KEY POINTS:
Rock
You missed the first one last night, but for the next month or so the Hula Girls Winter Series keeps everyone warm on Wednesdays at the Schooner Tavern. The philosophy is to have local bands both old and new perform, particularly those that haven't played for a few years. There are some intriguing acts to come. Bands to come include the Manson-Partridge Family (June 6), Salon Kingsadore, Rancho Notorious, the Badsand Radio K.
* Hula Girls Winter Series - Schooner Tavern, Wednesdays, 8pm-11pm
Reggae
Those who like their music with a reggae guitar chop and heavy Jamaican influence should catch the Midnights on Saturday at Galatos. The Auckland band describe their sound as "Aotearoa original flax roots reggae", which gives you and idea of their uniquely Kiwi take on reggae music. Joining them at the gig is the multinational conglomerate of a band, the Batucada Sound Machine. With members from New Zealand, Chile, Brazil and England you can expect a worldly, upbeat show from this massive 15-piece group.
* The Midnights, Batucada Sound Machine, Dubdoubt - Galatos, Newton, Saturday
Market
For every gem found at the various markets around the city, there must be countless toys that don't work anymore, dodgy chutney, and faded T-shirts. The Stamford Plaza has something for those keen to experience the market atmosphere with a slightly different type of product on offer. The first Stamford Luxury Market happens on Sunday at the Stamford Plaza Auckland Ballroom, Albert Street. It will offer fashion, fine wine, gourmet foods, and homewares, as well art exhibited and up for sale.
* Stamford Luxury Market - Stamford Plaza Auckland Ballroom, Albert St, Sunday, 10am-3pm
Festival
"What should we do this Saturday honey? How about that thing in the park?" That's right, the Auckland City Council makes it easy for us - it's a thing, in a park. That Thing In The Park features Spacifix, rockers the Have, as well as special guest from LA, Tommy the Clown. Tommy is one of the pioneers of the engaging and high-energy dance form known as krumping. The date coincides with Youth Week, a celebration of youth co-ordinated by the NZ Association for Adolescent Health and Development.
* That Thing In The Park - Potter's Park, Mt Eden, Sat, 11am-4pm
Punk
Canadian rockers Alexisonfire headline the inaugural SolidSonic Mini-Festival on Tuesday. Auckland's Studio hosts the five-piece band who have been busy touring to promote their third album, Crises. Three of New Zealand's finest punk rock acts play in support with the Bleeders, the City Newton Bombers and the Rabble warming things up nicely.
* SolidSonic Mini-Festival with Alexisonfire - Studio, K Rd, Tuesday, tickets $45 at TicketDirect
Exhibition
The unique and elaborate burial customs of the ancient Egyptians are the focus of a new exhibition at Auckland Museum. Egypt: Beyond the Tomb follows the Keku, an Egyptian woman who lived 2700 years ago, on her journey from the underworld to the afterlife. Hundreds of artefacts are on display, including mummification tools, amulets, other jewellery and examples of spells from the Book of the Dead. You'll get a grasp of what they did and why they did it, all told from the perspective of the Keku case study. It's child friendly so bring the family. Egypt: Beyond the Tomb
* Special Exhibition Hall, Auckland Museum, Friday to Aug 12
Rock
If you're sick of hearing about the same old bands, you may need to broaden your musical horizons. There's a good chance to do this tonight and tomorrow at the Kings Arms. Fancy New Band is a showcase of some of our most exciting new bands, all poised to burst into the public light. In a few years some may have fizzled out, while others will go on to bigger and better things. Bands over the two nights include White Birds and Lemons, Kittyhawk, the Bengal Lights, Collapsing Cities and more. Fancy New Band
* Kings Arms, Newton, tonight and Friday, from 6pm
Classical
Pianist Michael Houstoun completes his tour of New Zealand with a show on Wednesday at Auckland's Town Hall. Houston will play Beethoven's last three piano sonatas, which the great composer apparently wrote as a challenge to himself and his piano playing contemporaries. This gentleman has played on some of the most prestigious stages in the world so don't miss him, one night only, here in Auckland. Michael Houstoun
* Michael Houstoun - Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, Wednesday, 8pm, tickets $40 at Ticketek
Comedy
The Auckland International Comedy Festival has the last laugh, literally, with the Last Laugh show happening Sunday at the Auckland Town Hall. The winners of the Festival Awards will be announced, including the Billy T Award for New Zealand's best up-and-comer, and The Fred, which recognises outstanding achievement in comedy. Nominees for the Billy T this year are Alex Hawley, Jamie Bowen, Grant Lobban and mrs.peacock. Other awards being presented include Best International, Best Auckland Show, Best Wellington Show and Best Poster.
* The Last Laugh - Comedy Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, Sunday, tickets $35 at Ticketek
