KEY POINTS:
Classical
Under the baton of Marko Letonja, the chief conductor of the Sinfonieorchester Basel in Switzerland, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra presents three great masterpieces tonight at the Auckland Town Hall. The programme includes Wagner's majestic prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg and Rachmaninov's Isle of the Dead. After the interval there is a special treat in the form of Strauss' Don Quixote brought to life by young British cellist Richard Harwood.
* The Age of Chivalry: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra - Auckland Town Hall, tonight, 8pm. Adult tickets from $35 at Ticketek
Rock
You've seen the dramatic videos, you have done the air guitar to the Slash solos, now see the band live, albeit without Slash himself. The ginger-braided one, aka Axl Rose, leads this particular incarnation of Guns N' Roses, who last played here in 1993. G N' R is supported by former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, and Australia's Rose Tattoo, a band fronted by Angry Anderson. It won't quite be the same without Slash peeking out from under a black top hat mid-solo atop a piano, but you will still get two rocking shows.
* Guns N' Roses - Vector Arena, Auckland, Friday and Saturday, tickets (Sat) $150 at Ticketmaster
Family
You wake up on Sunday morning. You miss summer. You miss the beach, and you miss swimming in the ocean. Your average person brushes off the feeling and plans a suitable indoor activity for a wintry day. But, if you feel like a bit of a shock to the system, Selwyn reserve hosts the annual Mission Bay Winter Splash this Sunday. Be there ready to launch yourself by 10am, and come in outrageous fancy dress to be in to win prizes. Kids are welcome, and can enter the Big Dig competition or even test the waters themselves.
* Mission Bay Winter Splash - Selwyn Reserve, Sunday, 10am, see www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/wintersplash
Reggae
Local hapu Ngati Whatua o Orakei has organised a free concert in the Auckland Town Hall on Friday to celebrate the Maori New Year, Matariki. Entry to Native Noise 07 is free, although preferential tickets are required for guaranteed entry before 7pm - after that it's first in, first served. Katchafire, Opensouls, House of Shem and 1814 comprise the impressive bill for this all ages gig.
* Native Noise 07 - Auckland Town Hall, Friday, preferential free tickets from AUSM offices, Mai FM
Festival
It's all action at the Auckland Museum this weekend. The Stevenson Winter Family Festival is on from Saturday and has plenty to keep both the kids and the oldies entertained. This weekend there's a focus on Ancient Egypt, with a parade happening, as well as the intriguing Making Of A Mummy show. Later in the month you can even celebrate Matariki on a chartered fishing trip with Bill Hohepa. These are just some of the activities and attractions - see aucklandmuseum.co.nz for more details and page 23 for more school holiday activities.
* Stevenson Winter Family Festival - opening Saturday, Auckland Museum, Domain
Fair
Whether you're a dedicated fan of the Antiques Roadshow TV programme, or you've always wondered what that copper mermaid on your mantelpiece was worth, we have an event for you. Quota International of Papakura is holding their 18th annual Antiques Fair this weekend at the Drury School Hall. A highlight this year is Hamish Walsh and Peter Wedde from TV One's Auction House valuing antiques for you both days. All proceeds go to community projects assisting the hearing impaired and disadvantaged women and children.
* Antiques Fair - Drury School Hall, Young's Cres, Drury, South Auckland, Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm
Family
It's all about Robots these school holidays at Motat. As well as plenty of good things to look at, with kids around it's always good to have plenty of interactive activities too. The young folks can test ride the flight simulator as well as learning how to operate Motat's extensive collection of robots. You can also create your own robotic hand just like Garth did in Wayne's World, or have a go at building a fully functioning Lego robot.
* Motat: The RoboSpeak July School Holiday Programme - to Jul 15, 10am-4pm daily, Motat main entrance, Western Springs
Rock
Auckland rockers the Have launch their national album release tour tonight at the Dog's Bollix in Auckland. It's raucous and raw rock'n'roll so get ready to jump around a bit, especially with rising stars the Dukes in support. The Christchurch band won the MTV Kickstart competition and recently supported Gomez on the British band's New Zealand tour.
* The Have, White Birds & Lemons, The Dukes - Dog's Bollix, Newton, tonight; Ward Lane Hamilton, Friday; Altitude, Napier, Saturday
Family
Both the Auckland Art Gallery and the Auckland Zoo are catering to holidaying school kids from this weekend. Children are invited to unlock the secrets of paintings from the hit Disney movie Bridge to Terabithia. The Gallery and two of its paintings featured in the film. Meanwhile at the Zoo you can purchase Kashin the elephant dollars and let the kids decide which animal project to support while they complete the related activity sheet. There will also be daily shows.
* Bridge To Terabithia Discovery - Auckland Art Gallery, Saturday to Jul 15; Auckland Zoo Holiday Programme - to Jul 15, see www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
