KEY POINTS:
Food
The Food Show 2007 promises to be the largest ever, with more than 300 exhibitors. The Cooking Theatre will be a hive of culinary activity with demonstrations from celebrity chefs and wine experts such as Bill Granger and Charmaine Solomon. A new addition is the Artisan Alley, a space for the smaller local exhibitors. Today is for VIPs, media and those keen to pay a little more to enjoy the show without the crowds. The public can attend from Friday to Sunday.
* The Food Show - ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, today to Sunday, 10am-6pm, $20 adults, $15 under-12s, foodshow.co.nz
Dance
After a successful season here already, Burn the Floor's dance show Floorplay returns for a short New Zealand tour, starting at Auckland's Aotea Centre tonight before visiting Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch in the coming weeks. The show's various incarnations around the world have been seen by more than three million people in 93 cities in 19 countries. The high-energy show breathes modern life into classic dance forms like salsa, rhumba, cha cha, waltz and tango.
* Floorplay - Aotea Centre, today to Saturday, tickets $85 at Ticketek
Soul/Funk
Two local Auckland bands, whose combined membership tally could make up a rugby team, play a special gig on Saturday at the Rising Sun. One Million Dollars (11-piece) and the Shades (six-piece) bring their soulful, funky, hip-hop and reggae-influenced sound to the K Rd club. While the Shades are there to celebrate the release of their first single, Take Hold, One Million Dollars will be doing a full run through of songs from their upcoming live album, to be recorded at York Studios with an invited live audience.
* One Million Dollars and the Shades - Rising Sun, K Rd, Saturday, $10 on the door
Rock
Fresh from a stunning performance at the Glastonbury festival, British band Editors are a tantalising prospect at Auckland's Studio. Expect some songs from their breakthrough 2005 album The Back Room, but mainly material from their recent release An End Has A Start. The somewhat depressing subject matter dealt with lyrically by lead vocalist and songwriter Tom Smith is often balanced beautifully by the band's uplifting and epic piano-infused rock. If you know the music, you'll be there.
* Editors - Studio, K Rd, Tuesday, tickets $52 at Ticketek
Charity
The hope Foundation charity is dedicated to improving the standards of living for thousands of African children affected by Aids and related problems. The charity has created a unique event in Auckland tonight to help raise funds - a fusion of fashion and music at the Hopetoun Alpha. Fashion labels showing on the night include Zambesi, Trelise Cooper, Workshop and more. After the show you can expect sounds from the Electric Confectionaires and SJD. See www.hopefoundation.co.nz.
* Hope Foundation Fundraiser - Hopetoun Alpha, Newton, tonight, tickets $39 at Ticketek
Opera/Comedy
Here's A good one for those of you who have never been to the opera, and are perhaps a little daunted by the prospect. Diva on the Verge stars Julia Migenes, who also wrote the solo show. It's said to take the audience "through the arcane mysteries of the diva's art" using anecdotes, monologues and short bursts of singing from Migenes, who has been a professional opera singer for years. Rumour has it the idea to combine opera and comedy came to her when a glance at her watch during a high C caused an audience to fall about laughing.
* Diva on the Verge - Auckland Town Hall, Friday, tickets from $50 at Ticketek
Rock
Like Editors, the hugely popular Bloc Party are also touring their second album around the world at present, and with the St James closed they play the TelstraClear Pacific Stadium in Manukau on Wednesday. The band loved by indie kids and Top 40 followers alike returns with their power-packed and unique sound, led by frontman Kele Okerere. The venue change meant a whole new batch of tickets were available, so expect a large enthusiastic crowd.
* Bloc Party with Cut Off Your Hands - TelstraClear Pacific Stadium, Manukau, Wednesday, tickets $75 at Ticket Direct
Pop
Christina Aguilera had to cancel two shows in Melbourne last weekend due to an illness. However, tonight and tomorrow in Auckland she will get back on her carousel horse, a centrepiece of her Back To Basics tour, and ride again. As well as numerous costume changes, trapeze artists and her hit songs, she picks a lucky punter out of the audience, ties him up and spins him on a wheel. It's going to be a kinky couple of nights.
* Christina Aguilera, Vector Arena, tonight (sold out) and tomorrow. Tickets $95-$140 at Ticketmaster
Jazz
You'll be the toast of your office this Friday if you grab a couple of mates during your lunchbreak and take them to the Kenneth Myers Centre at 74 Shortland St. Here you'll find a free jazz concert hidden away from the world. Musicians performing jazz compositions by Aaron Blakey include Matt Ledingham, Kevin Haines and Tom Dennisson. If you can't make it this week, sneak out next week for the classical edition at the University's Music Theatre on Symonds St.
* Free Friday concerts - Fri Aug 3: Jazz - Myers Centre, 74 Shortland St, 1pm; Fri Aug 10: Classical - Music Theatre, 6 Symonds St
