KEY POINTS:
Comedy
One of the bigger names in the comedy world embarks on a New Zealand tour today, performing multiple shows in most of our main centres. Scotsman Danny Bhoy was inspired to become a comedian after watching a show at the Edinburgh Festival in 1998, and he went on to become one of the Festival's most popular acts in the following years. His quick wit and unique storytelling ability has won him many local fans too - he won the People's Choice Award at the New Zealand Comedy Festival two years running.
* Danny Bhoy - The Civic, Wed-Aug 17, tickets $47.50 at Ticketek
Rock
The Cure released their debut album Three Imaginary Boys in 1979, 28 years later they are still touring, and fans already know they make an appearance on Tuesday at Auckland's Vector Arena - a venue that continues to impress with its ability to host big international acts, particularly with the unavailability of the St James. There's no support act, just a full night out with the legendary British band. Well worth getting out and about on a Tuesday night - even though it's Friday when you're in love.
* The Cure - Vector Arena, Auckland, Tuesday, tickets from $99 at Ticketmaster
Rock
With over 30 studio albums to his credit since the 1950s, and countless live gigs under his belt, expect thousands of Bob Dylan fans to come out of the woodwork at his New Zealand shows. You'll no doubt get the classics, but expect recent material too such as Modern Times, crowned album of the year in 2006 by Rolling Stone magazine. Dylan plays the Vector Arena on Saturday. Also note an extra Dylan concert has been added at The Civic in Auckland on August 26th.
* Bob Dylan - Vector Arena, Saturday; The Civic, Auckland, Aug 26, tickets for Aug 26 show at Ticketek
Rock
An Auckland promoter has decided to showcase the emo subculture with a gig this Saturday called Punk vs Emo. Bands playing include the Rabble, False Start, the Explicit and Scenic Drive. False Start band member Andrew Morrison seems a little confused by the emo thing, saying in a statement that although they have played the same music for years, only recently has the term emo been applied to them. Get an insight into it all on Saturday at the Ellen Melville Hall in Auckland.
* Punk vs Emo - Ellen Melville Hall, Freyberg Place, all ages, tickets $10 at Real Groovy and iTicket, doors 7.30pm
Classical
Beethoven wrote one opera: Fidelio. The Auckland Philharmonia supports a great cast in a rendition of that opera this Friday at the Auckland Town Hall. Performers include Kiwi tenor Simon O'Neill, baritone Peteris Eglitis and Erika Sunnegardh, star of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Jonas Alber conducts proceedings, while 82-year-old actor Beryl Te Wiata makes a special appearance as narrator.
* Beethoven's Fidelio: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Opera In Concert - Auckland Town Hall, Friday, 8pm, adult tickets from $55
Charity
It's the Starship Foundation's 15th Birthday and celebrations include the Starship Charity Ball on Friday. Ticket price includes cocktails, a three-course dinner, wine and music. Enjoy entertainment from Dancing with the Stars favourites Suzanne Paul and Stefano Oliveri, Candy Lane and her troupe, Debbie Harwood, "Swingin"' Peter Urlich, Kiwi rockers OpShop, and the Beatgirls. There will be a short auction, with all funds raised going to Starship.
* Starship Charity Ball - SkyCity Convention Centre, Friday, $225 pp or $2250 for 10, see starship.org.nz/events or ph (09) 376 9247
Folk
The heartstring-tugging folk pop of Jose Gonzalez struck a chord with New Zealand ears, proven by the gold level sales of his debut album Veneer in this country. The Swedish-born singer songwriter visits New Zealand promoting his new album In Our Nature, due for release in September. Hardcore fans will have already snapped up tickets to the intimate show planned for Tuesday at Auckland's Hopetoun Alpha. Gonzalez performs with local act the Haints of Dean Hall at the small but perfectly formed show.
* Jose Gonzalez - Hopetoun Alpha, Beresford Square, sold out
Rock
This Thursday at the Kings Arms you'll find a band with a point of difference that revolves, in part, around their drummer's feet. Although drummer is a slight misnomer, as Omaha band Tilly and the Wall instead utilise the tap dancing talents of Jamie Pressnall to provide percussion on stage. If this wasn't enough to attract a crowd, they claim to be the sister group of hot Brazilian band CSS, after a successful tour with them in Europe recently.
* Tilly and the Wall - Kings Arms, Newton, tickets $38 at Fast & Loose
Hip-hop
Jump in the car after work on Friday and head north to Leigh's Sawmill Cafe because they have another great gig on the menu. Seven-piece Raglan act Cornerstone Roots are celebrating the release of their new album, Free Yourself with a three-month tour. Expect a mixture of soul, deep roots, skank and heavy bass riffs, with a Pacific flavour. In support are Ladi6 and Parks.
* Cornerstone Roots with Ladi6 and Parks - Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Friday, tickets from venue
