KEY POINTS:
COMEDY
He's a comedic superstar who's rocking the world right now. Labelled the "funniest man in America" by Time magazine, Chris Rock's one New Zealand show at Auckland's Civic Theatre will be a night of heavyweight comedy. From his early days on comedy TV show Saturday Night Live, to his various movie and TV roles plus the hit show Everyone Hates Chris, Rock is riding high on the waves of success. Enjoy it if you are going because, predictably, it is sold out.
Chris Rock - The Civic, August 6. Sold out
ROCK
It's an unofficial festival of melancholy American indie over two nights at the Kings Arms. South Carolina-based alt-country outfit Band of Horses deliver their mournful melodies tonight, and tomorrow it's the turn of San Franciscan singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek, (formerly of The Red House Painters, now recording under the Sun Kil Moon moniker) to unleash his bittersweet ballads. Best take a hankie.
Band of Horses; Mark Kozelek - King's Arms, 59 France St, Newton, July 31 and August 1 respectively
BLUES
Two of the elder statesmen of the New Zealand blues biz are teaming up for one night only at Auckland's SkyCity Theatre. Hammond Gamble and Midge Marsden both perform a full set back to back with their respective bands, with Gamble delving into his vast songbook as well as celebrating the release of his new album Ninety Mile Days.
Midge Marsden and Hammond Gamble - SkyCity Theatre, Cnr Victoria and Federal Sts, August 1, 7pm
FOLK
Their name implies they have found little success, but a folk-blues band that survives for 40 years deserves a round of applause for sheer longevity. The Windy City Strugglers, which features founder Bill Lake and vocalist Rick Bryant in its line-up, celebrate their 40th anniversary with the release of new album Shine On that encompasses soul, bluegrass, pop and a touch of Parisian swing. Head along to their Auckland show tonight to support their ongoing struggle.
The Windy City Strugglers - Montecristo Room, July 31
DANCE/DJ
The Auckland breaks community will be shining up their dancing shoes this week as one of the luminaries of this electronic music genre arrives for a New Zealand tour. Rennie Pilgrem pioneered "nu school breaks" and was voted by IDJ magazine as one of the 20 live acts to see - considered live because of his use of DJ software Ableton Live, which allows the DJ to build songs from scratch right there on the night. Support from Sydney's Rob Reng and local breaks DJs.
Rennie Pilgrem Zen, 17 Albert St, Auckland, Aug 2
MOTORSPORT
While not so impressive when attempted on public streets, car drifting can be an exhilarating spectator sport in a controlled environment. Drifting is the when the driver intentionally skids the rear tyres through turns while constantly staying in control and making the turn faster. If you haven't seen this live you will no doubt have seen the manoeuvre in countless action-movie car chase scenes.
Driftopia: Drift Expression Session Day - Taupo Motorsport Park, Broadlands Rd, Taupo, August 3
REGGAE/DANCE
Jeepers, if AUT University students continue to reorient themselves with gig after gig much longer there won't be much time for lectures. Week two of the second semester includes drum'n'bass madness from Concord Dawn tonight and reggae goodness from House Of Shem on Friday night.
Also enjoy daily lunchtime DJ sessions in the AUT quad with CXL, Manuel Bundy and Flirt With Dirt; Concord Dawn (July 31), House of Shem (August 1) Hikuwai Plaza, AUT, Central Auckland
ELECTRONICA
A show combining ethereal electronica and otherworldly visuals happens tonight in Auckland. Intersect is a monthly club night at the Galatos venue which focuses on giving audiences a strong visual component in their gig experience. This month's show, titled No Man's Land, is described by organisers as: "Skeletal, off-world electronica and visuals collide alien lullabies envelope and mesmerise." Go with an open mind and be rewarded.
Intersect: No Man's Land Galatos, Newton, July 31
