Sometimes there’s too much happening to keep up. This is one of those weeks. The Tauranga Arts Festival is on; the British and Irish Film Festival is on; and next weekend there are gigs-a-plenty. Take a deep breath, no time to waste with introductions...

The British and Irish Film Festival started yesterday, October and runs to October 29 at Tauranga Central’s Events Cinema. It is, in many ways, a celebration of old actors, and who does old actors better than the British?

Amongst various national treasures on display are Michael Caine, Timothy Spall – Gabriel Byrne - playing Samuel Beckett no less! – Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, Jonathan Pryce, Helen Mirren, and the late Glenda Jackson in her final role.

That the films themselves also look rather good hardly matters with that lot on board. There’s also director Ken Loach’s latest and documentaries about Noel Coward and Jackie Stewart. It’s a simply excellent festival.

Eclectic line-up

Tauranga Arts Festival is also underway. There’s an eclectic line-up of music from high-minded to frivolous fun. Here are a few upcoming things that piqued my curiosity. I don’t have space for long descriptions but you can always pop online and look ‘em up if they butter your parsnips...

Photo.Tama Waipara. Supplied.

Tama Waipara is on Wednesday, October 25, at the Crystal Palace. ‘Time Out New York’ said: “Sophisticated songs and soaring vocals” which sounds right as he presents a collection of soulful new waiata. Thursday, October 26 features contemporary Irish sensations Grada, prime representatives of the new indie folk scene, as well as singing comedy cowboy Wilson Dixon.

Photo Wilson Dixon. Supplied.

On Friday, October 27, an esteemed collective celebrate the poems of Katherine Mansfield, all set to music. Michelle A’Court’s readings of Mansfield’s letters link performances by the likes of Anna Coddington, Julia Deans, Lawrence Arabia, Mel Parsons and more.

Photo. Finn Andrews. Supplied.

The highlight for me comes Sunday, October 29, when Finn Andrews of The Veils joins the NZTrio to play songs from his first solo album ‘One Piece at a Time’. I’m so old that I came to Finn’s music through that of his father Barry (XTC, Shriekback) and I’m very glad I did. This should be wonderful.

And there’s so much more...

Free shows

Photo. Rehaab Band Hudson Park. Supplied.

Also that Sunday afternoon, October 29, at Totara St, it’s CHUR CHON SNDY. These free shows are a blast and this one looks special, featuring Whiskey Soho, Elektric Endz with Regan Perry, Rehaab, Joe Mungovan, and Area 51. Also expect tasty charcoal-cooked treats and good vibes; all ages but kids must be supervised.

Photo. Joe Sanders. Supplied.

And more! Auckland’s The Sun Gods launch their new single ‘Cocaine Eyes’ at Mount Maunganui's Voodoo Lounge on October 28. Support is electric Hamilton trio Haast Hunter. The same night you’ll find Wellington’s Sidewinder, with new singer Mel Felsmino, at The Jam Factory playing songs from upcoming album 'Talons'. They’ll be joined by Talismer and Dead Empire.

Photo. Whiskey Soho. Supplied.

One more: The Katikati Folk Club host highly-acclaimed Irish Nu-folk composer, virtuoso bouzouki player, tenor ukulele player and guitarist Jon Sanders on Friday, October 27, at the Arts Junction. He’s really good!

Hear Winston's Playlist #6: