What's On This Week

Nick Bollinger. Photo / Supplied

MUSIC/TALK

The second in a monthly series of events combining music and intellectual discussion takes place tonight at the Auckland Museum.
LATE 02: Auckland Supercity? is a discussion examining "Auckland at a crossroads". Music on the night comes from singer-songwriter Don McGlashan and veteran DJ Manuel Bundy.

LATE 02: Don McGlashan and Manuel Bundy - Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain, Grafton, March 5, 6.30pm

FAMILY

Military weekend is back at Motat for those interested in the history of New Zealand's armed forces. Organisers say the day "not only provides great entertainment but also an opportunity for young people to better understand and honour the sacrifice that New Zealand has made in wartime over the last century." Among other attractions, you'll be able to see a rare Lancaster bomber up close.

Motat Military Weekend - Motat, Western Springs, March 7-8, motat.org.nz

DJ/DANCE

Kiwi expat Freq Nasty has made a big name for himself on the international DJ/producer circuit, and he returns to New Zealand for a show at Auckland's Transmission Room this Saturday. Although he made his name in the breaks genre, nowadays you can catch everything from dubstep to b-more in his eclectic and bass-heavy DJ sets. He's supported by local breaks luminary Timmy Schumacher.

Freq Nasty - Transmission Room, corner Mayoral Drive and Queen St, Auckland CBD, 9pm

CIRCUS

The incredible Circus Oz troupe will take the Auckland Festival to the North Shore this week. The show opens tonight and plays until March 15, giving audiences plenty of time to get a taste of their brilliant acrobatic feats, crazy costumes and irreverent sense of humour. The performers will all be in good spirits, with this season marking the 30th anniversary of the company.

Circus Oz 30th Birthday Bash - Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, March 5-15

MUSIC

Those wanting a special insight into two of New Zealand's best-known musicians should head to the Spiegeltent over the next two weeks. Nick Bollinger, the voice of Radio New Zealand's The Sampler and record reviewer for the Listener, will next week spend 90 minutes asking Jordan Luck about his songbook. Then, on March 21, Chris Knox will come in for interviews and a performance.

Couch Time with Nick Bollinger - The Famous Spiegeltent, Aotea Square, March 7-21, 2pm

DANCE

Gathering Clouds by dance troupe Black Grace is a response to an economist saying that Polynesians display "enduring underachievement". Choreographer Neil Ieremia says: "I have always believed in the spirit of the Long White Cloud that embraces everyone equally. But [now] realise the Long White Cloud has become dark in places and it feels like a storm is breaking."

Black Grace: Gathering Clouds - The Civic, Queen St, March 5-6, 7.30pm; March 7, 1.30pm and 7.30pm; March 8, 5pm

SOUND

Two men who've lived a sound life collaborate to give us an evening of aural Aotearoa tonight. Richard Nunns and Phil Dadson (pictured) present Blood and Stone at Red Square, part of the Auckland Festival. Nunns uses wood, bone and stone to produce haunting sounds, and Dadson's remarkable musical inventions - a gloop string spring drum, sprongs, a zitherum - will make for an fascinating evening.

Blood and Stone: Richard Nunns and Phil Dadson - Red Square, Aotea Square, March 5, 7.30pm

MARINE

Auckland's Viaduct is gearing up for an influx of boaties this weekend when the Auckland International Boat Show returns. Starting today and running through to Sunday, it's a chance for those who love all things marine to drool over the latest models and products. This year the boats will range from 100-year-old classic yachts to the latest launches laden with all the fancy new technology. All aboard.

Auckland International Boat Show - Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD, March 5-8, 10am