New Zealand Music Month is in full swing.  Paula Yeoman picks five gigs you won’t want to miss.  Check out more at nzmusicmonth.co.nz

Ivy Lies, Dane Rumble and Tiki Taane
Tipped as a band to watch in 2010, all-girl group Ivy Lies is travelling the country this music month.  Venture south and catch them at the Pukekohe Town Hall for an all ages gig at 3pm on May 15.  But it’s later that night you won’t want to miss, when girls support Kiwi pop God Dane Rumble and the mighty Tiki Taane.

Artisan Guns
Artisan Guns is quite possibly the hottest band in the country right now. The lads from Auckland are playing numerous gigs throughout May hot on the heels of their latest EP, Hearts.  But if there’s one place you must catch them, it’s at 4:20 on K Road on May 15, where they’re playing with the immensely talented Motocade. Don’t miss it.

Mel Parsons
Ok it’s a little far south for Aucklanders but if you do happen to be down country on May 15, make it your mission to see Mel Parsons at Harbour Light in Lyttelton. Parsons’ debut album Over My Shoulder was one of my favourites last year and this girl is hot live.

The Phoenix Foundation
Catch the stalwarts of Wellington indie pop-rock, The Phoenix Foundation, on their home turf as they cap off their New Zealand tour in celebration of new album Buffalo.  Neil Finn once described the six-piece as “one of the best examples of pop music to come out of New Zealand”.
See for yourself why at the San Francisco Bathhouse on May 27 and 28.

Anika Moa
Following the release of her critically acclaimed Love In Motion, Anika Moa kicks off a nationwide tour starting at the Revolver in Queenstown on May 27.  Dedicated to matters of the heart, Moa’s third album reinforced her reputation as one of the best singer-songwriters in the country and introduced us to ‘Anika the rocker’ on tracks like Running Through The Fire.