KEY POINTS:
ROCK
This summer has seen a wealth of free live music in parks, but to date rock hasn't been a major feature. That changes with this Saturday's enticing Rock The Park event at Three Kings Reserve, featuring some of New Zealand's premier rock acts. Performances by the enduring Jordan Luck Band, new kids on the scene The Midnight Youth, plus Pluto and Autozamm will ensure the park gets well and truly rocked.
Rock The Park - Three Kings Reserve, February 21, 2pm to 6pm
CLASSICAL/POP
Join 100,000 fellow Aucklanders in the Domain this Saturday if you fancy some free live music under the stars. The SkyCity Starlight Symphony features classical, opera and contemporary music from 7.30pm. Enjoy a preview of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express by lead actors Rebecca Wright and Will Martin, and sing along with Kiwi pop princess Brooke Fraser.
Skycity Starlight Symphony - Auckland Domain, February 21, 7.30pm
ROCK
Iron Maiden fans have to thank lead singer Bruce Dickinson for more than just his rowdy vocals - he also flies the Boeing 757 laden with the band's gear, a plane that touched down in New Zealand this week. The British heavy metal band play Auckland tomorrow and Christchurch on Sunday. The show features mostly classic Iron Maiden hits set in the Egyptian stage design from their mid-80s Powerslave tour.
Iron Maiden - Mount Smart Stadium, Beasley Ave, Penrose, February 20, 7pm
COMEDY
(In)famous for its history of featuring topless waitresses at the local pub, the town of Patumahoe uses wit rather than tit to attract visitors this weekend. Patumahoe School west of Pukekohe hosts raconteurs Tim Shadbolt and Gary McCormick and their "Barrel Of Laughs" show tomorrow. Expect smiles all round, and shirts on throughout (hopefully).
Barrel Of Laughs with Tim Shadbolt and Gary McCormick - Patumahoe School Hall, February 20, 8pm
JAZZ
Jazz fans will be out in force this Sunday night with the arrival of Chick Corea, John McLaughlin and band. Pianist, composer, and band leader Corea and guitarist McLaughlin are touring together for the first time since the days they played with legendary Miles Davis 40 years ago. Joining the pair are musicians Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride and Vinnie Colaiuta.
Chick Corea and John McLaughlin - ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland CBD, February 22, 7.30pm
SPORT
The Crusty Demons motorbike riders seem to have little fear when it comes to, well, anything, and they bring that attitude and adrenalin-fuelled show to New Zealand. Check out Tauranga local, and only female rider of the group, Mary Perkins. Go on YouTube to get a taste of the theatrical carnage that is a Crusty Demons show, then head along for your dose of bikes, babes and broken bones as they take over the Vector Arena.
Crusty Demons - Vector Arena, 34 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland CBD, 6.30pm
FESTIVAL
Head across the bridge this weekend for the 20th annual Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival. Windsor Reserve is the place to imbibe wines, taste food, and enjoy music from Annabel Fay, Goldenhorse, Luke Thompson, Jordan Luck and Bjorn Again. Meanwhile, dance music fans can head up the road where 30 DJs play the Sounds of Summer Festival at the Masonic.
The Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival - Windsor Reserve, King Edward Parade, Devonport, 11am
ROCK/POP
We can all feel a bit "emo" on a Monday at times, and this Monday will be especially so with pop punk band (with emo undertones) Fall Out Boy playing Vector Arena. Pete Wentz, Patrick Stump and the boys will be busting out the hits from their recently released fifth album, Folie a Deux. Their last album reached number one in New Zealand, so expect a big crowd of fans jumping around.
Fall Out Boy - Vector Arena, 34 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland CBD, February 23, 8pm
