KEY POINTS:
INDIE
After meeting at Otago University, Immi Paterson and Neil Newton formed the band George and Queen. The band, now based in Auckland, has expanded to a four-piece, and celebrates the release of their second album The Wind is Up this Saturday. Whammy Bar plays host to the folk rock band, who salute the influence of the Dunedin and Auckland music scene in their lives with their name referencing the two main streets of the two cities.
George and Queen - Whammy Bar, K Rd, Auckland, Sep 27
SOUL/HIP-HOP
Pacific Heights is the solo project of Devin Abrams from Shapeshifter, and he celebrates the release of his second album under this moniker this weekend in Auckland. The music on In A Quiet Storm is downbeat, covering 'nu soul', hip-hop and funk with a smorgasbord of local vocal talent to help out. Guests at the gig include Joe Dukie, Lisa Tomlins, P Digsss and Isaac Aesili.
Pacific Heights - Khuja Lounge, Level 3, 536 Queen St, Auckland CBD, Sep 26, 10:30pm
ROCK
If you like your music fast, loose and hardcore, look no further than Auckland's Whammy Bar tonight, where Aussie ragers Carpathian kick off their New Zealand tour. The band's most recent album - a more melodic departure from their usual heavy style - has been released in America by respected label Deathwish Inc. Support comes from label mates Shipwreck A. D.
Carpathian - Whammy Bar, Auckland, Sep 25; Atomic Events Centre, Hastings, Sep 27; Clockwork Studios, Ellerslie, Sep 28, all ages
DANCE
New Zealand's festival of dance shimmies its way back to Auckland for another year. This Sunday the festival opens with dancers hot-stepping their way up Queen St and winding up in Aotea Square, where you can enjoy New Zealand's biggest rueda - a Salsa-style group dance - followed by a mass BodyJam class. In the following weeks various venues host dance shows, and the public can attend workshops and open days.
Tempo: NZ's Festival of Dance - various venues, Auckland, www.tempo.co.nz for details
FESTIVAL
Italian director Silvio Soldini will be in attendance to introduce a screening of his new film Days and Clouds, a family drama in this year's Italian Film Festival. There's a gala opening on Wednesday with Manual of Love 2, a sequel to the 2005 film of four intertwined stories, and almost 100 screenings of 16 titles at Rialto and Bridgeway cinemas over the next fortnight.
The 13th Cathay Pacific Italian Film Festival, Rialto and Bridgeway Cinemas, October 1-15. www.italianfilmfestival.co.nz
THEATRE
As the school holidays loom, parents need entertainment options. One of New Zealand's best loved authors gives us one: starting Saturday, the Pumphouse Theatre hosts a theatrical production of Margaret Mahy's story The Dragon of an Ordinary Family. Kids are encouraged to dress up and enjoy this fanciful tale of a family dealing with a slightly scaly and possibly fire-breathing new member.
The Dragon of an Ordinary Family - Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna, Sep 27-Oct 11
EXPO
If you're about to leave high school, university or an unsatisfactory job, head to the Your Career Expo at the ASB Showgrounds for some guidance this weekend. There are four general sections at the expo - Great Places to Work, Kickstart, New Directions and Fast Track. Organisers hope to attract people who are at all stages of their careers.
The NZ Herald Your Career Expo - ASB Showgrounds, Sep 27/28, 10am-5pm Sat, to 4pm Sun, free entry
ROCK'N'ROLL
In between starring in popular Kiwi series Outrageous Fortune, actor Shane Cortese likes to step back in time and rock out. Aucklanders can join Cortese this Friday at the Bruce Mason Centre for his 50's Jukebox Tour. Along with a rocking backing band, Cortese rips through the biggest rock hits of the 50's so successfully that the show has recently been picked up by an Australian promoter, which no doubt will soon see him making waves across the ditch.
50's Jukebox Tour 2008 - Bruce Mason Centre, Sep 26
