Spark Arena: Famed Funk-rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppers cook up a storm this weekend when they take over Spark Arena on Friday and Saturday nights. While their newer material doesn't have quite the same funky-fresh flavour to it, we still expect this show to be a one hot ticket. With a catalogue that stretches all the way back to the late 80s - yes, really - there's no shortage of hits for them to whip out. We're talking Give it Away, Californication, Scar Tissue, By the Way and their chart juggernaut Under the Bridge. Hits aside, it's worth it alone just to see the Chili's bass legend Flea do his thing. No one slaps and a-pops a bass line like that dude. Of course drummer Chad Smith and the band's current guitarist Josh Klinghoffer ain't no slouches either so no matter if you're there for the softer hits like Soul to Squeeze or the hard rockin' funk of Give it Away you're guaranteed many moments of pure musical magik.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Spark Arena, Friday & Saturday
Aotea Square and centre: Tonight, we'll head down to Aotea Square for a good, old sing-a-long because nothing raises the spirits like singing out loud with hundreds of others. One, no one can hear how out of tune you are and, two, there's actual research backing the benefits of group singing. It's called Tira and it marks the start of the annual Auckland Arts Festival which runs until the end of March. This weekend, the AAF also brings to town a magical version of the Mozart opera The Magic Flute. It combines high-tech animation wizardry with internationally-acclaimed opera to create a live performance more akin to what we've come to expect from the likes of film-make Tim Burton.
Tira, Aotea Square, tonight from 6.30pm
The Magic Flute, Aotea Centre Friday – Sunday
ASB Waterfront Theatre: Most of us, on seeing US sculptor Richard Serra's sprawling and very solid metal work at Gibbs Farm, would think of the weighty and immovable but acclaimed New Zealand dancer and choreographer Ross McCormack isn't regarded as a visionary in his field for nothing. He, and his company Muscle Mouth, immediately thought of movement so created a technically astounding new dance work which those in the know say is every bit as awe-inspiring as the sculpture itself.
As it Stands, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Friday – Sunday
Rangatira at Q Theatre: Wow! Just wow – the sell-out opening night audience was quick to give Wild Dogs Under My Skirts a well-deserved standing ovation. It's sensual and provocative contemporary theatre at its very best with a cast of stellar performers (please, theatre directors and writers, can we see more of these women on stage?). Tusiata Avia's piece, originally a one-woman touring show, is now a highly polished first-rate ensemble show giving fierce voice to women who dare to be wild. Highly recommended.
Rangatira at Q Theatre, Wild Dogs Under My Skirts, tonight, Friday, Saturday & Monday
The Spiegeltent, Aotea Square: As well as fab local theatre and dance, AAF also likes to bring to town something to appeal to the more risqué side in all of us. This year, it's the cabaret Blanc de Blanc where multi-talented, and extremely flexible performers show off, well, everything. It's accompanied by a warning that the award-winning show, sold out in London and Sydney, is a little on the naughty side and contains gasp-inducing danger, decadent artistry and vintage glamour. Be prepared for a wild night out. Possibly not with your parents.
Blanc de Blanc, the Spiegeltent, Aotea Square, until Sunday, March 24
