We may be fresh out of a long weekend but the music never stops.

Well, I say that but it does seem that there is a little breathing space this weekend. So this time we'll be looking a couple of weeks into the future, because once again there is a choice of music coming to the area that you could only dream of five years ago. And it's all Kiwi music. For obvious reasons.

I rather like that. There is so much great music being made in New Zealand that it's nice for it to have a little space, even if many acts are still holding back on touring after the bruising experience of having to cancel so many shows and tours this year.

This week we have upcoming shows at all the places that work so hard to bring you shows. Support them, they surely need it. But most importantly, get out and catch some live music again. I do hear the trepidation some feel about returning to small or crowded venues. I feel it too. But perhaps it's time to take the plunge. Here's some of what's on offer...

Let's start next Friday (November 6) when you can go two ways and find two totally different bands.

Friday

At the Baypark Arena, it's the reunion tour from genuine Kiwi rock stars Blindspott, who're having a second crack at a tour previously cancelled. They recently won The Rock FM's Rock Wars, and are planning to make it a special show by performing their debut self-titled platinum-selling album in its entirety.

City Of Souls are playing support and the whole thing will cost you $60 from Eventfinda.co.nz.

That same night, going in the other direction both musically and geographically, you can get some swinging country music out in Katikati at the Arts Junction where The Cattlestops are playing for the Katikati Folk Club.

The Cattlestops, hailing from Wellington, combine singer songwriter Andrew London (who might as well take up residence in the Bay if he keeps playing here so often) with legendary songwriting piano-man Wayne Mason, famous of course for writing the song Nature, and bass player James Cameron.

They've been playing together now for 15 years and have released three albums. Expect original compositions, plus well-known blues, Dixieland and R & B favourites. The doors open at 7pm, $20 tickets, $15 for members.

The weekend

The next night (November 7) back at the Mount, Hamilton folk duo Looking For Alaska play at Totara Street in support of their new album, Light And Shadow, though this time Amy Maynard and Aaron Gott will be joined by a full band. It's been four years since their debut album was released, during which time they have been touring in both Australia and Europe.

Support comes from Albi, of Auckland band Albi and the Wolves, doors open at 8pm, presale tickets $20 from Eventfinda, door sales $25.

The following day sees local band Kokomo play its first Tauranga show since viral cancellations, at the Jam Factory on Sunday (November 8) afternoon.

The band launch a new single on November 1 – available, as is the way, on all digital platforms – the first of a planned series of monthly releases. Unusually the song, I'm Going Fishing, is being released in two different versions, one acoustic, one electronica, and the band's harmonica player Grant Bullot has created two distinctly different videos.

At the Jam Factory they'll be playing a special acoustic request show – there are more details on Eventfinda.co.nz. Doors open 2.30pm, tickets are $20.

And more

And one more...

On Tuesday, November 10, Mark Laurent and Brenda Liddiard are coming to the gallery at Te Puna Quarry Park. For three decades they have been part of that secret army of indie musicians who fly just below the commercial radar, playing grass-roots, mostly unplugged music throughout New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

And these guys are pretty much legends on the scene: he plays great guitar, she plays mandolin, they both sing. It's a bluesy, folky mix, happening at 7pm. $20 tickets are available from Rosie, waharaurosie@gmail.com or 5526291, or on the door.