Nadia Reid is among the tantalising acts at the Auckland Folk Festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday. Photo / NZH
Nadia Reid is among the tantalising acts at the Auckland Folk Festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday. Photo / NZH
Q Theatre:
Okareka Dance Company tours the globe with productions that bring together contemporary dance, indigenous Maori themes and other genres to tell bold and spiritual New Zealand stories.
The company's two most popular shows are probably Mana Wahine and K'Rd Strip, both of which won rave reviews around the world. Now, it's back with Wired, in which the stars of Matariki come down to Earth, take human form and learn what it is to touch, feel, speak and listen.
Four years in the making, artistic directors Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete and guest choreographer Sarah Foster-Sproull have crafted a production which celebrates Maori culture and identity as well as showcasing the talents of established and emerging dancers. It's at Q Theatre's Rangatira until Sunday. qtheatre.co.nz
Spookers is making its way to the Silo Park Cinema tomorrow night, after racking up rave reviews at home and around the world.
The documentary, by Florian Habicht, had its New Zealand debut at the International Film Festival, giving audiences a glimpse into our country's most famous haunted attraction.
But, rather than being a horror film as many suspected, Spookers follows a cast of New Zealanders who dress up and scare the living daylights out of strangers at Auckland's Kingseat Hospital.
As well as some behind-the-scenes action at Spookers, we learn about the people behind the costumes, their close-knit relationships and the surprisingly moving reasons they do what they do. If you love Spookers, you'll love this.
Spookers. Photo / Supplied
Kumeu Showgrounds:
There are festivals to suit everyone this anniversary weekend - especially those who like folk music from contemporary through to bluegrass, Irish and traditional.
The country's largest folk music and dance festival, now celebrating its 45th anniversary, runs from Friday to Sunday at the Kumeu Showgrounds and has attracted talent from around the world, including Canadian trio The East Pointers who are touring with local music luminary Mel Parsons.
She's not the only new breed of New Zealand folk artist enjoying international attention to perform; Nadia Reid also puts in an appearance. Alongside the music, the family-friendly festival runs dances and workshops designed for all to enjoy. Children under 10 are free. aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz
Music in parks:
Eclectic is an over-used word, but it's the best one to describe the line-up for Sunday's Music in Parks concert.
Tommy Nee and The Pocketz are inspired by Motown to pop, disco to funk, the roots rock reggae of the East Coast and the neo-soul feel of Auckland city. Meanwhile, if Imagine Dragons, Rihanna and Enigma had a soul child, it would be Vallkyrie who mix rock, R&B and hip hop.
Then there's SUPA, created by soul duo Adeaze, whose debut single, A Life With You, was once sampled by Mariah Carey for her song Your Girl. They use drama, vocals, choir, guitar and dance to create an experience the whole family can enjoy. Sonatane plays feel-good road-trip music which fuses R&B, country and soul.
They share the stage on Sunday afternoon at Papakura's Central Park. musicinparks.co.nz
Laneway Festival:
With its grassy banks, flower gardens and shady trees, you could just go to Laneway on Auckland Anniversary Day for the venue. At Albert Park Precinct, it's a massive upgrade from its previous homes at Silo Park, Britomart and Albert Square.
Billie Eilish, pop star. Photo / Lloyd Pursall
You could also go for the food, which includes more than you can possible eat: Wise Boys Burgers, Taco Laco, Lord of the Fries and Che Lucio BBQ. So, you've already got a great day out in the making but then there are the acts, and this Laneway could be the best line-up yet.
Our picks? Get there for pop teen Billie Eilish, stick around for throwback grunge act Wolf Alice, then settle in for Anderson Paak's evening set which, as the sun goes down, is bound to be a summer stunner. auckland.lanewayfestival.com
