Kilgour back with the Heavy Eights

Most know David Kilgour from his role in the formation of seminal Dunedin trio the Clean or his membership in The Great Unwashed, but the Dunedin-born musician has also maintained an engaging and rewarding solo career since 1991's debut album Here Come The Cars, and more recently with his long-time backing band the Heavy Eights.

After releasing Left by Soft in 2011 to warm critical reception overseas and at home, the band perform for the first time in 18 months on the Chick's Hotel stage next Friday.

Performing in a "heavy folk rock power trio" incarnation, featuring Taane Tokona on drums and Tom Bell (The Shifting Sands) on bass, the stripped-back format will allow Kilgour's signature playing style to shine. Once called a "guitar god for guitar atheists", Kilgour wrote the book for ragged indie rock still heard today during the early Clean years, and the more refined simple elegance heard with Heavy Eights is just as special.

A rare performance from one of this country's most respected and admired songwriters and musicians; this is one for the calendar.

Dunedin's Bad Sav perform a typically once-in-a-blue-moon showcase tonight at Chick's Hotel.

The noisy-sonic-sludge-popsters, led by Hope Robertson (Snapper, The Doyleys), have recently reunited after the reappearance of bass player Lucinda King (who also performs as Lucinda) in Dunedin after some months offshore.

The trio, completed by drummer Michael McLeod (Shifting Sands), has been recording an EP with engineer and Chick's Hotel manager Tom Bell (Shifting Sands, The Heavy Eights), which should see the light of day in the not-too-distant future.

Located on a secluded section in Wakari, The Shed, run by young artist/musician Robbie Grant-Motion, is a space for low-key shows, and community.

Next Saturday, the venue will play host to a plethora of bands, activities, and even multi-sports across a one-day all-ages festival beginning at 1pm, and running until 9.30.

It's a huge line-up, featuring Opposite Sex, Sewage, QTPI, Crabs, Cartoon, Astro Children, Zebu, Scattered Brains Of The Lovely Union, Dinosaur Sanctuary, Kane Strang, Leon Jory, Outside Voices, King Ink, Strange Harvest, Batkid and the Aerfort and Pudding.

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Hear it, see it

• David Kilgour and the Heavy Eights with support from the Shifting Sands, December 7, Chick's Hotel, 2 Mount St, Port Chalmers.

Tickets $15 on the door.

Chick's Hotel bus service departs from Countdown 8pm, or university library 8.35pm.

The Heavy Eights are expected to start around 10.30pm.

• Bad Sav and Guests, Chick's Hotel, tonight at 9pm.A Chick's Hotel bus service will be available on the night.

• Block Party, the Second, The Shed, cnr Wakari/Polwarth roads, Koha entry. All ages.

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