KEY POINTS:
THEATRE
Young Auckland playwright Thomas Sainsbury has had a prolific year, putting on two of his own plays already, and he is about to start a season of his most recent work, Beast. Sainsbury says he wrote the play after being inspired on many long drives around New Zealand at night. The tagline sets the scene: "Three siblings drive north, their car breaks down, they walk to the nearest town, and they are never seen again. This is their story." Ooh, creepy.
Beast - The Basement, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland, July 2-6, 8pm
ROCK
What originally began as a side project by a couple of members of cult Texas band At The Drive In has become The Mars Volta, a band known for their frenetic, genre-smashing, psychedelic, jazz-peppered, progressive rock. A mouthful indeed - things are looking good for a Thursday night like no other for those with an open musical mind. There are at least eight people in this noise machine, so expect a lot of action on stage.
Mars Volta - Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland, June 26
BLUES/ROCK
The Black Keys bring their bluesy rock to Auckland on Saturday night. Guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney are an exciting band, delivering a raw, melodic sound. On this album they worked with uber-producer Dangermouse. "He does hip-hop, but he likes rock and roll, obscure 60s psychedelic stuff, and we listen to a lot of that too," says Dan.
The Black Keys with The Vietnam War and People People - Powerstation, Auckland, June 28
DANCE/DJ
Many lovers of dance music had some of their formative dance floor experiences at the Deep, Hard and Funky parties. After launching on K Rd, the party grew until it began attracting over 3000 people to the St James. For the party's 10th birthday, 6000 ravers are expected at Auckland's Vector Arena. As well as the international DJs, we recommend you also catch live drum 'n' bass act Antiform and local dance stalwart Bevan Keys.
Deep, Hard and Funky - Vector Arena, Parnell, Auckland, June 28, Sold Out
DANCE/DJ
While we're talking about celebrations, let's not forget about the dancefloor-inspiring exploits of The Turnaround crew over the past six years. The monthly party with resident DJs Manuel Bundy, Conch Records' Cian and The Submariner has taken over many Auckland venues with its wide-ranging hip-hop/funk/soul/reggae musical policy. Special guests for the crew's sixth birthday this Friday include DJs Mu (of Fat Freddy's Drop), Recloose and Stinky Jim.
Turnaround Sixth Birthday - Bacco Room, Nelson St, Auckland, June 27
FAMILY
Get out of the city and earn some good karma points by heading to Motutapu Island to do some gardening. The Fullers ferry to Motutapu leaves from downtown at 9.15am and Devonport at 9.25am, and returns around 4.30pm. A special discounted ferry ticket for volunteers costs $15 (adults) and $9 (children), and free parking is available at the Auckland City Council Park Right Downtown Carpark.
Motutapu Island Weeding Day - meet Downtown ferry terminal, Auckland, June 29
THEATRE
With the prominence of rugby in our national conscience, it's not surprising to see sprigged boots treading the boards again. Finding Murdoch tells the tale of a television reporter sent to locate former All Black Keith Murdoch, who was sent home from the 1972/73 tour of the UK for punching a hotel worker. He made it as far as Australia and then disappeared into the Outback.
Finding Murdoch - Maidment Theatre, 8 Alfred St, Auckland, June 26-Jul 19
ROCK
While Queenstown celebrates its Winter Festival from today, Aotearoa's other alpine playground is having its own fun. The Ohakune Mardi Gras is on this Saturday and features an excellent lineup of bands and DJs, plus rides, stalls and other entertainment. The Electric Confectionaires and The Checks are joined by Christchurch rock and rollers The Dukes, while Wellington's drum and bass heavyweights the Upbeats will keep electronic music lovers happy.
Ohakune Mardi Gras - Rimu St, Ohakune, June 28
