KEY POINTS:
COMEDY
The plucking hilarious Wellington Ukulele Orchestra is in town for a Comedy Festival gig at Toto's Monte Cristo Room. One core member of the band may have gone on to bigger things (Flight of the Conchord's Bret), but there is still talent in the 12-piece orchestra. This gig has a cabaret theme with seated tables available at the stylish venue. Expect covers of everything from classic Kiwi numbers to Kings of Leon hits.
Ukulele Cabaret with the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, Monte Cristo Room, Toto's, Nelson St, Auckland, April 17, Ticketek
ROCK/POP
Piha holds a special place in the hearts of many Aucklanders. If you have ever had an affinity for the black-sand spot it will pay to head west this Saturday. A bevy of singer-songwriters take to the stage in Piha Domain for Coastal Grooves, with all proceeds to the local coast care organisation, and the West Coast Art Gallery. Performers include Johnny Barker (aka Shortland Street killer Joey), Bronwyn Turei, Elizabeth Judd and the Groovy Tunes. If the sun peeks through the clouds it should be a sweet day.
Coastal Grooves Piha Domain, April 19, 10am-5pm
ROCK
Only the quick and the fortunate will manage to snaffle a copy of the new single by Auckland band The Quick and The Dead. Fans of the three-piece can get a copy of the new single Heartbreak 365 and a ticket to their gig this weekend if they manage to find one of special posters around Auckland. There are 100 posters all up, with ticket and CD attached, so if you're keen on a bit of maximum heart 'n'soul psych pop mod rock n' roll, (as the band describe their sound) then keep your eyes peeled.
The Quick and the Dead, Whammy Bar, St Kevin's Arcade, April 19
FAMILY
Starting Saturday, kids can forget regular school and replace it with quite possibly the coolest school possible, shark school. Great! Kelly Tarlton's Shark School runs daily on the hour at the Auckland venue, with children able to delve deeper into the ever fascinating world of the shark. Attractions include the shark tank, shark skin under the microscope, a life-sized great white robotic shark head, and a fossilised tooth from the largest known prehistoric shark.
Kelly Tarlton's Shark School Kelly Tarlton's, Tamaki Drive, to May 4
LEARN
Perhaps your office doesn't seem as quirky and fun as the one on Boston Legal or perhaps you're just sick of pulling pints. Whatever the case, if you're unhappy at work you're not alone and Professor Martin Seligman knows this. The psychology professor will give a lecture on Positive Psychology and Happiness at Work, followed by a 45-minute question and answer session at the Auckland War Memorial Museum this Tuesday. Tickets are priced between $150 and $350, according to the press release.
Lecture: Positive Psychology and Happiness at Work, Auckland Museum, April 22
ROCK/POP
You know you're in for a treat with the following album credits: Reyahn on drums/tablas, Sam on guitar, Reuben on guitar, Felix on violin, and Ede on Persian long necked lute/sitar/flute. Auckland band An Emerald City are known for their east meets west approach, infusing their songs with plenty of exotic instrumentation. They have had an exciting summer with spots at the Summer Series, WOMAD and Rhythm and Vines. They celebrate the release of the debut self-titled EP with a gig on Saturday night.
An Emerald City - The Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier, April 19, $10 on the door
SOUL
Have you ever said goodbye to one million bucks? It's a difficult thing to do, but we are all going to have to do it this weekend. Auckland big band One Million Dollars will call it quits after their final show this Saturday at 4.20 on K Road. After releasing a couple of albums and playing more than a couple of rollicking live shows over the years, the musical collective has reached its natural end. They are joined by friends The Hot Grits and The Shades. Bye guys and girls!
One Million Dollars Final Show 4.20, K Road, April 19, $20 door sales
JAZZ
Mangere will be jiving and swinging to the sounds of jazz this weekend. The Mangere Jazz Festival will take over the village this Saturday from 5pm, with a road closure between the two roundabouts and several live bands performing through the evening. Acts include the North Harbour Swing Band, Ronnie and Max, Edwina Thorne, The De Sotos and the Greater Auckland Chorus of Sweet Adelines.
Mangere Jazz Festival Mangere Village, April 19, 5pm
