KEY POINTS:
ROCK
San Francisco band the Brian Jonestown Massacre, lead by eccentric frontman Anton Newcombe, have been making psychedelic rock'n'roll since the early 90s. But in 2004 the band's profile got a big boost with the release of award-winning filmDIG!, about the rivalry between Newcombe and Courtney Taylor-Taylor of the Dandy Warhols. If you've seen the movie then you'll know Massacre's live show is not to be missed when they play the Kings Arms on Friday.
Brian Jonestown Massacre, Kings Arms, Auckland, 9pm Friday
DANCE/DJ
Take 200 sets of headphones, four DJs, and then give the crowd the option to choose which DJ they listen to, and you have the hilarity that is a Silent Disco. Without headphones on all you can hear is conversations and the shuffling of feet. At this one you can flick between the fresh funk of DJ T Rice, the loose hip-hop of Scratch 22, and the banging fidget tinged house music of Dan Aux.
42 Below Silent Disco - The Basement, Lower Grey's Ave, Auckland, Sep 4, 9pm
FESTIVAL
Whether you call it a Chinese gooseberry, Zespri, or just plain old kiwifruit, there's something about that furry little fruit that has made it a key symbol of Kiwiana. The town that sells itself as the kiwifruit capital of the world celebrates our most famous fruit with a two week festival starting Saturday. The Te Puke Kiwifruit Festival consists of a debate, a parade, a golf challenge, a quiz, a beauty contest and then the big moment, the Kiwifruit Ball on September 19.
Te Puke Kiwifruit Festival - to Sep 19, www.tepuke.co.nz for more details
METAL
It's fair to say Vector may rock the hardest it has to date this Tuesday. Chicago heavy metallers Disturbed are in New Zealand for three shows this week, supported by POD and local lads Redline. Disturbed have sold about 10 million albums and supported Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson and Slipknot so expect heads to be banging. "People never lose their desire for aggressive music," says Disturbed frontman David Draiman. "And we're happy to keep giving it to them."
Disturbed - Vector Arena, Auckland, Sep 9
FUNK/AFROBEAT
Fresh from the dubious honour of having the video clip for their new single Headlights banned by TVNZ (it's on YouTube if you're curious), Auckland band the Hot Grits wrap up their winter tour with a show at Galatos this Saturday. It pays to know that a Hot Grits show gets rowdy and is always funky, so bring a spare T-shirt if you plan to head elsewhere after the show. Support comes from Kiwi hip-hop group Dam Native, who now play as a live band.
Hot Grits - Galatos, Auckland, Sep 6
FASHION
Celebrating 14 years of Pacific talent, Westfield Style Pasifika is bigger than ever before as it moves to Auckland's Vector Arena tomorrow night. Combining fashion, design and performance, the two-hour show will be filmed for an annual television special. More than 150 outfits will be showcased during the show, divided into 10 categories, and each category winner will walk away with a cash prize of $1000.
Westfield Style Pasifika, Vector Arena, Friday, 7.30pm, tickets $20-$35 from Ticketmaster
SHOW
Future proof building and sustainable living are the hot words on homeowners lips these days, but how do you incorporate them into your home without breaking the bank? The Auckland Home Show has all the answers. Whether you're looking to build from scratch, renovate, or just update that floral wallpaper, there will be experts on hand to guide you.
The Auckland Home Show, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Wed to Sun, 10am to 10pm, gate sales $16, children under 14 free
POP/HIP-HOP
Just like Salmonella Dub isn't quite the same without Tiki Taane, Supergroove was never quite the same when Che Fu left to start his solo career. That's why it's great to see the reformed band gigging again with Che out in front, and the full original line-up in action. Supergroove plays at the genre mash of a gig that is the Crosstown Revue at The Civic this Friday. Also on the bill is rapper Scribe, soul singer Hollie Smith, and singer-songwriter Gin Wigmore.
The Crosstown Revue - The Civic, Auckland, Sep 5
