KEY POINTS:
FESTIVAL
Parnell is blooming celebrating this weekend. The Parnell Festival Of Roses happens Saturday and Sunday with musicians, poets and dancers on stage at Dove-Myer Robinson park, from noon to 6pm both days. You can also hunt for bargains at Market Day on Saturday from 10am or at the Farmers'Market from 8am, and be sure to check out the roses in full bloom in the Rose Gardens.
Festival Of Roses - Rose Gardens, Dove-Myer Robinson Park and Parnell Rise, Parnell, November 7, 8
DJ/DANCE
The biggest dance act to cross over to a mainstream audience in New Zealand since Sneaky Soundsystem is in town this week. The Potbelleez have had success with the singles Don't Hold Back and Are You With Me and single Trouble, Trouble coincides with the release of their debut self-titled album this month. Check out Auckland's Met and Code to see how two Irishmen and two Australians get a club going nuts.
The Potbelleez - The Met & Code, Auckland Central, November 7; The Loaded Hog, Wellington, November 8
FILM
Calling all film buffs with short-attention spans - this week is the Show Me Shorts Film Festival. The Academy Cinema hosts films from New Zealand and Australia, all three to 30 minutes long and made within the past three years. Categories include Mad Scientists, Crack Me Up, True Story, and Spine Chiller. Tonight's launch party has DJs, drinks and a screening.
Show Me Shorts Film Festival - Academy Cinemas, 44 Lorne St, Auckland CBD, to Nov 12 www.showmeshorts.co.nz
ROCK
Conspiracy theory of the day: The chiropractors of Auckland are in cahoots with local heavy-metal promoters. New Zealand metal fans must have serious neck issues from all the headbanging required by the likes of Pig Destroyer and Carcass over the past few weeks. Now South African metallers Seether are here, bringing their self-described "epic riffs and thunderous rhythms" to the Vector Arena.
Seether, Autozamm, Corvino, Eqwanox - Vector Arena, Auckland Central, November 8
HIP-HOP/DANCE
Wellington favourites Rhombus begin a national tour this Friday with a Tauranga show, and will be bringing their blend of hip-hop, funk, soul and house music to audiences over the country for the next two months. Socially conscious lyricism blends with dancefloor-friendly beats to give fans a satisfying night out. Expect a few classics like Onward and new material from their recently released album with the singles Hawera and Losing It (ADD).
Rhombus
ROCK/POP
Alternative rockers the Charlatans finally visit New Zealand this month. For fans, it has been a long time coming - this British band formed in 1989 and are touring to support their 10th studio album, You Cross My Path. The band have been chart favourites in Britain, enjoying nine Top 10 albums, including three Number Ones. Younger fans may recognise The Only One I Know, as it was covered by Robbie Williams on Mark Ronson's 2007 album Version.
The Charlatans - Powerstation, Auckland, November 12
LOUNGE
John Rowles starts the North Island leg of his national tour on Sunday night in New Plymouth. The only surprise is that TV's celebrity crooner Wayne
Anderson isn't playing support. Rowles is touring to promote the release of his new covers album The Singer And His Songs. It's also been 40 years since Rowles hit the number two spot on British charts with If I Only Had Time.
John Rowles - Quality Hotel, New Plymouth, November 8, see listings for other North Island shows
COMEDY
After eleven years Auckland's comedic outlaws are still as fresh as ever, and perform at Queen Street's Classic Comedy Bar this Friday and Saturday. The Improv Bandits celebrate their eleventh year of performing on the fly. What have they got planned for the show? Well, nothing really - but that's the idea. A mix of roleplay, standup and musical comedy will keep audiences chuckling from 8pm.
Improv Bandits 11th Birthday - The Classic, 321 Queen St, Nov 7/8, 8pm
