KEY POINTS:
FAMILY
New Zealand's answer to the Wiggles are currently on their Get Up and Go national tour, stopping in Auckland tonight. The Funky Monkeys are Neil, Joe, Chris and Dizzy Dog, and Get Up and Go is the title of their stage show and also the name of their second album. A glance at the reviews section on their website tells you everyone from celebrity mum Petra Bagust to politician Annette King are fans, so why not join them?
The Funky Monkeys: Get up Go Tour! - Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland's North Shore, July 10
SHOW
If you went to the circus as a child, the experience will be etched in your memory. Prepare to create new memories for yourself and your kids because the Weber Brothers circus is in town. The "Shokarn" Acrobats of the Orient show is running daily at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds. All the trappings of a proper circus plus performing dogs, Mr Wong the Clown, acrobats and high-flying trapeze artists.
Weber Bros Circus "Shokarn" Acrobats of the Orient - ASB Showgrounds, Auckland Central, July 2-July 20
CLASSICAL
While some of us like to think we can tinkle the ivories, sometimes it's a good idea to see the professionals. The Auckland International Piano Festival concludes on Sunday. Highlights include recitals by Marcella Crudeli and Tamas Vesmas and masterclasses with Read Gainsford, David Guerin and Rae de Lisle. Continues to Hamilton, Wellington and Napier in the coming weeks.
Auckland International Piano Festival - Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Epsom, to July 13
ROCK/POP
Their sophomore album Second Hand Planet recently went double platinum, their single One Day made us cry over a New Zealand Post commercial - and the track Maybe has been all over the radio. Opshop are now back in New Zealand and touring the country with support from singer-songwriter Luke Thompson.
Opshop with Luke Thompson - Great Lake Centre, Taupo, July 10; Founders Theatre, Hamilton, July 11; Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, July 12; watch listings for more dates
SHOW
Hot on the heels of the High School Musical production comes another story on ice. The classic tale of Cinderella finds itself reinterpreted as a theatrical work at Auckland's Aotea Centre, starting tomorrow. Set to dazzle with their grace and energy, performers are the Imperial Ice Stars, a group consisting of 23 Olympic, World, National and European Championship skaters. Production levels are high with special effects including fire and rain.
Cinderella on Ice - Aotea Centre, Auckland, July 11-20
DANCE/DJ
As work continues on their second album, some of the members of Kiwi supergroup Fat Freddy's Drop are having a break from the studio and getting their groove on for a night. The band's acclaimed horn section (Jo Hopepa, Toby Chang and Chopper Reed) present the first in a series of DJ nights at Queen Street's Khuja Lounge. Expect to hear some afro, dancehall, disco and funk.
Hip Drop with Jo Hopepa, Toby Chang and Chopper Reed - Khuja Lounge, 536 Queen St, July 11
ROCK
The Rock's heavy metal radio show The Axe Attack celebrates its 21st birthday this weekend. While primarily focusing on heavy metal, the show also delves into grunge, thrash and other sub-genres of rock. Celebrate this Friday night with bands such as 8 Foot Sativa, Six Day War and Cripple Mr Onion.
8 Foot Sativa with Cripple Mr Onion, Every Man For Himself, Six Day War, Resporn, Fractured, Chuganaut - The Transmission Room, Mayoral Drive, July 11
ROOTS
Following in the footsteps of Salmonella, Little Bushman is the latest Kiwi band to collaborate with an orchestra for a night to remember. Little Bushman's distinctive blend of Hendrix-channelling and swampy roots rock will be bolstered and enhanced by the Auckland Philharmonia. A Little Bushman show can be a psychedelic and otherworldly experience, so throwing an orchestra into the mix will take this to a whole new level.
Little Bushman with the Auckland Philharmonia - Auckland Town Hall, July 13, 8pm
