by leading contemporary artist Jess Johnson and director Simon Ward, XYZZY (pronounced ‘zizzy’) is an immersive art-based planetarium screening like no other.
\n
Plus: the final session on Friday 29 May has a Q+A after the show with director and animator Simon Ward, one half of the creative duo behind the film.<\/p>\n
Rhythm Nation with Te Whare Karioi
\n<\/a>
Every Saturday in May – Te Wharekura and Te W\u0101nanga, 117 Quay Street (11am to 12pm, free)<\/strong>
A vibrant, interactive performance celebrating M\u0101ori music and movement as part of NZ Music Month.
\n
Led by Te Whare Karioi, from the heart of Ng\u0101ti Wh\u0101tua \u014cr\u0101kei, each performer descends from the eponymous ancestor, Tuperiri.
\n
These free hour-long sessions will showcase taonga p\u016bkaea, p\u016btatara, taiaha, poi and haka, with opportunities to participate and learn about the cultural significance behind each art form.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>
Exhibition opens Friday 8th May – Kume\u016b Arts (free)
\n<\/strong>
A vibrant exhibition celebrating the powerful connection between art and music. Discover striking album designs and music-inspired artworks by local artists.
\n
Reggae band, The AceTones will play on the Hub stage (behind the library), thanks to the support of Rodney community.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/strong>
Friday 22nd May & Saturday 23rd May – K\u014dmanawa Theatre, Te Puna Creative Hub, Henderson (7pm to 8:30pm, free)
\n<\/strong>
Check out this dynamic ensemble of artists and global instrumentation that reflects Auckland\u2019s unique multicultural identity at K\u014dmanawa Theatre. Led by acclaimed artist Swap Gomez, This Place Here is a collaborative platform that amplifies the diverse voices and cultural soundscapes of Auckland\u2019s migrant and indigenous communities. It is a powerful fusion of creative exploration and community storytelling that positions Auckland at the heart of musical innovation.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>
Phoebe Rings, Mokomokai, Spell, Spdrtwnbby, and Cameron Beattie
\n
Saturday 30th May – Central City Library (6:30pm to 9:50pm, free)
\n<\/strong>
Inspired by the U.S.’s NPR (National Public Radio) renowned Tiny Desk Concerts, this captivating web series features performances and interviews with Auckland musicians and songwriters.<\/p>\n