February already, and I hope for many musicians and gig organisers that it's less wet than January.

The Credence boys had a clear time of it with their two concerts at Mills Reef last weekend and for Waitangi weekend the organisers of Summerfest will be hoping for the same. I've written quite a lot about Summerfest over the past few weeks so I just wanted to remind you that it's finally here, taking
place at Blake Park on Sunday, from 10am till 9pm.

There are a heap of bands playing, both local (Nine Mile Stone, Swamp Thing, Tait Kora, Joel Shadbolt, Luke Thompson, Enercia, The Deeds, Aaron Saxon, etc) and with local connections (ex-Mountie Australian Idol winner Stan Walker, Midnight Youth, including ex-local lad Jeremy Redmore) plus DJs, kapa haka groups, and much more. With tickets priced at a very reasonable $10, this is a day for the whole family. In fact, family tickets cost only $25. There will also, of course, be food stalls, carnival rides and kids' entertainment, but the event is strictly alcohol free. It'll be interesting to see how this family-focused, music-centred version of Blues Brews & Barbecues is received, but I see no reason why it shouldn't be a huge success.

The following weekend (February 10-12) should really be a long weekend as well, if only to fit in all the great music. It starts off on the Friday with the Classic Hits Winery Tour show, happening in Tauranga, not at a winery but at the Wharepai Domain. Gates open at 5pm and Avalanche City is due to hit the stage at 6pm. They're followed by The Muttonbirds at 7.15pm and Gin Wigmore at 8.30pm. Frankly I'd go just for The Muttonbirds. The chance to hear their magical blend of melodic pop music again is a rare treat, but then I'd also probably go just for Gin Wigmore too. And having Avalanche City there to open things up is the icing on the cake.

You might want to take a blanket or deck chairs – unless you plan on just rocking out – and even a picnic. There will be food and beverages available on site, but only sealed bottled water is allowed in (leave the booze at home). Tickets, by the way, cost $69 through Ticketmaster.

Next day is the Marchwood Blues Picnic. A whole pile of blues acts from here and round the country are ready to rock in the charming countryside of Youngson Road in Whakamarama from noon till 8pm. There's Brilleaux, performing with American singing dynamo Diana Harris, venerable hero of the Bonneville Salt Flats Bill Ward, Chill Factor, Chris Gunn and Gunshy, Wellington's Manalishi and topping things off Mr Midge Marsden. Tickets are $40. Google Marchwood Blues Picnic to find them.

But that's not all. On Sunday 12 there is a concert out in Katikati which will serve as a good preview of Easter's jazz festival. Auckland jazz and funk band Spiral are coming down to play. With sax, trumpet, keys, guitar and a rhythm section, the six piece promise a collection of original tunes all about the great land of Aotearoa. I know a couple of them and they certainly are superb musicians with a flair for showmanship. The concert takes place at the Katikati Haiku Pathway on the Main Road, starting at 6pm. Tickets are $15 on the door.

And perhaps, to finish things off, I'll just mention an event coming up in March. Richard O'Brien celebrates his 70th birthday(!) and newly-granted citizenship with a one-off concert at the Founders Theatre in Hamilton on March 17. ‘It's Party Time' will see the Rocky Horror Show creator backed by a 12-piece band for a fun and frivolous journey through his life and music. The only instruction to the audience is to ‘Dress Delightfully'. The Founders holds about 1000, but word is that tickets have been flying out the door (especially after Richard's guest spot in Auckland last weekend with American punk burlesque marvels The Dresden Dolls), so you might want to get in soon.

They cost $40, with all profits going to the Starship Foundation.

Is there a better way to celebrate a fellow Kiwi finally coming home?