KEY POINTS:
SHOW/EXPO
Always sniffing? You have a mysterious rash? Asthma playing up again? A yes to any of those may put you in the same boat as thousands of other New Zealanders troubled by allergies. This weekend the Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show is on at the ASB Showgrounds, and could be a step on the road to better health. There will food, household and body products on display and speakers from here and overseas.
Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show - ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, July 5 and 6, 10am
ROCK/POP
Fresh from a cameo at Liam Finn's show last month, Wellington musician Connan Mockasin plays at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe this Saturday. Connan has been based in Britain, playing shows, making music, and living the dream. He has recorded a song for Norman Cook's (Fatboy Slim) album, acted in an arthouse film, and is back in New Zealand recording for an album.Catch him before he heads back overseas.
Connan Mockasin - Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Leigh, July 5
ROOTS/FUNK
Happy New Year, Matariki, or the Maori New Year, is celebrated this Friday at the Auckland Town Hall. Five-piece dub-rockers Kora (above) have had a flat-out few months that has includes headlining Native Noise, staged by Ngati Whatua o Orakei and the Auckland City Council. Tiki Taane - whose song Always On My Mind is number two on New Zealand charts - will be in charge of the microphone. Ladi 6 and Katchafire will also play.
Native Noise 08: Matariki - Auckland Town Hall, July 4
FAMILY
All the cool kids are talking about this one. It isn't every day that a cartoon character comes to life, so when your child hears Dora the Explorer is in town, expect a pleading tug on the bottom of your skirt. Demand meant shows were added at all stops on this tour. The TV show screens on Nickelodeon, but at these live shows pre-schoolers can meet the cast, including Dora, Diego and Boots.
Dora The Explorer's Pirate Adventure - Trusts Stadium Arena, Waitakere, July 5, 10am, 12.30pm; July 6, 10am
OPERA
New Zealand Opera takes you on a classic tale by the Brothers Grimm. The opera Hansel and Gretel was written in the late 19th century by Engelbert Humperdinck and his sister, based on the dark German fairytale in which two children are abandoned in the forest then welcomed into a gingerbread house by an old lady who intends to fatten them up and eat them. Head along to see it all told in glorious song.
National Tour of Hansel and Gretel - Bruce Mason Centre, North Shore, July 3-5
JAZZ/BLUES
Musical multi-tasker Peter Urlich is quite the revivalist. His passion for singing swinging jazz classics by the likes of Dean Martin resulted in the covers album Between You and Me. He presents the live versions with his five-piece band at the Langham Hotel tonight. Urlich recalls an era when people dressed up, went out to dinner, then danced the night away in a very proper way. So dig out the cufflinks.
Dine and Dance with Peter Urlich - Rangitoto Ballroom, Langham Hotel, Auckland, July 3
EXHIBITION
Auckland-based magazine Sideroom.com launches its third issue with a sexy party. Their Erotic Edition coincides with a two-week exhibition at the 42 Below Gallery in Customs St East. Artists include Rodrigo Akaishi, Bones and Brian Budgeon. Given the titillating stories emerging from Pony Club across the road, it's ideal for the after-party.
Live acts include Charlie Ash and the Hot Grits (pictured). Sideroom.com launch - 42 Below Space/After-party Pony Club, July 4
DANCE
If you thought your dancefloor moves last Friday night were pretty slick, think again. To learn some new ones head to the TelstraClear Pacific Stadium for Bring It On, a big dance competition attracting entrants from 27 secondary schools. The style is predominantly based on hip-hop, with groups presenting a high-energy, five-minute routine. A safe, family event, with krumping on the menu, but expect some healthy, competitive aggression.
Bring It On - TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau 6.30pm
