The city’s buzzing live music scene spans everything from low-key, speakeasy sessions over a glass or two, to the more high-octane fuelled nights where you’re guaranteed to groove into the wee hours of the morning. Cityscape does the rounds and clues you in on the city’s top live music venues and where to catch an epic gig.

Laid-back Tunes

If it’s a swishy, laid-back affair you’re after, you can’t beat the endless charms of the following venues: Vesuvio Jazz & Tapas Bar is a sophisticated and intimate venue dedicated to regularly hosting gigs. With an emphasis on jazz, their stellar cast of soloists, instrumental duos, and ensembles are in action throughout the week. Dine in the lush surrounds of Botanic and lose yourself in the sweet tunes of those taking to the mic, or order a round from their Gin & Tonic lab and stay on into the evening where the ante gets taken up a few notches and they bring out a DJ. A short stroll away is The Craft Embassy who have a great lineup of musical talent that takes to the stage – recent gigs include Adam McGrath.

O.G.B is perfectly placed and tricked out for a sophisticated drink set to the cool beats of those laying down some tunes. Taking up residence within the Christchurch Art Gallery is Universo Brasserie & Bar, where on Sundays you can pair a sublime cocktail with live music that’ll keep your arvo ‘lax. For a fine folk music fix, swing by The Brewery’s courtyard at The Tannery, where you can catch local and international artists. Multi-tasking Pomeroy’s mission to be a great community pub naturally includes an emphasis on music, and their monthly calendar is always jam-packed with spots for regular favourites that turn out afternoons and nights of jazz, folk, blues and acoustic sets, all lubricated for listening by their amazing range of craft beer.

Party Down

If there’s one venue that consistently pumps out wicked gigs, it’s Blue Smoke. Sitting pretty in the beautifully renovated Tannery precinct of Woolston, Blue Smoke is a primo spot to catch local and international artists. With a constantly evolving and diverse lineup of musos bringing their all to the Blue Smoke stage, good times aplenty at this funky spot. If it’s a big gig you’re after, no doubt The Bedford has or will have some quality musical talent on the cards. Past Bedford alum include; Shihad, Mancunian rockers James, Katchafire, Six60 and Delta Heavy. Known for their super slick drum ‘n’ bass events, D4 out in Woolston is always pumping with the freshest tunes from newcomers on the DJ scene through to those who have cemented themselves as an authority figure. The venue itself is a whirlwind of laser lights plus other effects which chuck you into the deep end of the rave realm.

Rub shoulders with some musical elite at The Foundry where they play host to some big names in the music industry. Dux Central has a range of venues to suit your mood, with most of its musical emphasis at the Upper Dux which plays host to live bands and DJ sets on weekends. Every Thursday the Emerald Room has a special Girls Night – treat yourself to killer deals all the while kicking it to a live DJ. An eclectic mix of beats waits down at Stranges Lane, from solo jams by local artists through to epic DJ sets. Orange Studio out in Ferrymead is an amalgamation of music, audio and creative production and they also have live music evenings from jazz to classical music.

Upstairs at Boo Radley’s you’ll find regular gigs which turn out great sets, open-mic sessions and the odd comedy night. Just downstairs, Little Neighbourhood is designed to maximise your enjoyment with DJs taking over the decks on Saturday evenings. St Asaph Street’s swishy Japanese-inspired fave Empire turns up the tunes loud Thursdays to Sundays. Expect thumping DJ sets, drum ‘n’ bass and more. From here it’s a short jaunt down to Baretta where the epic live music scene goes into overdrive every Friday and Saturday evening, or head upstairs to Engineers who are dedicated to “the engineering of good times and great food and drinks.”

A slice of Havana is on the cards at The Cuban where they regularly turn out pumping nights and even throw in special events and big names. Spice up your night and get your boogie on at these following haunts: Fat Eddie's has become a mainstay on the Christchurch nightlife scene with a banging band and various performers churning out top-notch tunes every weekend – seriously, if you haven’t checked out Fat Eddie's on a Saturday, get there stat. No matter what day of the week it is, there’s always live entertainment down at the Carlton Bar & Eatery – from live bands to solo performers, as well as calling in big name talent, you’re guaranteed a swell time here. Chiwahwah Mexican Bar doesn’t shy away from its ethos “Christchurch’s craziest Mexican joint” and now we know why. As well as turning out some mighty fine fare, the joint comes to life with tunes blaring from their DJ booth perched above the restaurant every Friday and Saturday night. Amazonita embraces its tropical roots during the day but come night time, the hospo hotspot turns full jungle with a tasty lineup of modern tunes the order of the day. 

If it’s good ol’ music that you can get down to without having to essentially “mosh it” or break a “serious sweat” then you can’t go past the classic pub scene. The Bog Irish Bar is consistently producing the musical goods and has plenty of vibes that’ll keep you going long into the night. Sullivans Irish Pub also has a great range of live music – city muso Willie Mcarthur has taken to the stage multiple times here – as does Micky Finns (up above Rockpool) and you can’t skip out on heading in to The Little Fiddle on The Terrace, who stay true to the Irish culture by churning out top-notch live music alongside outstanding fare.

On the hunt for under-the-radar-spots with a touch of quirk? Described as “The Yin to the Yang” of Cook ‘N’ With Gas, The Astro Lounge is a groovy spot to enjoy a casual beverage or catch a late night gig. #getshitdone (as they put it) at Evil Genius, “a place to zig when everyone else is zagging”. With gigs locked in every Thursday, Friday and Saturday – and on the odd occasion Wednesday and Sunday – darkroom offers up a variety of performers ranging in style from folk, indie and metal to electronic. As well as hosting pool and billiards tournaments, come the late hours of the evening The Slate Room also hosts various events with their space kitted out accordingly. You can also hire out the venue and host your own event. Rocking quite possibly the coolest exterior – trust us, it’s awesome – Smash Palace has become a city institution with its regular late night gigs. Home to a “bunch of things” ranging from a café, a bar and a hair salon, Space Academy also plays host to trivia nights, movie screenings and even bands. Head to Lyttelton and check out Wunderbar, a quirky bar that offers primo regular local and touring acts and also Civil & Naval, where there’s no shortage of good times!

Gigs to Catch

This autumn is turning out some primo concerts and gigs. Charley Pride brings charm to the Town Hall, and Blue Smoke has a wicked lineup of artists including Wallis Bird, The Paper Kites and Anxiety Club. Don’t miss Broods, Australian natives Ocean Alley and Matt Corby, The Proclaimers with Kiwi songstress Mel Parsons, A Bowie Celebration, Norah Jones, The Pink Floyd Experience and The Monkees.

Local Talent

Christchurch rocks some serious talent when it comes to turning out epic musicians. Home-grown legends include The Feelers, Bic Runga, Shapeshifter, Salmonella Dub, The Eastern, Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding, Theia and Decades as well as rising stars Siobhan Sainte, ASHY, Nakita, nomad, Laura Lee Lovely and Maya Payne. For guaranteed good times/tunes, keep an ear out for Stars In Their Eyes alumna Mandy Pickering; ballsy blues duo Assembly Required; covers killers Smashbox and Ctrl-Alt-Rock; and the husky tones of Lyttelton’s jazz high priestess Carmel Courtney, whose two-saxes-one-mouth routine has to be seen to be believed.